Marianne Martinez
Cooking pork in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a juicy, tender, and flavourful dish with a slight crisp on the outside. The cooking time will depend on the type of pork and the size of the cut. For example, a pork tenderloin weighing between 1 and 1.5 lbs will take 20-22 minutes at 400°F, while pork chops will take around 9-15 minutes at 375°F. A larger pork joint or roast (1-1.5kg) will take 1-1.5 hours at varying temperatures.
How long do you cook pork in the air fryer?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 360°F-400°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | 350°F-400°F |
| Cooking time | 12-22 minutes per pound |
| Resting time | 3-10 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145°F |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for pork in an air fryer depend on the type and weight of the cut of meat.
Pork Tenderloin
For a pork tenderloin, set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 5 minutes. Once preheated, keep the temperature at 400°F, select the air fry setting, and set the time for 20–22 minutes. Most pork tenderloins are usually between 1 and 1.5 lbs. For a small pork tenderloin, cook for 20 minutes. For a larger piece of meat, cook for 22 minutes. The key is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F when measured at the center of the meat with an instant-read thermometer. After cooking, let the pork tenderloin rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing.
Pork Roast
For a pork roast, dry the pork with a paper towel. Coat all sides of the pork loin with oil and a dry rub. Then, add the roast to your air fryer basket. Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes. Cook for 15 minutes per pound. For example, a 2.87 lb roast will take about 40 minutes. The internal temperature should be 145°F. Let the roast rest, tented with foil, before serving. If you are unsure if the pork is cooked, use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 145°F.
Pork Shoulder or Leg
For a pork shoulder or leg, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the roast in the air fryer basket with the rind facing up and cook for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F and cook for approximately 25 minutes for every 500g. Alternatively, you can cook a pork shoulder or leg at 210°C for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 160°C and cook for 40–50 minutes for a 1 kg roast or 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes for a 1.5 kg roast.
Pork Chops
For pork chops, coat both sides with oil and a spice mixture. Then, place the pork chops in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F, flipping halfway through, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork chop registers an internal temperature of 145°F, which should take 12–15 minutes. Once cooked, let the pork chops rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Resting and serving
When the air fryer cycle is complete, carefully transfer the pork to a carving board or plate and let it rest. The recommended resting time varies from 3 to 10 minutes. Tent the pork with foil while it rests. This helps retain heat.
The purpose of resting the meat is to allow the juices to settle and meld into the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy texture. Resting also helps to bring the meat to a suitable temperature for serving.
After resting, slice the pork into 1/2-inch slices. You can save any juices that escape during slicing to serve over the sliced meat.
Pork pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Warm mashed sweet potatoes and green beans are a great option. Broccoli, asparagus, and any kind of potato—baked, mashed, or roasted—also work well.
Leftover pork roast should be stored in an airtight container and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the pork back in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes.
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Marinades and rubs
When it comes to marinades and rubs for pork in the air fryer, there are several options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some ideas and instructions to achieve mouthwatering results:
Marinades
A simple yet effective marinade for pork tenderloin can be made using a combination of red wine vinegar, soy sauce (or coconut aminos as a substitute), Dijon mustard, and spices. This marinade is perfect for those following Whole30, paleo, keto, or just looking for a delicious, healthy option. It is recommended to let the pork tenderize in the refrigerator for at least four hours or even overnight for maximum flavour absorption.
Dry Rubs
Dry rubs are a popular choice for pork in the air fryer, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy. One suggested combination of spices includes coconut sugar or brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. You can mix and match the spices to your taste and even make it in advance, storing it for up to three days before using it. Before applying the dry rub, coat the pork generously with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice.
Another dry rub option includes a generous amount of coarse salt, which, when rubbed into the scores of the pork, helps create a crispy crackling. Leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight or for a few hours will help dry the rind, ensuring that perfect crackling.
