Tiffany Haney
Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a great way to get a crispy, golden crust on the outside with tender, juicy, perfectly cooked meat on the inside. The high heat of the air fryer means the meat spends less time cooking, reducing the chances of it drying out. The size of the roast you can make will depend on the size of your air fryer. A 2-pound pork loin will take between 24 and 36 minutes to cook, or 12 to 14 minutes per pound. The key is to get an internal temperature of 145°F.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 370°F to 400°F |
| Cooking temperature | 350°F to 400°F |
| Cooking time | 24 to 36 minutes |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145°F |
| Seasoning | Brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in ensuring your pork loin cooks evenly and thoroughly. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer for the perfect 2-pound pork loin:
Step 1: Set the Temperature
Start by setting the desired cooking temperature on your air fryer. For a juicy 2-pound pork loin, consider setting the temperature to 370°F or 400°F. This temperature range will help create a nice seared crust on the outside of the pork loin while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Step 2: Leave the Basket In
Make sure to leave the air fryer basket inside the unit during preheating. This will ensure that the basket gets nice and hot, which is essential for achieving that desirable sear or crust on your pork loin.
Step 3: Press Start or Preheat
Once you've set the temperature, press the "Start" or "Preheat" button on your air fryer. This will initiate the preheating process, and the air fryer will begin to heat up to the set temperature.
Step 4: Allow Warm-up Time
Let the air fryer warm up to the desired temperature for a few minutes. The preheating time can vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer. Smaller air fryers may preheat in as little as two to three minutes, while larger ones might need four to five minutes. Most air fryers will reach 400° F in about three to five minutes.
Step 5: Monitor the Preheating Process
Keep an eye on the preheating process, especially if your air fryer doesn't have an automatic preheat function. Check the temperature every few minutes to ensure it reaches the desired level without overheating. Some air fryers may have an "Add Food" or similar indicator to let you know when the preheating is done.
Step 6: Prepare the Pork Loin
While the air fryer is preheating, you can use this time to trim any excess fat from the pork loin and rub it with your chosen seasonings. This step ensures that the pork loin is ready to go into the air fryer as soon as it finishes preheating.
Remember, preheating your air fryer helps achieve that perfect sear or crust on your pork loin and ensures more even cooking. It's an essential step in getting that mouthwatering, juicy, and tender pork loin roast.
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Prepare the pork
Preparing a 2lb pork loin in an air fryer is a simple process, but it does require some key steps to ensure the meat is cooked properly and safely.
Firstly, ensure you have a suitable air fryer for the size of the meat. A 2lb pork loin is a relatively large cut of meat, so you will need a larger air fryer. A 5-6qt air fryer should be sufficient for this size of meat. If your air fryer is too small, you can always slice a bit off the ends of the meat to make it fit, and cook the slices another time.
Next, prepare the meat itself. Trim away any excess fat from the outside of the pork loin. You can then rub the meat all over with your chosen seasoning. A simple dry rub can be made with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add mustard to the outside of the meat, which will help the spices to stick and add some extra flavour. Alternatively, you can brine the pork loin to add flavour and moisture. To do this, submerge the meat in a solution of 4 tablespoons of kosher salt to 4 cups of cold water for 1-3 hours.
Once the meat is seasoned and/or brined, it is ready to be placed in the air fryer.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for a 2lb pork loin in an air fryer depend on the desired level of doneness and the specific air fryer being used. Here are some general guidelines and recommendations for achieving the best results:
Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F or 400°F, depending on your preference and the air fryer's settings. Preheating ensures that the meat spends the maximum time at the highest temperature, promoting even cooking and browning.
For a 2lb pork loin, the total cooking time will be approximately 24 to 36 minutes, or 12 to 18 minutes per pound. It is recommended to cook the pork loin for 10 minutes at 400°F, then flip it and continue cooking at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the desired level of doneness is achieved.
During cooking, it is essential to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the pork loin. The optimal temperature for food safety is 145°F. Once the pork reaches this temperature, it is ready to be removed from the air fryer.
After cooking, transfer the pork loin to a cutting board or plate and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat. The internal temperature will also rise a few degrees during this time.
It is important to note that the size and fit of the pork loin in the air fryer may vary, so adjustments may be necessary. If the pork loin is too large for your air fryer, consider slicing a bit off the ends to ensure it fits comfortably. Additionally, if your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
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Resting the meat
While the meat is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to serve alongside the pork loin. For example, roasted vegetables, potatoes, and a simple gravy made from the juices that collect on the plate and in the air fryer pan during resting.
If you are using an instant-read thermometer, the ideal internal temperature for the pork loin is 145°F. However, if you prefer your meat with no pink, you can cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F.
Reheating leftover pork loin fillets can be done in the air fryer at 370°F for about 3 minutes. It is important to note that cooked pork can have a pink color, even when it has reached the safe internal temperature of 145°F.
In summary, resting the meat is a crucial step in the cooking process, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist and tender pork loin. During this time, you can prepare side dishes and sauces, and monitor the internal temperature to ensure the meat is cooked to your desired doneness.
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Make a gravy
To make a gravy to go with your air-fried pork loin, you can use the leftover juices from the roast, as well as any juices that have collected on the plate during the resting time. You can also use the remaining seasoning rub.
To make a gravy from scratch, you will need:
- Butter
- Flour
- Stock (chicken, beef, or vegetable broth)
- Aromatics (shallots, garlic, onion or garlic powder)
- Fresh or dried herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary)
- Wine (red or white)
- Cream (optional)
- Mushroom powder (optional)
- Worcestershire sauce or fish sauce (optional)
First, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the aromatics and cook until the garlic is golden brown and the shallots/onions are softened. Make a roux by sprinkling in an equal amount of flour and whisking until smooth. Cook the roux until it is toasted and pale golden, about 3 minutes. Add in wine or water, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan, then whisk in the poultry seasoning. Slowly whisk in the stock, bringing the gravy to a simmer. Let it cook, whisking occasionally, until it thickens to your liking.
Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add in any meat juices or seasoning rub from the pork loin at this stage.
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Frequently asked questions
You should cook a 2lb pork loin in an air fryer for 24 to 36 minutes.
The air fryer should be set to 370°F to 400°F.
You should let the pork rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
The optimal internal temperature of the pork is 145°F.
