Air-Fried Pulled Pork: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking pulled pork in an air fryer is a great way to make tender, delicious meat that can be used in tacos, sandwiches, pasta, and more. Depending on the recipe, the cooking time can vary from 60 minutes to 90 minutes, or even 1 ½ hours. The temperature settings also differ between recipes, ranging from 350°F to 400°F. Some recipes suggest flipping the pork halfway through cooking, while others recommend marinating the meat beforehand.

Maringating the pork

Marinating the pork is an important step in the process of cooking pulled pork in an air fryer. It ensures that the meat is tender and full of flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide to marinating the pork:

• Start by bringing the pork to room temperature. This will help the meat absorb the marinade more effectively.
• Prepare a dry rub by mixing olive oil with your favourite pork seasoning. You can use a pre-made spice rub or create your own blend of spices such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Line your worktop with foil and place the pork pieces on it. Sprinkle the spice rub generously over the pork, making sure to cover all surfaces evenly.
• Drizzle the pork with a little more olive oil or another type of oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil. This will help the spices adhere to the meat and add moisture to the pork.
• For extra flavour, you can add additional ingredients such as crushed pineapple or pineapple juice. The acidity from the pineapple will help tenderise the meat and add a unique, sweet flavour.
• Tightly wrap the pork in the foil to create a parcel. This will help trap the moisture and allow the flavours to penetrate the meat effectively.
• Let the pork marinate for at least 30-60 minutes. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavours will be. You can also prepare the pork the night before and let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight for maximum flavour.

Once the pork has finished marinating, you can proceed to cook it in the air fryer following the recommended temperature and timing guidelines. Remember to flip the pork occasionally during cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.

Preparing the air fryer

Firstly, you'll want to line your worktop with foil and place the pork pieces on it. Sprinkle the pork with a spice or dry rub, drizzle with oil and cover with crushed pineapple. Pour in some pineapple juice or a little water. Tightly wrap the pork in the foil to make a parcel.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (or 370°F, according to one source) for 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with oil spray, then lay the pork in the bottom, fatty side up. Ensure the basket isn't too crowded.

Now you're ready to cook your pulled pork! Air fry at 350°F for 60 minutes. Flip the pork over and air fry for an additional 60-90 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 185-205°F and the pork shreds easily with a fork.

One source suggests cooking the pork at 400°F for 15 minutes, or until bubbling, before mixing in the shredded pork.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pulled pork in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the pork and the temperature you want to cook it at. It's important to ensure that the pork has reached the right internal temperature before serving.

For example, if you want to cook your pulled pork at 350°F, you should cook it for 60 minutes, flip the pork over, and then cook for another 60-90 minutes. This will ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F.

If you want to cook your pulled pork at 370°F, you should cook it for 1 ½ hours, flipping the pork every 30 minutes. This will ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 195-205°F.

If you want to cook your pulled pork at 180°C (350°F), you should cook it for 90 minutes or until the pork is about 85°C (185°F).

If you want to cook your pulled pork at 200°C (400°F), you should cook it for 15 minutes or until it is bubbling.

Resting the pork

The amount of time the pork needs to rest depends on its size and the cooking method. For air-fried pulled pork, it is generally recommended to let the meat rest for 10-15 minutes. This gives the meat time to relax and makes it easier to shred.

During the resting period, it is important to keep the pork warm. Covering it loosely with foil will help to retain the heat without making the meat sweat. If you are short on time, you can rest the pork for a minimum of 5 minutes, but the longer it rests, the more tender it will be.

While the pork is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to serve with it. Pulled pork is versatile and can be served in tacos, sandwiches, quesadillas, or with a salad. It can also be mixed with barbecue sauce for extra flavour.

Reheating the pork

If you have any leftover pulled pork, you can store it in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place the pork in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until it is heated through. You can also reheat the pork in a saucepan or the microwave.

If you have frozen your pulled pork, portion it into suitable containers and use within three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat until piping hot all the way through before serving.

Frequently asked questions