Air Fryer Pork Roast: How Long Does It Take?

Cooking a pork roast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy and tender roast. The cooking time will depend on the size of the roast and the type of air fryer you have, but generally, it should take around 40-70 minutes to cook a pork roast in an air fryer. The key to getting a perfect pork roast is to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

How to prepare the pork roast for the air fryer

Preparing a pork roast in an air fryer is a simple process that yields excellent results. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare a delicious pork roast in your air fryer:

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork:

Start by selecting the right cut of pork for your air fryer. A boneless pork loin roast is an excellent choice, ranging from 2 to 2.5 pounds. This size is ideal for most 5-6 quart air fryers. Ensure that you choose a pork roast that fits well in your air fryer, allowing some space for airflow.

Creating the Perfect Seasoning Rub:

For a mouthwatering flavour profile, create a seasoning rub with a combination of spices. You can use ingredients such as brown sugar, ground mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these spices in a bowl, and you can even adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

Preparing the Pork Roast:

Pat the pork roast dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial to ensure that the seasoning adheres well to the meat. Next, coat the entire roast with olive oil. Generously apply the seasoning rub you prepared, massaging it into the meat. Make sure to cover all surfaces of the roast.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that your air fryer is ready to cook the pork roast evenly. Different air fryer models may have slight variations in preheating times, so adjust accordingly.

Cooking the Pork Roast:

Carefully place the seasoned pork roast into the air fryer basket, with the fat cap or skin side facing up. Set the air fryer to cook at 360°F for 45-55 minutes. For the best results, consider turning the roast halfway through the cooking process. The ideal internal temperature for the pork roast is 145°-160°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature. If the roast hasn't reached the desired temperature, you can let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Resting and Serving the Pork Roast:

Once the desired internal temperature is achieved, gently remove the roast from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. Loosely cover it with aluminium foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender roast. After resting, you can carve and serve the delicious pork roast.

Tips for Larger Roasts:

If you're working with a larger pork roast, above 2.5 pounds, you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Increase the cooking time by approximately 20 minutes per pound, and always monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Additionally, ensure that your roast fits comfortably in your air fryer without being too close to the heating element.

How long to cook the pork roast in the air fryer

The cooking time for a pork roast in an air fryer depends on the weight of the roast, the desired level of doneness, and the specific air fryer being used. In general, you should plan on cooking a pork roast in an air fryer for around 25 minutes per pound of meat. For example, a 2-pound roast will take around 50 minutes to cook, while a larger 3.5-pound roast may take up to 70 minutes. It's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your pork roast is fully cooked and has reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the meat.

To prepare the pork roast for cooking in the air fryer, start by patting the meat dry and creating a dry rub with seasonings like salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Massage the dry rub onto the entire roast. Some recipes suggest wrapping the roast tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours to enhance the flavour.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 350-360°F. Place the roast inside the air fryer basket, with the skin or fat side facing up. Spray the roast with a little oil to promote even cooking and browning. Set the air fryer to cook for 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of your roast. For larger roasts, you may need to increase the cooking time by approximately 20 minutes per pound.

During the cooking process, it's a good idea to brush the roast with oil every 10 minutes to help achieve a crispy outer layer. You can also add more seasonings at this time if desired. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so it's important to monitor the roast closely, especially towards the end of the cooking process.

Once the pork roast has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board or plate. Cover the roast loosely with aluminium foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring that each slice is tender and juicy.

What temperature to cook the pork roast in the air fryer

The temperature you cook your pork roast at in the air fryer will depend on the size of your roast and the wattage of your air fryer.

For a 3.5-pound pork loin roast, one source recommends cooking at 325°F for 50-70 minutes. The roast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

For a 2-pound boneless pork loin roast, another source recommends cooking at 360°F for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F-160°F.

If you are cooking a pork roast with crackling, one source recommends cooking at 320°F/160°C for 50 minutes, and then increasing the temperature to 400°F/200°C for 15-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F-160°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the size of your roast and the wattage of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your roast to ensure it is cooked to your desired doneness.

What to serve with the pork roast

So, you're making a pork roast in the air fryer and want to know what to serve with it? Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your juicy roast:

Potato Side Dishes

Potatoes are a classic side dish, and there are several ways you can prepare them to go with your pork roast. Here are some options:

• Mashed potatoes—a creamy, comforting side that's a perfect pairing for pork loin.
• Baked potatoes—try cooking them the British way for an extra special touch.
• Dauphinoise potatoes—a classic French dish that's creamy, cheesy, and indulgent.
• Roasted potatoes—melted Parmesan takes these to the next level.
• Crispy skillet-fried potatoes—a unique technique that delivers impossibly crispy potatoes.
• Garlicky red potatoes—thick chunks of potato with a generous dusting of garlic powder and a squeeze of lemon.
• Colcannon (Irish potatoes and cabbage)—a classic Irish side dish of mashed potatoes and cabbage.
• Lemon butter melting potatoes—thick slices of potato with a crispy crust and a lemony herb butter.
• Cream cheese mashed potatoes—a creamy, dreamy upgrade to the classic mash.
• Hot honey butter smashed potatoes—boiled baby potatoes tossed in butter, honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes.
• Cheesy baked mashed potatoes—loaded with two kinds of cheese for a make-ahead-friendly side.
• Fondant potatoes—an easy, impressive, restaurant-quality dish made with just five staple ingredients.
• Twice-baked colcannon potatoes—a twist on the classic, using sweet potatoes instead of standard russets.
• Loaded mashed potatoes—inspired by loaded baked potatoes, these are mashed potatoes with all the fixings.
• Cheesy garlic and herb smashed sweet potatoes—thick rounds of sweet potato with a crunchy Parmesan topper.
• Ranch roasted potatoes—super crispy potatoes with a magical sauce of butter, mayonnaise, and ranch seasoning.

