Air Fryer Pork Roast: Cooking Time Perfection

how long to cook pork roast in air fryer oven

Cooking pork roast in an air fryer is a simple and tasty way to prepare this meat. It's a versatile dish that can be served for a family dinner or a special occasion. The air fryer's hot air circulation ensures a crispy exterior and juicy interior, with minimal prep time and oil required. The cooking time depends on the weight of the roast, typically taking 12-15 minutes per pound, with an internal temperature of 145°F. This method also frees up oven space and prevents the meat from drying out.

Characteristics Values
Cooking time 12-15 minutes per pound
Resting time 5-10 minutes
Internal temperature 145°F-160°F
Preheat temperature 360°F-400°F
Preheat time 5 minutes
Cooking temperature 360°F-400°F
Cooking time (after preheating) 40-55 minutes
Oil Olive oil
Seasoning Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, brown sugar
Meat thermometer Recommended
Storage 3-4 days in the refrigerator, 3 months in the freezer

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Cooking time

The cooking time for a pork roast in an air fryer oven depends on the weight of the roast and the temperature at which it is cooked. A good rule of thumb is to cook the pork roast for 15 minutes per pound at 360° F. For example, a 2.87-pound roast will take about 40 minutes to cook, while a 3-pound roast will take 45 minutes to an hour.

If cooking at a higher temperature of 400° F, the pork roast will take about 12-14 minutes per pound, or 20 minutes per pound if it weighs more than 2.5 pounds. For example, a 1.14-pound roast will take about 15-17 minutes, while a 3-pound roast will take 60-70 minutes.

It is important to note that the size of the air fryer oven will also impact the cooking time. A 3-pound roast fits well in a 2.6-quart or 5.5-quart air fryer, while a 5-6 quart air fryer can accommodate larger roasts.

Additionally, it is recommended to let the pork roast rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure the meat is juicy. The internal temperature of the pork roast should reach 145°-160° F to be fully cooked.

To achieve the perfect crispy crackling, some people suggest drying the pork rind by leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight or for a few hours, and then rubbing salt into the scores before cooking.

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Internal temperature

The internal temperature of the pork roast is an important factor in determining whether it is cooked through and safe to eat. The internal temperature of the roast should reach 145°F to be fully cooked through. This is the temperature at which the pork is safe to eat.

To check the internal temperature of the roast, you can use an instant-read thermometer (also known as a meat thermometer). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, making sure not to touch any bone, as this will give an inaccurate reading. If the internal temperature is not yet 145°F, continue cooking the roast in 5-10 minute increments until the desired temperature is reached.

It is important to note that the internal temperature of the roast will continue to rise even after it has been removed from the air fryer. This is because the meat retains heat and continues to cook, a phenomenon known as "carry-over cooking" or "residual heat rise". Therefore, it is recommended to remove the roast from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 140°F and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the internal temperature to rise to the safe range of 145°F while also giving the juices in the meat time to redistribute, resulting in a more juicy and tender roast.

Additionally, the internal temperature of the air fryer itself can affect the cooking time of the roast. If your air fryer does not heat to the desired temperature, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, if your air fryer struggles to reach 360°F, you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure the roast is cooked through.

In summary, achieving the correct internal temperature is crucial for ensuring your pork roast is cooked safely and properly. By using a meat thermometer and adjusting the cooking time as needed, you can ensure your roast is both delicious and safe to enjoy.

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Resting time

The recommended resting time for pork roast cooked in an air fryer can vary slightly depending on the source. Some sources suggest resting the meat for at least 5 minutes, while others recommend resting it for about 10 minutes. This longer resting time of 10 minutes is also supported by another source, which suggests that the internal temperature of the roast will continue to rise several degrees during this time.

It is important to note that the resting time is in addition to the cooking time. For example, if a recipe suggests cooking the pork roast for 40 minutes and then resting it for 5 minutes, the total time from the start of cooking to serving would be 45 minutes.

During the resting time, the pork roast should be covered loosely with foil to retain heat. This can be done by tenting the foil over the meat or placing it on a plate or cutting board and covering it.

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Seasoning

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat:

Firstly, select the right cut of pork for air fryer cooking. Pork loin roast is a good option, as it is a wider and thicker cut of meat that is perfect for oven-roasting. It is also a lean cut, so it cooks quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Ensure you buy a roast that fits well in your air fryer, with some space around it to allow for even cooking.

Brining:

Brining is an optional but recommended step to add flavour and moisture to the meat. Create a brine solution by mixing 4 tablespoons of kosher salt with 4 cups of cold water. Submerge the pork loin in this solution and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 3 hours. After brining, pat the meat dry and omit salt from the rest of the recipe, as the pork will already be salted.

Scoring and Drying:

If your pork roast has a rind, use a small sharp knife to score the surface at 1cm intervals. Be careful not to cut into the meat. Scoring helps create crispy crackling. Then, pat the meat dry with a paper towel. If time allows, leave the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight to help dry the rind and ensure crispy crackling.

Oil and Seasoning Rub:

Coat all sides of the pork loin with olive oil. You can use a cooking spray or rub the oil onto the meat. A generous amount of oil ensures that the seasoning rub sticks to the meat. For a 3-pound roast, you'll need about 2 teaspoons of oil.

Now, it's time to apply the seasoning rub. You can create your own rub by mixing dry ingredients such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Alternatively, use a store-bought seasoning mix like poultry seasoning, which includes flavours such as sage and thyme.

Use your hands to press the rub onto all sides of the roast, ensuring it sticks. You can add multiple coats of the rub if needed. Any remaining rub can be used to make a quick gravy after the pork is cooked.

Cooking the Pork Roast:

After seasoning, it's time to cook the pork roast in your air fryer oven. Preheat your air fryer to 360-400° F for 5 minutes. Then, place the seasoned pork roast inside, with the rind facing up. Cook at this temperature for 20 minutes, and then lower the temperature to 350° F and continue cooking until the pork is done. The total cooking time will depend on the weight of your roast, typically around 15 minutes per pound.

Resting and Serving:

Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board or plate. Loosely cover it with foil and let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and enhance juiciness. Finally, slice the pork roast and serve it with your choice of side dishes. Enjoy the tender and flavourful air fryer pork roast!

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Size of roast

The size of the roast you can cook will depend on the size of your air fryer. A 3-pound roast fits perfectly in a 2.6-quart air fryer, while a 3.5-pound roast fits in a 5-6 quart air fryer. A 1.5kg/3-pound roast fits in a 5.5L/5.5-5.8 Qt air fryer. If your roast is above 2.5 pounds, it may be a tight fit in a 5-6 quart air fryer, and the cooking time will need to be adjusted.

For roasts in the 5-6 quart air fryer, the cooking time should be increased by approximately 20 minutes per pound. For example, a 2.87-pound roast will take about 40 minutes to cook in the air fryer, while a 3-pound roast will take about 45 minutes.

If your roast is larger and requires a longer cooking time, you can use a meat thermometer to check if it is done. The internal temperature should be 145°F. If the internal temperature is lower, continue cooking in 5-10 minute increments until the desired temperature is reached.

Frequently asked questions

Cooking time depends on the weight of the roast. A good rule of thumb is 15 minutes per pound at 360°F. For example, a 2.87-pound roast will take about 40 minutes to cook.

The internal temperature of the roast should reach 145°F.

It is recommended to let the roast rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier.

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