Timing and Temperature
Regardless of the marinade or rub you choose, the cooking time and temperature for pork in the air fryer remain fairly consistent. It is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F for about 5 minutes. The cooking time is generally set at 15-20 minutes per pound of pork, aiming for an internal temperature of 145°F. For smaller cuts of pork, adjust the cooking time to around 20 minutes, and for larger cuts, 22 minutes or more.
Remember to let the pork rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to retain its juices and ensure it is tender and juicy. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air-fried pork!
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Choosing the right cut
First, consider the size of your air fryer. It's important to choose a pork roast that fits comfortably in your air fryer with some space around it. A roast that is too large may touch the heating element, affecting the cooking process. A roast weighing around 1.5 kg or 3 lbs is a good fit for a standard 5.5L air fryer. If you have a larger air fryer, you can opt for a bigger roast.
Next, think about the type of pork cut you want to cook. Pork tenderloin, a lean and tender cut, is a popular choice for air frying. It typically weighs between 1 to 1.5 lbs and cooks in 20-22 minutes at 400°F. If you're cooking pork chops, bone-in chops will take longer to cook than boneless ones. Chops typically take around 9-15 minutes at 375°F.
For a roast pork leg or shoulder, a boneless cut is a good option. Ensure it fits in your air fryer, and score the rind before cooking to achieve that perfect crackling. A roast pork loin is another option, known for its tenderness and flavour. It typically takes 15 minutes per pound at 360°F.
When selecting pork for air frying, look for lean cuts with a good amount of marbling. The fat will help keep the meat moist and juicy during the cooking process. You can also opt for bone-in cuts, which tend to have more flavour and can add to the cooking time, resulting in tender meat.
Lastly, consider the doneness you prefer. If you like your pork well-done, choose a thicker cut that will take longer to cook. For medium-rare or rare pork, select a thinner cut that will cook more quickly. Remember, regardless of the cut, the USDA guideline recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure food safety.
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Cooking with vegetables
Cooking a pork roast in the air fryer is a simple and quick process, and it pairs well with a variety of vegetables. The first step is to trim away any excess fat from the outside of the pork loin, then rub it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other spices of your choice. You can also coat the pork with a dry rub made of coconut sugar or brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. After coating the pork with the dry rub, spritz it with oil spray to help the outside crisp and brown.
Once the pork is prepared, set your air fryer to 360°F to 400°F and preheat for about 5 minutes. Place the seasoned pork inside the air fryer, with the option to wrap it in a foil pouch for easier cleanup. For a 3-pound pork loin roast, cook for 35-45 minutes, checking the temperature at 35 minutes. The internal temperature should be at least 145°F. If the roast is smaller, check the temperature at 25 minutes, and if it's larger, check at 35 minutes.
Now, let's talk about cooking vegetables in the air fryer. You can cook a variety of vegetables alongside the pork or separately. Some options include baby carrots, baby potatoes, broccoli, green beans, asparagus, and buffalo-style cauliflower. Cut the vegetables to your desired size and season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. The cooking time for the vegetables will depend on the type and your desired level of doneness. For example, baby carrots and potatoes can be cooked at 350°F for 35 minutes, along with the pork. Broccoli florets, on the other hand, may take less time and can be cooked separately at a higher temperature for a crispier texture.
When cooking pork with vegetables in the air fryer, it's important to consider the timing and doneness of both the meat and the vegetables. You may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. For example, if the pork is cooked but the vegetables are not, remove the pork, cover it with foil, and continue cooking the vegetables in 5-minute intervals until they reach your desired tenderness. This way, both the pork and the vegetables will be cooked to perfection.
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Frequently asked questions
Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 5 minutes. Once the air fryer is preheated, keep the temperature at 400°F, select the air fry setting, and set the time for 20-22 minutes. The internal temperature should be 145°F.
Cook at 210°C for 20 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 160°C and cook for 40-50 minutes (for 1kg) or 1 hour-1 hour 10 minutes (for 1.5kg). The internal temperature should be 70°C.
Cook at 375°F, flipping halfway through. Pork chops take around 9 minutes to cook. Bone-in pork chops will take longer. The internal temperature should be 145°F.
