Air-Fried Pork Shoulder Roast: The Perfect Timing

how long to cook pork shoulder roast in air fryer

Cooking pork shoulder roast in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this cut of meat. The air fryer seals in the juices, making the meat tender and succulent, while the crackling becomes a crispy golden brown. The cooking time will depend on the weight of the pork shoulder, but you can expect to wait around 90-120 minutes for a fully cooked roast.

Characteristics Values
Cooking time 12-15 minutes per pound
Total cooking time 40-60 minutes
Resting time 10-15 minutes
Internal temperature 145-160°F
Crackling temperature 195°F
Marinade ingredients Salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, fennel seeds, mixed herbs
Side dishes Roasted vegetables, potatoes, rice, salad, sandwiches
Storage 3-4 days in the fridge, 3 months in the freezer

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Cooking time: 12-15 minutes per pound

Cooking a pork shoulder roast in an air fryer is a great way to get tender, juicy, and succulent meat with a crispy exterior. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your pork shoulder, but a good rule of thumb is to cook it for 12-15 minutes per pound.

For example, if you have a 2.87 lb pork roast, you should cook it for about 40 minutes in the air fryer. If your roast is bigger or smaller, simply adjust the cooking time in 15-minute increments. So, for a 4 lb roast, you'd cook it for about an hour, and for a 1 lb roast, you'd cook it for about 15 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the wattage of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to check the internal temperature of your roast to ensure it's cooked to your desired doneness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for medium-rare, and 155°F-160°F for medium-well or well-done.

Here's a step-by-step guide to cooking your pork shoulder roast in the air fryer:

  • Start by patting the pork dry with paper towels or kitchen towels.
  • Season the pork generously with your chosen seasonings. You can use a dry rub made with ingredients like salt, pepper, garlic powder, sugar, herbs, and spices. Rub the seasonings all over the pork, making sure to get into any scores or cracks in the meat.
  • Place a large piece of foil in your air fryer and put the seasoned pork on top, rind side up.
  • Drizzle the pork with a little oil and wrap the foil tightly around it, creating a snug package.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes.
  • Place the foil-wrapped pork in the air fryer and cook for 12-15 minutes per pound. For a 2-pound roast, this would be 24-30 minutes.
  • Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer. If it hasn't reached the desired temperature, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until it does.
  • Once the pork is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest, still wrapped in foil, for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.

With this method, you'll end up with delicious, tender pork shoulder roast with a crispy exterior, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

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Resting time: 10 minutes

The cooking time for a pork shoulder roast in an air fryer depends on the weight of the meat. It is recommended to cook the roast for 12-15 minutes per pound at 360°F-400°F. For example, a 3-pound piece of meat will take about 40 minutes to cook.

After cooking, it is important to let the roast rest for a while before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier. The resting time for a pork shoulder roast cooked in an air fryer is 10 minutes. Cover the roast with foil during this time.

The internal temperature of the roast should reach 145°F before serving. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check this. The roast should be cooked until the meat is tender and the crackling is golden and crispy.

  • Dry the pork with a paper towel.
  • Coat all sides of the pork with oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired spices or herbs.
  • Place the pork in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes per pound.
  • Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer. It should reach 145°F.
  • Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the pork from the air fryer and cover it with foil.
  • Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Internal temperature: 145°F

To achieve an internal temperature of 145°F, there are a few methods you can follow. One method is to preheat your air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes. Then, place your pork shoulder roast inside the air fryer with the fat cap or rind side facing up. Set the air fryer to 360°F and let the roast cook for 45 minutes. Turn the roast halfway through the cooking process. The internal temperature of the roast should reach 145°F. If it hasn't reached this temperature, continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes.

Another method is to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Place the pork shoulder roast inside the air fryer, ensuring the rind side is facing up. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350°F and cook for an additional 35 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer. If it hasn't reached 145°F, return the roast to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes at 350°F. Keep checking the temperature every 5 minutes until the desired internal temperature of 145°F is reached.

The cooking time for your pork shoulder roast will depend on its weight. A good rule of thumb is to cook the roast for 12-15 minutes per pound. For example, if your roast weighs 2.87 pounds, it should take about 40 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 145°F. If your roast is bigger or smaller, adjust the cooking time accordingly, increasing or decreasing in increments of 15 minutes per pound.

It is important to note that the roast will continue to cook even after you take it out of the air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to aim for an internal temperature of 140°F while the roast is still in the air fryer. Once you take it out, let the roast rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat even juicier.

