Air Frying Pork Loin: Emeril Lagasse's Quick Guide

Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender meal. In this article, we will explore the different ways to cook pork loin in an air fryer, including the Emeril Lagasse method, and provide tips for ensuring your meat is perfectly cooked. Whether you're a busy parent or simply looking for a convenient weeknight meal, air-fried pork loin is a great option that can be prepared in less than an hour.

Seasoning and prep

The key to a delicious pork loin is in the seasoning and prep. Here are some detailed instructions to help you achieve the perfect flavour and texture:

Choosing the Right Cut

Firstly, it's important to note the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin. Pork loin is a larger, less tender cut of meat, while pork tenderloin is smaller and more tender. For this recipe, we'll be using a pork loin, which typically comes in packages of one or two pieces, averaging 1 pound each.

Dry Rub

For a mouth-watering flavour, creating a dry rub is essential. In a small bowl, combine your favourite spices with salt, pepper, and oil to form a rub. A simple yet effective combination is salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. You can also add ingredients like garlic powder, dried thyme, and cumin for an extra kick of flavour.

Coating the Pork Loin

Once you've prepared your dry rub, it's time to coat the pork loin. Place the meat on a cutting board and generously apply the rub all over, ensuring an even coating. If you're using a wet marinade, you can brush it onto the meat or place the pork loin in a resealable bag with the marinade and let it soak in the flavours.

Resting and Refrigerating

After coating your pork loin, it's a good idea to let it rest in the refrigerator. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat, enhancing the flavour. You can leave it covered in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before cooking, remember to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 380-400°F, depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer. Allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the desired temperature.

Final Prep

Just before placing the pork loin in the air fryer, you can coat it with oil. This step is optional but will give your meat an extra crispy texture on the outside. You can use avocado oil, ghee, coconut oil, grape seed oil, or sunflower oil, all of which work well with high-heat cooking.

Now your pork loin is seasoned and prepped, it's ready for the air fryer!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air-frying a pork loin depend on the weight of the meat and the model of the air fryer. For example, the Emeril Lagasse Power Air Fryer 360 takes about an hour to cook a pork tenderloin at 400°F. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the loin and the model of the air fryer. It's important to monitor the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it's cooked to the recommended temperature of 145°F.

When cooking a pork loin in an air fryer, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model. Different air fryers may have varying cooking times and temperatures, so adjusting the settings accordingly is crucial. Additionally, the weight and thickness of the pork loin will also impact the cooking time. For instance, a thicker or larger cut of meat will require a longer cooking time than a thinner or smaller one.

To ensure the pork loin is cooked thoroughly, it's recommended to use an instant-read thermometer or a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to check its internal temperature. The recommended internal temperature for pork is 145°F to ensure that it's safely cooked. Overcooking the pork loin can result in dry and chewy meat, so it's crucial to monitor the temperature closely.

In general, air fryers are known for their quick cooking times and the ability to produce crispy and juicy results. When cooking pork loin, it's advisable to preheat the air fryer to the desired temperature, usually between 380°F and 400°F, depending on the model. Then, place the seasoned pork loin in the air fryer and cook for 10 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. For bone-in pork loin, it's recommended to add 2 to 3 minutes to the cooking time to ensure thorough cooking.

Smoke and ventilation

The Emeril Lagasse Power Air Fryer 360 has been the centre of a class action lawsuit, with plaintiffs claiming that the appliance is defective and poses a significant safety risk to users and their property. The lawsuit claims that the air fryer can reach temperatures of 537°C (or 1000°F), which is well above the safe range for air fryers. This can cause the appliance to overheat, smoke, and even catch fire.

There have been several complaints and reports of the air fryer emitting smoke. In one instance, a user shared that their air fryer "began emitting white smoke with [the] smell of electrical fire". In another case, a user reported that their air fryer "would overheat and smoke excessively during every use" and that the handle would become too hot to touch.

If you experience smoke coming from your air fryer, it is important to quickly turn it off and unplug it from the socket. Once the air fryer has cooled down, you can check it for any damage or a burnt smell. Excessive oil inside the air fryer or cooking recipes not suitable for an air fryer may cause smoke.

It is recommended to always refer to the user manual for safety instructions and troubleshooting guidance. Additionally, ensuring proper ventilation in the cooking area is crucial to mitigate any potential risks associated with smoke.

To prevent excessive smoke, it is advisable to cook outdoors or in a well-ventilated area when using the air fryer, especially if you are bacon-wrapping your pork loin. A strong vent hood can also help draw out the smoke.

By following safety precautions and maintaining good ventilation, you can minimise the risks associated with smoke while using the Emeril Lagasse Power Air Fryer 360.

Internal temperature

The ideal internal temperature for pork loin depends on the desired doneness. For a juicy and tender inside, it is recommended to cook the pork loin to an internal temperature of 145°F. This can be measured using an instant-read thermometer or an internal meat thermometer, which is a fail-proof method to ensure perfectly cooked meat.

When cooking pork loin in an air fryer, the time required to reach this internal temperature can vary depending on the size and thickness of the meat, as well as the specific air fryer model and settings used. For example, one recipe suggests cooking a 1-pound pork tenderloin in an air fryer at 400°F for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted if using a bone-in pork loin or if the meat is thicker. Additionally, when checking the internal temperature of the pork loin, it is recommended to insert the probe into the center of the meat, halfway through the thickest part.

When cooking a bacon-wrapped pork loin in an air fryer, it is important to consider the potential for smoke. While the bacon provides a crispy and juicy result, it can also create a significant amount of smoke, so it is advisable to cook this dish outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

Serving suggestions

The air-fried pork loin can be served with steamed rice and cooked black beans as accompaniments. You can also drizzle any remaining mojo over the roast when serving.

If you're looking for side dishes to serve alongside the pork loin, you could try crispy bacon brussels sprouts, roasted baby red potatoes, mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or any other vegetable side.

If you're serving a larger meal, you could also include some of the following:

• Air Fryer Cornish Hens
• Air Fryer Steak Bites and Mushrooms
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Chicken Fried Steak
• Air Fryer Fish Tacos with Creamy Slaw
• Bang Bang Salmon
• Super Easy Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash
• Easy Pesto Marinated Chicken Thighs

Frequently asked questions