Air-Fried Pork: The Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Cooking pork roast in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this dish. The air fryer's ability to produce tender and juicy meat with minimal prep time makes it a popular choice for home cooks. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the roast and the specific air fryer model, but generally, it takes around 40 to 70 minutes to cook a pork roast in an air fryer.

To ensure a delicious and evenly cooked pork roast, it is recommended to apply a dry rub of seasonings and let the meat rest in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking. During cooking, it is essential to monitor the internal temperature of the meat, aiming for a minimum of 140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

With its simplicity and mouth-watering results, air-fried pork roast is an excellent option for a family dinner or a special occasion.

How to prepare the pork for roasting

Preparing a pork roast for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few steps.

Firstly, pat the pork roast dry with paper towels. This will help the rub to stick to the meat. Next, prepare your chosen rub or seasoning. A dry rub is a great option, as it will add flavour to the pork and help it to develop a delicious crust. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or create your own blend of spices. For example, a combination of brown sugar, ground mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Alternatively, you could try a rub of garlic, rosemary and salt, crushed together to make a paste. Once you have prepared your rub, generously coat the pork with it.

At this point, some recipes suggest refrigerating the pork for 4-24 hours to allow the flavours of the rub to develop. However, this step is not necessary if you are short on time.

When you are ready to cook the pork, preheat your air fryer to around 360°F for 5 minutes. Place the pork inside the air fryer, with the fat cap or skin side facing up. Set the air fryer to cook for around 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145-160°F.

The ideal temperature to cook pork in an air fryer

For a 2-2.5lb roast, one source recommends preheating the air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes and then cooking for 45-55 minutes. Another source recommends cooking a 2lb roast at 360°F for 50 minutes (25 minutes per pound of meat).

For a 3.5lb roast, one source recommends cooking at 325°F for 50-70 minutes.

It is important to note that the internal temperature of the pork should reach at least 140°F-145°F. The roast will continue to cook once removed from the air fryer, so it is recommended to remove it when the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

Additionally, it is suggested to let the pork rest for at least 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to settle and keep the meat tender and juicy.

How long to cook the pork for

The cooking time for pork in an air fryer depends on the weight of the meat, the cut, and the temperature of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook pork to a temperature of 145°F (63°C) to 160°F (71°C).

For a 2-pound boneless pork loin roast, cook at 360°F (180°C) for 45 to 50 minutes. For a 3.5-pound pork loin roast, cook at 325°F (163°C) for 50 to 70 minutes.

For a 2-pound roast, you can estimate a cooking time of 25 minutes per pound of meat, or 50 minutes total. For larger roasts, increase the cooking time by approximately 20 minutes per pound.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the brand of the air fryer, so it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to the desired temperature.

After removing the pork from the air fryer, let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier and more tender roast.

How to make a rub for the pork

To make a rub for your pork, you'll want to combine a mix of sweet, salty, savory, and spicy ingredients. Here are some suggestions for ingredients you can use:

• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme
• Ground mustard
• Chili powder

You can mix and match these ingredients to your taste preferences and combine them in a bowl. You can also add olive oil to the mixture or use it to coat the pork before applying the rub. Once you've made your rub, you can store it in an airtight container for up to six months.

When you're ready to cook your pork, rub a generous amount of the mixture onto all sides of the meat. For the best flavour, let the meat marinate in the rub for at least one hour and up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

What to serve with the pork

Now that you've got your pork roast in the air fryer, you can start thinking about what to serve with it. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your juicy air-fried pork roast:

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are always a great option, especially if you want to keep things healthy. Try a mix of spring vegetables, such as carrots, asparagus, or green beans, which go well with pork. You could also roast some butternut squash with kale for a nutritious option, or go for maple-roasted carrots with a yogurt sauce for something a little sweeter. If you're short on time, throw some air fryer vegetables or broccoli in the air fryer—they'll be ready in under 15 minutes!

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish, and there are plenty of ways to prepare them. You could make mashed potatoes, slice-baked potatoes, or even potato soup. For something more indulgent, try potatoes au gratin or loaded potato skins.

Salads

A crisp salad can provide a refreshing contrast to your juicy pork roast. An arugula salad with apple and pecan is a great option for something seasonal, or you could try a Mexican street corn salad or a Greek pasta salad for something more substantial.

Casseroles

Casseroles are a great option if you want to serve something hearty and comforting. A broccoli-cheese casserole or a macaroni and cheese casserole are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

Stuffing

If you're serving your pork roast during the holidays, a stuffing could be a festive option. Try an apple-cranberry stuffing for something sweet and savory.

Breads

No meal is complete without some delicious bread on the side. Dinner rolls or garlic breadsticks are always a good choice, but if you want something more flavorful, you could try jalapeño cornbread.

Soups

A warm bowl of soup can be a great way to start your meal, especially if you're serving your pork roast during the colder months. A sweet potato, carrot, apple, and red lentil soup would be a perfect pairing.

Fruits

Fruits can add a nice touch of sweetness to your meal. Try making a homemade applesauce, or, for something more elegant, a cranberry lentil quinoa salad.

With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect side dishes to complement your air-fried pork roast!

Frequently asked questions