Additionally, if you want to ensure crispy crackling, there are a few extra steps you can take. Firstly, choose a pork shoulder roast that has the rind still attached. Score the rind at 1cm intervals with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut into the meat. Then, pat the pork dry with a paper towel and leave it uncovered in the fridge overnight. This will help dry out the rind and improve the crackling. Before cooking, rub the pork all over with olive oil and generously sprinkle coarse salt over the rind, rubbing it into the scores.

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Marinade: Brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, pepper

To make a delicious pork shoulder roast in an air fryer, you'll need to prepare a marinade and cook the meat until it's tender and succulent. Here's a detailed guide:

Marinade Ingredients:

  • Brown sugar
  • Vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Preparing the Marinade:

Combine the brown sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix these ingredients well to form a homogeneous mixture. You can adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences. This marinade can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Preparing the Pork Shoulder:

Start by patting the pork shoulder dry with paper towels or kitchen towels. Ensure you dry the surface well to help the marinade adhere better. Next, take your prepared marinade and generously coat all sides of the pork shoulder with it. Use your hands to gently rub the marinade into the meat, ensuring it penetrates the scores or crevices. If desired, you can apply multiple coats of the marinade for extra flavour.

Cooking the Pork Shoulder in the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 360°F for about 5 minutes. You can also preheat at a lower temperature of 300°F if you prefer. Remember to spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick spray or use a non-stick foil pouch to prevent sticking. Place the marinated pork shoulder in the air fryer, setting the timer for about 12-15 minutes per pound of meat. For a 3-pound roast, this would be approximately 35-40 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the weight of your pork shoulder, so it's advisable to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The target internal temperature for the thickest part of the meat should be 145°F. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the pork shoulder from the air fryer and let it rest, covered in foil, for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Crispy Crackling:

If you're aiming for crispy crackling, consider scoring the pork rind in a crisscross pattern before applying the marinade. This helps render the fat and promotes even cooking. Additionally, after the initial cooking time, you can increase the heat to 400°F for the last 5-10 minutes to ensure the crackling is golden and crispy.

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Sides: Roasted vegetables, potatoes, rice, gravy

Roasted vegetables are a perfect side dish to prepare in your air fryer. The air fryer's convection oven feature fries foods with little to no oil, less fat, and fewer calories. To start, preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Next, prepare your vegetables. You can use a variety of vegetables, such as zucchini, squash, mushrooms, cauliflower, asparagus, and red peppers. Cut them into 1-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add oil, salt, pepper, and your desired seasonings. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly. Once your air fryer is preheated, place the vegetables in the basket and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are tender and crispy.

For roasted potatoes, you can use baby potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, or Russets. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, and combine them with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese in a medium-sized bowl. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Then, flip or toss the potatoes and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy.

To make rice in your air fryer, you'll need a cake pan or oven-friendly cookware that fits inside the air fryer basket, as well as tin foil. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer or colander under running water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice by shaking and lightly pressing it. Combine the rice, water, salt, and olive oil in the cake pan, using 1.25 cups of water if the rice is rinsed and 1.5 cups if it is not. Stir the mixture and tightly cover the pan with foil paper. Carefully place the pan in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149 degrees Celsius). Cook for 30 minutes, then unplug the air fryer and let the rice sit inside for an additional 15 minutes without removing the foil. Finally, carefully remove the cake pan and fluff the rice with a fork or rice paddle before serving.

Gravy is a delicious addition to your pork roast and roasted vegetables. While there are various ways to make gravy, a simple method is to use the juices from the pork roast. After removing the roast from the air fryer, there will be broth and juices in the foil pouch. You can transfer these liquids to a small saucepan and simmer them on the stovetop. You can add ingredients such as butter, flour, salt, and pepper to taste, whisking them into the broth to create a flavorful gravy.

Frequently asked questions

Cooking time depends on the weight of your pork shoulder. For a 3-pound roast, the thickest part will take about 40 minutes to cook through. For a boneless pork shoulder or leg joint weighing about 1-2 kg, cook for 50 to 1 hour at 320°F/160°C, and for 15-30 minutes at 400°F/200°C.

The inside of the roast must heat to 145°F to be fully cooked through. When done, the internal temperature of the meat should read between 145°F to 160°F for medium-well or well-done meat.

Pat the pork dry and allow it to come to room temperature. Score the rind in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Rub salt into the scores and all over the pork shoulder.

Let the pork shoulder rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier.

Yes, wrap leftover pork shoulder well and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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