Vegetable Side Dishes

Keep things simple with some fresh and vibrant vegetables. Here are some ideas:

• Green beans—steam or roast them, or try the blistered green beans with pickled shallots and toasted breadcrumbs.
• Glazed carrots—a sweet and tender side that pairs well with pork. Try bourbon-glazed or brown sugar-glazed.
• Roasted broccoli—a simple side that goes perfectly with pork loin.
• Sautéed savoy cabbage—a buttery, easy side that pairs well with pork tenderloin.
• Cheesy baked asparagus—tender asparagus baked under creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Parmesan crusted carrots—sweet, jammy carrots with a salty, crispy Parmesan crust.
• Green beans almondine—snappy blanched green beans with sautéed shallots and buttery sliced almonds.
• Roasted Parmesan asparagus—a quick and easy side dish with a little extra flavour from Parmesan and garlic.
• Smothered cabbage and potatoes—a classic, comforting Southern dish.
• Easy 10-minute garlic broccolini—a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli.
• Caesar roasted broccoli—roasted broccoli with a twist, tossed with homemade Caesar dressing, toasted breadcrumbs, and Parmesan.
• Sautéed kale—a simple, healthy side that goes with anything.
• Miso butter glazed carrots—a fantastic way to make simple roasted carrots magical.
• Sautéed Brussels sprouts—a little charred with a perfect crisp-tender texture.
• Seared and baked cabbage wedges—caramelized, meltingly tender cabbage.
• Sautéed broccoli rabe—quickly blanched to reduce bitterness.
• Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts—a simple, tasty side with just five ingredients.
• Roasted zucchini and squash—tender on the inside, perfectly seasoned on the outside.
• Pan-fried zucchini—a quick and easy side you can make every day.

Salads and Slaws

A crunchy salad or slaw can balance out the rich, juicy pork and starchy potatoes. Try these:

• Cabbage and apple slaw with honey-lime dressing—a sweet, crisp slaw that pairs perfectly with pork loin.
• Spanakopita kale salad—a chopped kale salad with briny feta, crunchy walnuts, and zippy herbs.
• Crispy bacon, crunchy cabbage, and sweet apple slaw—a perfect pairing for honey-glazed pork tenderloin.
• Roasted cauliflower salad—a warm salad with roasted cauliflower, sweet peas, tender leeks, and fresh herbs.
• Sour cream and dill cucumber salad—a classic, creamy cucumber dill salad.
• Green bean salad with farro and crispy shallots—a pairing of snappy green beans with nutty farro and radicchio.
• Marinated feta-beet salad—sweet roasted beets loaded with fresh herbs and feta cheese.
• Brussels sprouts Caesar salad—a twist on the classic, with shredded Brussels sprouts and homemade croutons.
• Crunchy cabbage slaw with farro, pecorino, and dates—a make-ahead salad with lots of texture and flavour.

Other Sides

And here are some other ideas for sides to serve with your pork roast:

• Cornbread—a classic Southern side that adds a comforting element to your meal.
• Grilled peaches—a sweet and juicy side, grilled on an outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan.
• Roasted garlic—a simple, flavourful side that's perfect for any pork roast meal.
• Baked mac and cheese—a creamy, cheesy classic with a delicious breadcrumb topping.
• Cauliflower mashed potatoes—a low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes.

Tips for making the best air fryer pork roast

Choosing the right cut of meat

Firstly, it's important to choose the right cut of pork. A pork loin roast is boneless and is a good size for most 5-6 qt air fryers. A pork tenderloin, on the other hand, is considerably smaller and requires different temperatures and cooking times.

Preparing the meat

Before cooking, pat the pork roast dry and rub it with olive oil. You can then apply a dry rub of seasonings, such as brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and pepper. For a 2-pound roast, you'll need about 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika. Leave the roast to sit for 10 minutes so the salt can draw out the moisture from the skin. Pat the roast dry again and then drizzle with more oil, rubbing it in well.

Cooking the roast

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F. Place the roast inside the air fryer basket, skin side up, and spray with a little oil. Air fry for about 50 minutes (25 minutes per pound of meat) until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F in the thickest part of the meat.

Resting the meat

Once the roast is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and cover it with foil. Allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving. This will ensure the meat stays juicy and allows the juices to reabsorb.

Making gravy

If you have any leftover seasoning rub, you can use it to make a simple gravy. Add 1 cup of chicken or beef broth to a saucepan, along with any juices that have collected from the roast. Simmer for about 5 minutes, then add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons of cold water to thicken the gravy.

Storing leftovers

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 3-4 days.

Frequently asked questions