Air Fryer Pork Roast: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking pork roast in an air fryer is a simple and tasty way to get perfect, juicy results with a nice crispy outside. The air fryer circulates high heat around the pork, cooking it quickly and reducing the chance of the meat drying out. The size of the roast and the desired level of doneness are important factors in determining how long to cook a pork roast in an air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pork roast in an air fryer depend on the weight of the roast and the size of the air fryer. It's important to ensure that the roast fits in the air fryer with enough space and does not touch the heating element.

For a 2.87-pound pork loin roast, it is recommended to cook it for 15 minutes per pound, which would be about 40 minutes total. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check if it's done by using a knife to see if the juices run clear.

For a smaller roast, weighing around 1.14 pounds, the cooking time would be reduced. One source recommends cooking it for half the recommended time, which would be around 20-25 minutes. However, it's important to ensure that the internal temperature still reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit to be fully cooked through.

Another source recommends cooking a 3-pound pork loin roast at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-45 minutes, with the internal temperature reaching at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. A smaller roast weighing 2-3 pounds should be cooked for 30-40 minutes, while a larger roast over 3 pounds may take 40-60 minutes.

If you're cooking a pork roast leg or shoulder (boneless), one source recommends preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking for 20 minutes, and then lowering the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This source also recommends leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight to help dry the rind and ensure crispy crackling.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the roast with a meat thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked.

Choosing the right cut of pork

When it comes to choosing the right cut of pork for your roast, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, let's differentiate between two commonly confused cuts: pork loin roast and pork tenderloin. Pork loin is a wider and larger cut, typically weighing between 3 to 5 pounds, while pork tenderloin is longer, thinner, and leaner, usually weighing around 1 and 1/2 pounds. Pork loin is also milder in flavor and can be purchased with or without the bone (a bone-in roast is juicier and more flavorful but takes longer to cook).

Now, let's explore the best cuts for roasting:

• Pork Loin: This is a versatile cut that can be roasted with the bone-in or boneless. It has a mild flavor and a cap of fat running along its top, which helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
• Pork Belly: This cut is known for its high fat content, which infuses the meat with moisture and flavor, resulting in juicy and tasty bites.
• Pork Leg: Also known as ham, this cut is typically found in grocery stores as dry-cured or wet-cured. It can be left whole, cut into roasts, steaks, or ground.
• Pork Shoulder: While this cut is better suited for slow cooking, it is a popular choice for pork steaks, which are tender and flavorful.

When selecting your pork roast, look for fresh-looking meat with a thick layer of fat. Free-range and organic pork tend to have more delicious pork fat. Additionally, consider the size of your air fryer and the weight of the roast to ensure it fits comfortably with enough space for proper air circulation.

Remember, the cooking time will vary depending on the size and weight of your chosen cut. As a general rule, cook your pork roast in the air fryer for about 15 minutes per pound at 360 degrees Fahrenheit, adjusting the cooking time in increments of 15 minutes per pound for larger or smaller roasts. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.

Marinades and rubs

Dry Rubs:

A dry rub is a mixture of spices and herbs that is applied directly to the surface of the meat before cooking. Dry rubs are perfect for air fryer pork roast because they help create a crispy, flavourful crust while keeping the meat moist and juicy.

Ingredients:

• Salt: Use coarse salt like kosher salt, sea salt, or cooking salt. Avoid table salt as it can be too fine and excessive.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is ideal, providing a sharp bite to the rub.
• Spices: Common spices used in pork dry rubs include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (smoked or regular), ground mustard, and cayenne pepper.
• Sugar: Brown sugar or coconut sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savoury spices.

Instructions:

• Combine the dry rub ingredients in a small bowl, mixing them well.
• Prepare the pork roast by patting it dry with a paper towel.
• Coat all sides of the pork roast generously with oil. This helps the dry rub adhere to the meat and promotes even browning.
• Sprinkle the dry rub over the oiled pork roast, using your hands to press and rub it into all sides of the meat. Ensure the entire surface is coated, adding multiple coats if needed.
• For optimal flavour, prepare the dry rub up to 3 days in advance and let the rubbed pork roast sit in the refrigerator, uncovered, for at least a few hours or overnight. This drying process helps develop crispy crackling.

Wet Marinades:

A wet marinade consists of a liquid base mixed with various ingredients like oils, acids, spices, and herbs. It adds moisture to the meat and infuses it with flavour. While dry rubs are more common for air fryer pork roast, you can also experiment with wet marinades.

Ingredients:

• Liquid base: Options include olive oil, pineapple juice, lime juice, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar.
• Spices and herbs: Similar to the dry rub, use spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage can also be added.
• Sweetener: A small amount of honey or brown sugar can balance the flavours.

Instructions:

• Combine the wet marinade ingredients in a bowl or blender, whisking or blending until well incorporated.
• Place the pork roast in a large bowl or container and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the meat is fully coated.
• Cover and refrigerate the marinated pork roast for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.
• Before air frying, remove the roast from the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Remember, the key to a successful pork roast in the air fryer is achieving the right balance of flavour, moisture, and crispness. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients and adjust cooking temperatures and times as needed for your specific air fryer model.

Resting and storing the roast

Resting the roast is an important step in the cooking process. Once you've removed the roast from the air fryer, let it rest on a plate for at least 5 minutes. It is recommended to loosely cover it with foil to keep it warm. During this time, the meat will continue to cook, and the internal temperature will rise several degrees. This is also a good time to make a gravy using the juices that have collected on the plate and in the air fryer pan.

When checking if your pork roast is done, it is best to use a meat thermometer. For a pork loin roast, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the meat for a medium level of doneness. If you prefer your meat well-done, you can cook it to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Keep in mind that the outside of the roast may get dark before it reaches the desired temperature, so you may need to turn down the heat for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

Leftover pork roast should be stored properly to maintain its freshness and quality. Make sure to wrap it well or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply place the leftovers back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes, and they will be ready to enjoy again!

Sides and gravy

While your pork is cooking in the air fryer, you can prepare some side dishes. The high heat of the air fryer means that your roast pork will be locked in with juices and have a nice brown crust, so you'll want to serve it with some complementary dishes.

Mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes are great options, as are roast potatoes. You could also try baby potatoes, tossed in olive oil, seasoning salt, and pepper, and cooked in the air fryer alongside the pork. Green vegetables, like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus, are also great healthy sides.

If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, you can brine your pork loin before cooking it. This is a great way to add flavor and moisture to lean meat. Simply submerge the pork in a solution of 4 tablespoons of kosher salt to 4 cups of cold water for 1-3 hours.

Now, for the gravy. As pork loin is a very lean cut, you may not get many juices from cooking it, but you can still make a delicious gravy. You can use any leftover seasoning rub, adding it to a saucepan with a cup of chicken broth and simmering for about 5 minutes. You can also add in any juices from the roast, as well as cornstarch and water to thicken it.

Frequently asked questions