Air Fryer Pork Loin: Cooking The Perfect Smithfield Treat

Cooking a Smithfield pork loin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender meal. With an air fryer, you can have a perfectly cooked pork loin on the table in under 30 minutes. The key to success is preheating the air fryer to get a nice seared crust on the outside of the meat, and using a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches the desired internal temperature of 145°F to 160°F.

Preheat the air fryer to 370-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. Not only does it ensure your pork loin cooks evenly, but it also helps to create a nice seared crust on the outside. This will give the meat the longest time at the highest temperature, resulting in a perfect bite every time.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to between 370-400°F. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes before placing your seasoned pork loin inside. This step is especially important if you want a crispy, golden crust on your pork loin.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your pork loin. Start by trimming away any excess fat from the outside of the meat. Then, pat the pork loin dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and ensure a crispy crust.

Once your pork loin is dry, it's time to season it. In a small bowl, mix together your chosen spices, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add brown sugar to your spice mix for extra flavor and caramelization. Once your spices are mixed, rub the pork loin all over with the seasoning mix, making sure to coat it evenly.

By the time your pork loin is seasoned, your air fryer should be preheated and ready to go. Now, you can place the pork loin in the air fryer basket and follow the remaining cooking instructions.

Pat the pork dry and rub with oil and spices

To prepare your Smithfield pork loin for cooking in an air fryer, start by patting the pork dry with a paper towel. This will help to remove any excess moisture, ensuring that the meat cooks evenly and develops a nice crust.

Next, you'll want to rub the pork with oil. You can use olive oil or another type of oil of your choice. Coating the meat with a thin layer of oil helps the seasonings stick to the surface and also helps to keep the pork moist and juicy during cooking.

Now it's time to add your spices. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to season your pork loin, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, brown sugar, or dijon mustard. Mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl, then use your hands or a brush to rub the spice mixture all over the surface of the pork loin. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for even flavour distribution.

If your pork loin has a thick layer of fat on the outside, you may want to trim some of it away before adding the spices. This will help ensure that the spices penetrate the meat and enhance the flavour.

Once your pork loin is patted dry, coated in oil, and generously spiced, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer. Remember to preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 370-400°F, for the best results and to create a nice crust on the exterior of the meat.

Place in the air fryer basket

Place the pork in the air fryer basket. If your pork tenderloin is too long for your air fryer basket, you can cut it in half so you have two pieces side by side. Make sure the air fryer basket is greased. If your pork tenderloin won't fit in the basket, you can slice it in half and cook it in two batches.

It's important to preheat your air fryer before cooking the pork to get a nice seared crust. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F or 400°F. If you're cooking a frozen pork loin, preheat the air fryer to 350°F to 400°F and cook for 60 minutes.

If your Smithfield pork loin is marinated, cook it to an internal temperature of 145°F (medium-rare) to 160°F (medium) when measured in the thickest part of the meat. For a regular pork loin, cook it to an internal temperature of 145°F to 155°F.

Cook for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 8-10 minutes

Cooking a pork loin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender roast. The air fryer ensures a nice crust on the outside and a juicy inside.

To cook your Smithfield pork loin, start by preheating your air fryer to 370-400°F. While it's heating up, pat the pork loin dry with a paper towel, then rub it with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. You can use a simple dry rub of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, or try a mixture of brown sugar, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Once your pork loin is seasoned and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook. Place the pork in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Then, flip the roast and cook for another 8-10 minutes. This timing is for a pork loin that weighs around 1.5 pounds. If your pork loin is a different size, you'll need to adjust the cooking time. As a rule of thumb, allow 12-14 minutes of cooking time per pound of pork.

After flipping your pork loin, it's important to keep an eye on the internal temperature. The pork is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the meat. This temperature will give you a medium-rare roast. If you prefer your pork more well-done, you can cook it to an internal temperature of 160°F for a medium roast.

Once your pork loin reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender roast.

With the air fryer's help, you can have a delicious and juicy Smithfield pork loin ready in about 20 minutes. It's a quick, easy, and tasty way to cook pork loin, perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Rest for 5 minutes before slicing

Allowing your Smithfield pork loin to rest for 5 minutes before slicing is a crucial step in the cooking process. This resting period gives the meat time to reabsorb its juices, ensuring that your pork loin stays moist and tender. It is important to note that the pork loin will continue to cook during this resting period, so it is best to remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F to 155°F, as it will reach the safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F during the resting period.

Resting the meat also allows you to check that it is cooked properly. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for pork, which can be measured using a meat thermometer. This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria are killed, making the pork safe to eat. A temperature of 145°F will result in medium-rare pork, while 160°F is considered medium.

During the resting period, the juices redistribute within the meat, preventing them from flowing out when you slice the pork loin. This helps to maintain the moisture and flavour of the meat, resulting in a more enjoyable dining experience.

Additionally, the resting period gives you time to prepare any side dishes or finalise your meal preparations. You can use this time to roast some vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, or potatoes and onions, which pair well with the juicy flavours of the pork loin.

Finally, resting the meat before slicing gives you the opportunity to present the pork loin in an appealing manner. You can use this time to carefully slice the meat into even portions, ensuring that each serving is aesthetically pleasing and ready for your dining pleasure.

Frequently asked questions