Air Fryer Pork Loin: How Long To Fry?

Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a great way to get a juicy roast with a flavorful browned crust. The high heat of the air fryer means the meat doesn't dry out and doesn't need to be in the heat for long. A 3-pound pork loin roast will be done in 35-45 minutes at 370°F. If you're cooking a pork tenderloin, which is a smaller cut of meat, it will take around 20-22 minutes at 400°F.

Preheat your air fryer to 370°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. Not only does it help ensure your food is cooked evenly, but it also helps to create a nice seared crust on the outside of your pork loin.

To preheat your air fryer to 370°F, start by turning on your appliance and setting the desired temperature. Most air fryers will have a temperature dial or digital display that allows you to select the desired temperature. Find the dial or button that controls the temperature and adjust it to 370°F.

Once you've set the temperature, give your air fryer a few minutes to heat up. The amount of time it takes to preheat will vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, but it usually takes around 5 minutes. You can also consult your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and timing.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your pork loin. Trim away any excess fat or silver skin from the outside of the meat. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to do this. Then, rub the pork loin with your choice of seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or create a more complex dry rub with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Massage the seasonings into the meat, ensuring it is evenly coated.

After the air fryer has preheated to 370°F, you can carefully place the seasoned pork loin into the air fryer basket. Make sure there is enough space around the meat for the hot air to circulate. Set the timer according to the weight of your pork loin; for a 2-pound roast, cook for around 40 minutes, and adjust the time accordingly for larger or smaller roasts.

Remember to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork loin. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to ensure food safety. Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Marinade ingredients and preparation

Marinating your pork loin is a great way to add flavour and moisture to the meat. There are several different ingredients you can use to create a marinade, and the length of time you leave the pork to marinate can vary.

A simple marinade can be made by combining wet ingredients such as balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, and red wine vinegar with dry seasonings like rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and ground mustard. You can also add a little dijon mustard to taste.

Whisk all the ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl, or mix them in a large zip-top bag. Place the pork tenderloin in the bag with the marinade, seal, and leave it in the refrigerator. For maximum flavour, it's best to leave the pork to marinate overnight, but if you're short on time, half an hour will work, and a couple of hours is better than nothing.

Once the pork has finished marinating, remove it from the bag and gently pat it with a paper towel. If you're using a dry rub, coat the tenderloin with the spices now.

Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket and cook for 20-25 minutes, turning it halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Place the pork loin in the air fryer

Now that you've preheated your air fryer to 360°F–400°F and seasoned your pork loin with a rub of olive oil, salt, and spices, it's time to place the pork loin in the air fryer.

If your pork loin is frozen, you can still air fry it, but you'll need to increase the cooking time to about 60 minutes for a 2.5lb piece of meat.

Once the pork loin is in the air fryer, set the timer for 20-22 minutes for a small pork loin or 40-55 minutes for a larger one. The key is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F, so use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature at the center of the meat. If the internal temperature hasn't reached 145°F, continue cooking in 5-10 minute increments until it does.

When the timer goes off, carefully remove the pork loin from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate or cutting board. Let the meat rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pork loin in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the joint and the temperature you want it cooked to. As a lean cut of meat, pork loin can dry out if it is overcooked. Therefore, it is recommended to cook it quickly at a high temperature.

For a 3-pound pork loin, cook at 370°F for 35-45 minutes. Start checking the internal temperature of the joint at around 35 minutes. The desired internal temperature will depend on how well done you like your meat. The USDA says pork is safe to eat at 145°F, but if you prefer your meat well done, you may want to cook it to 155°F or 160°F.

For a smaller roast (under 3 pounds), cook for 30-40 minutes, checking the internal temperature after 25 minutes.

For a larger roast, cook for 40-60 minutes, checking the internal temperature at 35 minutes. If the outside of the joint is getting too dark, you can turn the temperature down for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

If you are cooking a pork tenderloin, which is a smaller cut of meat, the cooking time will be shorter. For a 1.25-1.75-pound tenderloin, cook at 400°F for 20-22 minutes.

Resting the pork loin

The ideal resting time for a pork loin cooked in an air fryer is around 5 minutes. During this time, the juices will settle, and the meat will relax, making it easier to slice and ensuring that it stays moist and flavourful. If you were to skip this step, the juices would end up on your cutting board or plate, and your pork could end up dry and less tasty.

It is also important to note that the pork loin will continue to cook during the resting period. So, if your target temperature is 145°F, you should remove the pork from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, as it will continue to cook and rise in temperature while resting.

While resting, you can cover the pork loin loosely with foil to keep it warm. You can also use this time to make a simple gravy using the juices that collect on the plate or in the air fryer pan during the resting period.

In summary, resting your pork loin after air frying is crucial to ensure the meat is juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection. By allowing it to rest for a few minutes, you will be rewarded with a delicious and flavourful meal.

Frequently asked questions