Air Fryer Pork Roast: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking pork roast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender roast. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your roast and the temperature you set your air fryer to. For a 2-pound roast, you can expect a cooking time of around 50 minutes at 360°F, or 40-50 minutes at 350°F. If you're cooking at 400°F, the rule of thumb is about 12-14 minutes per pound. It's important to let your roast rest for at least 5-10 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute and ensure a stronger juiciness.

How to get crispy skin

Getting a crispy skin on your pork roast is all about the preparation and seasoning. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect crispy skin:

Step 1: Pat the pork dry

Use paper towels to pat the pork loin dry. This is an important step as it helps to ensure that the seasoning sticks to the meat and creates an even coating.

Step 2: Score the fat layer

Use a sharp knife to carefully score the fat layer (also known as the rind) in a diamond pattern. Be careful not to cut too deeply—you don't want to cut into the meat, just the fat layer. Scoring the fat will help it render and crisp up during cooking, creating that sought-after crunchy texture.

Step 3: Prepare your seasoning

There are many different seasoning options you can use for your pork roast. A simple mixture of salt and pepper will work, but if you want to add more flavour, try crushing fennel seeds and combining them with salt, pepper, and paprika. You can also experiment with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper. For a sweet and savoury option, try a rub that includes brown sugar, bourbon, molasses, and red bell pepper.

Step 4: Apply the seasoning

Generously rub your chosen seasoning mixture all over the pork loin, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Don't be shy with the seasoning, as this will add flavour and help create a crispy crust. You can also rub the pork with olive oil before applying the seasoning, which will help the spices stick and add moisture to the meat.

Step 5: Let it rest

Once the pork is seasoned, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will allow the meat to come up to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking, and will give the seasoning time to work its magic. You can also place it in the fridge, uncovered, for longer if you want to prepare it in advance.

Step 6: Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, around 400°F (200°C), for about 5 minutes. This will help create a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Step 7: Reduce the temperature and cook

After the initial preheat, reduce the temperature to around 360°F (180°C) and place the pork in the air fryer basket or on a wire rack. Cook for approximately 25 minutes per pound of meat, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the size and model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Step 8: Rest and serve

Once the pork has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavourful roast.

By following these steps, you should be able to achieve a crispy, golden skin on your air-fried pork roast. Experiment with different seasonings and techniques to find what works best for your taste preferences and equipment. Enjoy!

How long to rest the meat for

Resting the meat is an important step in the cooking process, as it allows the juices to settle within the roast so they don't run out, keeping each slice tender and juicy. The meat should rest for at least 5 minutes, and up to 10 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise several degrees. This is because the meat continues to cook even after being removed from the air fryer. Therefore, it is important to remove the roast from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, as it will continue to cook and rise to the desired temperature of 145°F while resting.

While the meat is resting, you can make a simple gravy by adding chicken broth, any remaining seasoning rub, and juices from the roast to a saucepan. This gravy can then be served with the pork roast for extra flavour.

Additionally, if you are cooking vegetables alongside the roast, they can be cooked further while the meat is resting. Simply continue to cook the vegetables at 5-minute intervals until they reach the desired level of tenderness.

What temperature to cook at

The temperature you cook your pork roast at will depend on the size of your roast and the size of your air fryer. For a roast that is 1.5kg/3lbs, one source recommends cooking at 200°C/400°F for 20 minutes, and then reducing the temperature to 180°C/350°F for approximately 25 minutes for every 500g/1lb. This source also recommends using a meat thermometer to check that the temperature in the thickest part of the meat is 70-75°C/155-165°F.

Another source recommends cooking at 390°F for 15 minutes, and then reducing the temperature to 360°F until the roast is thoroughly cooked. This source also recommends using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the roast reaches 145°F.

A third source recommends cooking at 360°F for 45-55 minutes, checking the internal temperature of the roast with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it has reached 145-160°F. This source also notes that the internal temperature of the roast will continue to rise after it has been removed from the air fryer.

A fourth source recommends cooking at 400°F for 20 minutes, and then reducing the temperature to 350°F for another 35 minutes. This source also recommends checking the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached 145°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, as well as the size of your roast. It is always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your pork roast is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 145°F.

What seasonings to use

The seasonings you use for your pork roast will depend on your personal preference and the type of flavours you want to achieve. Here are some ideas for seasonings to use when cooking a pork roast in an air fryer:

Simple seasonings

If you're looking for a simple option, you can use just salt and pepper. You can also add olive oil to your pork roast, which will help to create a crispy outer layer.

Dry rub

For a dry rub, you can combine salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme leaves, and black pepper. You can also add brown sugar, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper to the mix. Apply the rub generously to the pork roast, making sure to cover all sides.

Brown sugar bourbon rub

For a unique flavour profile, you can use a brown sugar bourbon rub. This rub typically includes brown sugar, bourbon, molasses, red bell pepper, paprika, garlic, onion, and salt. You can also rub your pork roast with olive oil before applying the seasoning.

Montreal steak seasoning

Another option is to use Montreal steak seasoning, which you can find in most grocery stores. Combine this with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for an extra kick of flavour.

Crushed fennel seeds

For a unique flavour, try using crushed fennel seeds, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture into the fat layer and all over the joint. You can also add olive oil to the pork roast before placing it in the air fryer.

Tips

• It is recommended to let the pork roast sit with the dry rub in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours before cooking. This will allow the flavours to really absorb into the meat.
• When applying the seasoning, make sure to cover all sides of the pork roast generously.
• You can also brush the pork roast with olive oil and season it every 10 minutes during the cooking process to keep it juicy and crispy.

How to prepare the pork before cooking

Preparing your pork before cooking is an important step in the process and can help ensure your roast is as tender and juicy as possible. Firstly, you'll want to select the right cut of pork. A pork loin roast is a good option, as it is a simple and affordable dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Boneless leg roast or pork shoulder are also good choices, and if you want pork crackling, choose a roast with a rind (skin).

Once you have selected your pork, you'll want to pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help to remove any moisture from the surface of the meat, which can impact the cooking process. If your pork has a rind, use a sharp knife to score the skin at 1cm/ 0.5-inch intervals. Be careful to only cut through the skin and fat, and not into the meat itself.

The next step is to season your pork. A simple seasoning rub can be made using ingredients such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also use a store-bought seasoning blend, such as Montreal Steak Seasoning or Brown Sugar Bourbon Rub. Generously apply the seasoning to all sides of the pork, making sure to rub it into the scores if you have made them.

If time allows, it is recommended to let the pork rest for 10 minutes after seasoning. This will allow the salt to draw out any remaining moisture from the surface of the meat, which will help to create crispy crackling. After this, pat the pork dry once more and then drizzle with olive oil, rubbing it in so that the pork is well coated in both oil and seasoning.

Your pork is now ready to be placed into the air fryer!

Frequently asked questions