Tiffany Haney
Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is an easy way to make tender, juicy pork with a browned crust. The cooking time depends on the size of the roast, with a smaller roast taking 30-40 minutes to cook, and a larger roast taking 40-60 minutes. The key to cooking pork loin in an air fryer is to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium doneness and 160°F for well-done. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the pork.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 360°F-400°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking time | 12-14 minutes per pound, 35-45 minutes in total |
| Internal temperature | 145°F-160°F |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
| Meat type | Boneless pork loin |
| Meat weight | 3 pounds |
| Meat size | 5-6qt |
| Seasoning | Salt, brown sugar, pepper, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking pork loin, as it ensures the meat spends the longest time at the highest temperature, creating a nice crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
To preheat your air fryer, start by setting it to the desired temperature and letting it heat up for a few minutes. Most recipes recommend cooking pork loin at 360°F to 370°F (180°C-190°C), with some going as high as 400°F. The time needed to preheat your air fryer will depend on the model, but most modern air fryers will preheat in just a few minutes. You can usually find the preheat setting on your air fryer, or you can simply set it to the desired temperature and let it heat up.
It's important to note that the size of your pork loin roast will determine the cooking time and temperature. A larger roast will take longer to cook and may require a lower temperature to ensure even cooking. On the other hand, a smaller roast will cook faster and may require a higher temperature to achieve the desired crust.
Once your air fryer is preheated, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe. Place the seasoned pork loin in the air fryer basket and cook according to the recipe's instructions, flipping the meat halfway through for even cooking.
Remember, the key to cooking pork loin in an air fryer is achieving that perfect balance between a crispy, golden crust on the outside and tender, juicy meat on the inside. By preheating your air fryer, you're well on your way to achieving that balance and enjoying a delicious meal.
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Trim excess fat
Trimming excess fat from a pork loin is an important step in preparing the meat for cooking in an air fryer. This is because pork loin is a very lean cut of meat, with little internal fat. By trimming away any thick areas of external fat, you can ensure more even cooking and improve the overall texture and taste of the final dish.
When trimming excess fat from a pork loin, it is best to use a sharp knife. Carefully trim the fat from the outside of the meat, cutting down to about 1/8th to 1/4th of an inch. This will leave a thin layer of fat on the surface, which helps to keep the meat moist and juicy during cooking. It is important to note that the amount of fat trimmed may vary depending on personal preference and the specific cut of meat. Some people prefer to leave more fat on the loin for added flavour, while others may opt for a leaner cut.
Additionally, when trimming the fat, be mindful of the underlying meat. Avoid cutting too deeply into the loin, as this can affect the overall shape and size of the roast. Make precise and controlled cuts to ensure that you only remove the desired amount of fat. It is always better to trim less initially and then go back and trim off a little more if needed.
Finally, after trimming the fat, it is essential to pat the meat dry with a paper towel. This step helps to remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the seasoning or rub adheres better to the surface of the meat. Once trimmed and patted dry, the pork loin is ready for the next steps in the cooking process, such as seasoning and cooking in the air fryer.
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Seasoning and spices
Choosing Your Seasonings and Spices
The great thing about seasoning a pork loin is that you can get creative and experiment with different combinations. You can opt for a simple seasoning with just salt and pepper, or go for something more complex by adding herbs and spices. Some popular choices for pork loin include garlic, rosemary, sage, thyme, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. These seasonings can be used alone or in combination to create a unique flavour profile.
Making a Dry Rub
A dry rub is a mixture of spices, herbs, and other seasonings that are combined and rubbed onto the surface of the pork loin before air frying. This technique is excellent for infusing flavour into the meat and creating a delicious crust. You can make your own dry rub by mixing your chosen seasonings in a small bowl. For example, you can combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. You could also add a dash of ground mustard and cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Applying the Seasoning
Once you've trimmed any excess fat from your pork loin, it's time to apply the seasoning. Using your hands or a spoon, generously coat the entire surface of the meat with the dry rub. Massage the seasoning into the pork loin, ensuring it is evenly distributed. You can also add a light coating of olive oil to the pork loin before applying the rub, which will help the seasonings stick and promote even browning.
Cooking Instructions
After your pork loin is seasoned, it's time to cook it in your preheated air fryer. Place the pork loin in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is not overcrowded, and set the temperature and timer according to your air fryer's instructions. For a 3-pound pork loin, cook at 360°F to 370°F for 35 to 45 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking process. The internal temperature of the pork loin should reach 145°F for medium doneness.
Resting and Serving
Once the pork loin has finished cooking, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board or plate. Allow the meat to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing, as this helps retain its juices and ensures a tender, juicy texture. Serve your juicy, flavourful air-fried pork loin with your favourite sides, such as roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or potatoes and onions. Enjoy!
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for a small pork loin in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the joint and the desired level of doneness. It's recommended that you preheat your air fryer before cooking the pork to give the meat the longest time at the highest temperature.
As a general rule, you should cook pork loin in an air fryer for 12-14 minutes per pound, flipping it once halfway through to ensure even cooking. A 3-pound pork loin roast will be done in 35-45 minutes, with the temperature set to 370°F. A smaller roast will take 30-40 minutes, while a larger roast will take 40-60 minutes.
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 pork with an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F for medium doneness and 160°F for well-done pork.
If you prefer your pork with no pink, you can cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F. Keep in mind that the outside of the roast may get dark during the cooking process, so you may need to turn down the temperature for the last 15-20 minutes.
For a pork tenderloin, which is a different cut of meat than pork loin, the cooking time and temperature will vary. Pork tenderloin is a thinner, boneless cut of meat that usually weighs between 1 and 1.5 pounds. It is typically cooked at a higher temperature of 400°F for 20-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
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Resting and serving
While the meat is resting, you can make a simple gravy to accompany the pork loin. Since pork loin is a very lean cut, there won't be any juices to collect from cooking it. However, you can make a gravy by adding 1 cup of chicken broth to a saucepan, along with any remaining seasoning rub mix. Simmer this for about 5 minutes, and then slowly add a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with 4 tablespoons of cold water) to thicken the gravy. You can also add in any juices that have collected on the plate or in the air fryer pan while the meat was resting.
Pork loin is best served with a variety of sides. You can pair it with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, broccoli, or baby potatoes. Garlic bread is also a great option to complement the meal. If you're serving the pork loin during the holidays, you might opt for heartier sides, such as butternut squash casserole or mashed cauliflower.
Leftover pork loin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it in a ziplock bag for up to 6 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
A small pork loin roast should take between 30 to 40 minutes in the air fryer.
The air fryer should be set to 360°F to 370°F.
The pork loin should reach an internal temperature of 145°F to 160°F.
You can trim away any excess fat and then rub the pork loin with seasonings and a small amount of oil.
You can use a variety of seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and brown sugar.
