Emilie Meyer
Cooking marinated pork in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. The air fryer's high heat and air circulation ensure the pork is cooked quickly and evenly, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a crisp, golden crust. The time it takes to cook marinated pork in an air fryer depends on the cut and size of the meat, with pork tenderloin taking around 15-20 minutes and pork loin or pork chops taking 8-10 minutes for thinner cuts and up to 45 minutes for thicker cuts. Marinating the pork beforehand adds flavour and moisture to the meat, with a variety of marinade ingredients and recipes to choose from.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade ingredients | Balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chilli, brown sugar, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, cayenne |
| Marinade time | 30 minutes to overnight |
| Air fryer temperature | 370°F-400°F |
| Air fryer preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking time | 15-22 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145°F-160°F |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating pork chops
To make the marinade, simply whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl. Then, place your pork chops in a large zip-top bag or baking dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. You can also add some of the marinade to a spray bottle and spritz the pork chops for more flavour. It is recommended to marinate the pork chops for at least one hour, but preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.
Once the pork chops have finished marinating, you can cook them in an air fryer at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or on a grill/pan for about 8 minutes per side. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F when they are done. Finally, let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving to retain the juices.
Some side dishes that go well with marinated pork chops include roasted baby potatoes, broccoli, white rice, asparagus, and various baked or sautéed vegetables.
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Marinade ingredients
Marinating pork before cooking it in an air fryer is an excellent way to infuse it with flavour and make it extra juicy. There are several ingredients that can be used to make a marinade for pork, and the best option may depend on personal preference. Here are some ingredients that can be used, along with some specific marinade recipes:
Individual Marinade Ingredients
- Soy sauce: This adds a slightly tangy taste and enhances the overall flavour of the pork.
- Balsamic vinegar: This can be used as a base for the marinade, producing amazing flavours.
- Lemon juice: This adds a tangy, citrusy flavour to the marinade.
- Olive oil: Oil helps to coat the pork and lock in the flavours of the other ingredients.
- Spices and seasonings: Common spices and seasonings used in pork marinades include garlic powder or minced, brown sugar, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. A dash of cayenne can also be added for heat.
Specific Marinade Recipes
- Soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dijon mustard, garlic, and pepper.
- Olive oil, garlic, dark brown sugar, lemon juice, spicy brown mustard, dried thyme, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, white wine vinegar, mesquite-flavoured seasoning, dried parsley flakes, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
- Olive oil, garlic, brown sugar, lemon juice, mustard, thyme, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, mesquite seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, olive oil, and a dash of chilli.
- Balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
It is recommended to marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes to overnight, depending on the thickness of the cut. Thinner chops may only need an hour, while thicker chops or tenderloins may benefit from a longer marinating time.
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Air fryer temperature
The temperature you should set your air fryer to depends on the type of pork you are cooking.
Most sources recommend cooking pork tenderloin at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. However, the exact cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloin. Smaller tenderloins may take as little as 16 minutes, while larger ones may take up to 22 minutes. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature of the tenderloin reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
Pork loin is a different cut of meat from pork tenderloin and requires a lower temperature and longer cooking time. It is recommended to cook pork loin at 370°F (188°C) for 35-45 minutes for a 3-pound roast. Smaller roasts will take 30-40 minutes, while larger ones will take 40-60 minutes. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness, but you can cook it to 155°F (68°C) if you prefer your meat more well-done.
Pork chops are thinner cuts of pork and require a shorter cooking time. It is recommended to cook pork chops at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, depending on their thickness. It is important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
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Cooking time
The cooking time for marinated pork in an air fryer depends on the cut of meat and the size of the pieces.
Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a long, thin, lean, and narrow cut of meat. It is usually between 1 and 1.5 pounds in weight.
To cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Then, cook the tenderloin for 15 to 22 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The cooking time depends on the size of the tenderloin. Smaller tenderloins may take as little as 16 minutes, while larger ones may take up to 22 minutes. The ideal internal temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F. If you prefer your meat well-done, you can cook it to 155°F. Let the tenderloin rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Pork Chops
Pork chops are smaller, thicker cuts of meat. Boneless pork chops that are about 1 inch thick will take 8 to 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400°F. Thinner pork chops will cook faster, while thicker ones will take longer. The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pork Loin
Pork loin is a larger, wider, and thicker cut of meat, similar to pork chops. It is also a lean cut of meat. A 3-pound pork loin roast will take 35 to 45 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 370°F. Smaller roasts will take 30 to 40 minutes, while larger ones will take 40 to 60 minutes. The ideal internal temperature for pork loin is between 145°F (medium) and 160°F (well-done).
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Resting and serving
Resting the meat is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the fibres of the meat to relax and the juices to be reabsorbed, ensuring the meat is tender and juicy. Place the cooked tenderloin on a plate or cutting board and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Tent the plate with foil to keep the meat warm.
While the meat is resting, you can prepare a simple gravy to serve alongside the pork. Pork loin is a very lean cut of meat, so there won't be any juices to make gravy from. However, you can make a gravy without drippings, so it's ready to serve when the pork is.
When slicing the pork tenderloin, cut it into pieces about 1/2 inch thick. This will ensure that the meat is tender and easy to eat.
The pork tenderloin can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, white rice, asparagus, or a salad. For a heartier meal, you can serve it with baked potatoes, sauteed brussels sprouts, or broccolini. During the holidays, you can opt for more festive sides, such as butternut squash casserole or mashed cauliflower.
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Frequently asked questions
Marinating time depends on how much time you have. If you're short on time, 30 minutes will work, but for the best flavour, it's recommended to marinate the pork overnight.
The cooking time depends on the size of the pork tenderloin. Smaller tenderloins may take as little as 15 minutes, while larger ones may take up to 22 minutes. The key is to get an internal temperature of 145°F when measured at the centre of the meat with an instant-read thermometer.
Preheat your air fryer to 370°F-400°F for 5 minutes. Keep the temperature at 400°F and select the air fry setting for the duration of the cooking time.
Let the pork rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting the meat allows the fibres to relax and the juices to reabsorb, making the meat juicier.
