Ella Walter
Cooking pork butt in an air fryer is an easy way to make tender and juicy pulled pork. The cooking time depends on the weight of the pork butt and the desired level of crispness, but it typically takes around 90 minutes at 350°F (180°C) for a 3-pound roast. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness, and the pork should be allowed to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Pork Butt in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 360° F (or 180° C) |
| Time | 45-55 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 145° – 160° F |
| Resting Time | 5-15 minutes |
| Weight | 1.14-3 lbs |
| Seasoning | Brown sugar, ground mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper |
| Sides | Mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, broccoli, asparagus, any kind of potato |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for pork butt in an air fryer depend on the weight of the meat and the desired level of doneness. Here is a step-by-step guide for cooking pork butt in an air fryer, including the recommended cooking times and temperatures:
Preparation:
Before cooking, pat the pork butt dry with a paper towel and allow it to come to room temperature. Score the rind in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Add salt and rub it into the scores. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, herbs, and olive oil.
Cooking:
For a 3-pound pork butt roast, preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes. Place the seasoned pork butt in the air fryer and cook for 40 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. If you are cooking a larger roast, increase the cooking time by approximately 15 minutes per pound.
Resting:
Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the pork butt from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. The meat will continue to cook, and the internal temperature will rise a few degrees.
Serving:
Slice the pork butt into 1/2-inch slices and serve with your favorite sides. It goes well with vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, and any kind of potato.
Reheating and Storage:
Leftover pork butt can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the pork butt in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
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Marinades and rubs
Marinades:
Before applying a dry rub or seasoning, it is a good idea to marinate the pork butt. Marinades can help to tenderize the meat and enhance its flavour. Choose a marinade that complements the flavours of your dry rub. Here are some options:
- Pineapple, lime, or lemon juice mixed with brown sugar: Combine three-quarters of a cup of juice with one tablespoon of brown sugar. If you don't have juice, you can mix the brown sugar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- Olive oil and garlic: Drizzle olive oil over the pork butt and rub garlic onto it. This simple marinade adds flavour and moisture to the meat.
- Soy sauce, honey, and ginger: Mix soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger to create a savoury and slightly sweet marinade.
- Yogurt and spices: Plain yogurt can be used as a base for a creamy marinade. Mix it with your choice of spices, such as cumin, paprika, and garlic powder.
Dry Rubs and Seasonings:
After marinating, it's time to apply a dry rub or seasoning blend to the pork butt. This step will add even more flavour and create a delicious crust during cooking. Here are some options for dry rubs and seasonings:
- Salt and pepper: A classic combination of salt and pepper can be used as a simple dry rub. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning: This store-bought blend of spices and herbs can be used as a rub. Apply it generously to the pork butt, covering all sides.
- Brown sugar and spices: Mix brown sugar with ground mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This rub will give the pork butt a sweet and savoury crust.
- Herbs and spices: Combine dried or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage with spices like cumin, coriander, or chilli powder to create a custom herb-crusted pork butt.
Remember to coat the pork butt evenly with the marinade and dry rub, massaging it into the meat to ensure maximum flavour. After applying the rub, let the meat rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. Then, follow the cooking instructions for your air fryer pork butt recipe, and enjoy the delicious results!
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Resting and serving
Once your pork butt has been in the air fryer for the recommended cooking time, it's important to let it rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your roast stays moist and tender. The resting time will depend on the size of your roast, but it should be at least 5 minutes. For a 3-pound roast, let it rest for 10 minutes. For a larger roast, up to 20 minutes of resting time may be required.
During the resting period, the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise. For example, if you remove your roast from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, it will continue cooking and rise another 5 degrees while it rests. This is important to keep in mind so that you don't overcook your pork butt. The ideal internal temperature for a pork roast is 145°F.
While the roast is resting, you can prepare any sides that you haven't already made. Mashed sweet potatoes and green beans are a great option, or you could serve it with steamed vegetables. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try smashed potatoes coated in butter and seasoning.
Once the resting period is over, use a sharp knife to slice the pork butt into 1/2-inch slices. If you've cooked a pork shoulder, you'll want to shred the meat using two forks after allowing it to rest in a bowl. Don't forget to discard any pieces of fat.
Finally, it's time to serve your pork butt roast! Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and enjoy. Don't forget that you can store leftover pork in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days and reheat it in the air fryer for that crispy texture.
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Reheating and storage
When it comes to reheating and storing your pork butt, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, leftover pork roast should be wrapped well and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. If you're not planning to eat it within that time frame, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftover pork roast, simply reheat it in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes. This will ensure your pork roast is warmed through and stays juicy. You can also reheat pulled pork in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can use a saucepan or microwave to reheat your pulled pork.
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Sides and accompaniments
There are a variety of side dishes and accompaniments that you can serve with your air-fried pork butt. Here are some ideas:
Vegetables
Vegetables are a great option to serve as a side dish with your air-fried pork butt. Some options include:
- Baby carrots
- Baby potatoes
- Broccoli
- Green beans
- Asparagus
You can simply season the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the air fryer alongside the pork.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Here are some options:
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Baked potatoes
- Mashed potatoes
- Roast potatoes
Salad
A fresh and healthy option to accompany your air-fried pork butt is a salad. You can prepare a simple green salad with leafy greens, vegetables, and a vinaigrette dressing. Alternatively, you could serve the pulled pork on a salad bowl with various toppings.
Bread
Bread is a great option to soak up all the delicious juices from the pork. Some ideas include:
- Bread rolls
- Tortillas for tacos or quesadillas
Gravy
A simple gravy can be made by adding chicken or pork broth to a saucepan, along with any remaining seasoning rub and juices from the roast. Thicken the gravy with a cornstarch slurry and simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook a pork butt in an air fryer for 12-14 minutes per pound at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The internal temperature of the pork butt should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit when it is fully cooked.
To get crispy crackling, crank up the heat and air fry for a further 5-10 minutes, or until the crackling is done to your liking.
It is recommended that you let your pork butt rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
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