Tiffany Haney
Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a great way to get a nice crust on the outside while keeping the meat juicy. The high heat of the air fryer means that the pork loin cooks quickly, reducing the chance of it drying out. The exact cooking time will depend on the weight of your pork loin, but generally, you'll want to cook it for 12-14 minutes per pound, flipping it once to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for medium doneness, and you should let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 360°F-400°F |
| Preheat temperature | 370°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking time | 35-60 minutes |
| Cooking time per pound | 12-14 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145°F-160°F |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking pork loin, as it ensures the meat spends the longest time at the highest temperature, resulting in a perfect crust and juicy interior.
Firstly, remove the pork from the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Then, trim away any excess fat or silver skin from the outside of the pork loin. This step is optional but recommended, as it helps the roast to crisp and brown evenly.
Next, pat the pork dry with a paper towel and rub it with olive oil. This step will help the seasoning stick to the meat and promote browning. You can also spritz the pork with oil spray if you prefer. Now, it's time to season the pork loin. In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and herbs. A simple mixture of salt and pepper will work, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, thyme, paprika, or brown sugar for extra flavour. Rub the spice mixture all over the pork loin, making sure it's evenly coated.
Once your pork loin is prepared, it's time to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to between 360°F and 400°F, depending on your preference and the size of your roast. Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches the desired temperature.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to serve with your pork loin. Keep in mind that pork loin goes well with roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, and potatoes, as well as garlic bread. You can also make a simple gravy to accompany the dish.
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Prepare the pork loin
Preparing a pork loin in an air fryer is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Firstly, it is important to trim any excess fat from the outside of the pork loin. This will help to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and that the fat does not become too crispy or burnt.
Once the fat has been trimmed, it is time to create the spice rub. In a small bowl, combine a mixture of spices such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and a dash of cayenne for a little heat. You can also add olive oil to the spice mixture to help it stick to the meat and promote browning. The spice rub should be generously coated on the pork loin, ensuring that it is massaged well into the meat.
It is also important to note that pork loin should be patted dry before applying the spice rub. This will help the rub to stick to the meat and ensure that the spices are evenly distributed. Additionally, removing the moisture will help to create a crispy crust on the outside of the pork loin during cooking.
Finally, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 360-370°F for 5 minutes before placing the pork loin inside. This will help to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and reaches the desired internal temperature.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for pork loin in an air fryer depend on the weight of the meat and the desired doneness. It's important to preheat your air fryer before cooking the pork to get a nice seared crust.
For a 3-pound pork loin roast, cook at 370°F for 35-45 minutes. Start checking the temperature at around 35 minutes to gauge how much longer it needs. A smaller roast will take 30-40 minutes, while a larger roast will take 40-60 minutes. If the outside of the roast is getting too dark, you can turn the temperature down for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
The minimum safe temperature for pork is 145°F, but the meat may still be slightly pink at this temperature. If you prefer your pork more well-done, cook it to 155°F or 160°F. It's recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast.
For frozen pork loin, cook at 370°F for about 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Leftover pork can be reheated in a preheated air fryer at 370°F for about 3 minutes.
Pork tenderloin, which is a different cut of meat from pork loin, typically weighs between 1-1.5 pounds and cooks more quickly. Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 5 minutes. Then, cook the tenderloin for 20-22 minutes, depending on its size. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
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Resting the meat
Once the internal temperature of your pork loin has reached 145°F, it is time to remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. Place the pork loin on a cutting board or plate and let it sit for at least 5 minutes. This resting period gives the juices a chance to settle, ensuring they don't end up on your cutting board when you slice into the meat.
The size of your pork loin will determine the cooking time and, therefore, the resting time. A larger roast will take longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the resting time accordingly. For example, a 3-pound pork loin roast will be done in 35-45 minutes, and you should start checking the temperature at around 35 minutes. A smaller roast will take 30-40 minutes, and you should start checking the temperature at 25 minutes.
While the meat is resting, you can make a simple gravy by adding chicken broth to a saucepan, along with any remaining seasoning rub and juices that collect on the plate or in the air fryer pan.
It is important to note that the minimum safe temperature for pork is 145°F, but if you prefer your meat more well-done, you can cook it to 155°F or 160°F. Keep in mind that the meat will continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the air fryer, so take it out a few degrees before your desired temperature.
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Serving suggestions
When it comes to serving your air-fried pork loin, there are several mouth-watering options to consider.
First and foremost, pork loin is a lean cut of meat, so it pairs well with a variety of sides without feeling too heavy. A simple and classic option is to serve it with mashed potatoes and your favourite green vegetables, such as green beans, peas, or a salad. Roasted vegetables, including carrots, garlic bread, and a mix of potatoes and onions, also make a great accompaniment.
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, why not try making a gravy to go with your pork loin? You can make a simple gravy by adding a cup of chicken broth to a saucepan, along with any remaining seasoning and juices from the meat. This will add extra flavour and moisture to your dish.
For those who prefer a low-carb option, consider serving the pork loin with cauliflower rice and sautéed green beans. This option still provides a tasty and filling meal without the heaviness of potatoes or bread.
Additionally, if you're a fan of spice, you can add a kick to your pork loin by marinating it in fajita or chili seasoning before cooking. This will give your meal a nice boost of flavour that complements the juicy, tender meat.
Lastly, don't forget to let your pork loin rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your meat is tender and flavourful.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the weight of the pork loin. A 3-pound pork loin roast should be cooked for 35-45 minutes, while a smaller roast will take 30-40 minutes. A larger roast will take 40-60 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 360-370°F. You can then cook the pork loin at this temperature or turn the temperature down for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
The minimum safe temperature for pork is 145°F, but this will be a little pink in the middle. If you prefer your pork more well-done, cook it to 155°F or 160°F.
