Air-Fryer Pork Loin: The Perfect Rotisserie Time

Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this meat. The high-speed circulating heat of the air fryer makes the pork tender and juicy on the inside, while the outside crisps up and brown sugar (if used) caramelises to create a flavour explosion. The key to cooking pork loin in an air fryer is to get an internal temperature of 145°F. This can be achieved by cooking the meat for 12-14 minutes per pound, or 35-40 minutes in total.

How to make a seasoning rub

While cooking a pork loin in an air fryer, you can use a seasoning rub to enhance the flavour of the meat. Here is a guide on how to make a seasoning rub for your pork loin:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. A good seasoning rub will have a blend of sweet and savoury flavours. A simple rub can be made using brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for a little heat. If you want to experiment with different spices, you can try adding chilli powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, or chipotle powder.

Once you have your ingredients, it's time to mix them together. Combine all the spices in a medium-sized bowl and mix well. You can adjust the quantities of each spice to your taste preferences. The general rule of thumb for a sweet and savoury rub is to use a 1:1 ratio of sugar to other spices. So, for example, if you're using 1/2 cup of brown sugar, you would use a total of 1/2 cup of all the other spices combined.

After you've mixed your spices, it's time to prepare the pork loin. Cut off any excess fat or "silver skin" from the meat. Then, coat the pork loin with a small amount of olive oil. This will help the seasoning rub stick to the meat.

Now, you can apply the seasoning rub to the pork loin. Use your hands to rub the spice mixture all over the meat, making sure to coat it evenly. You can also massage the rub into the meat to help it penetrate the surface and add more flavour.

Once the pork loin is coated with the seasoning rub, it's ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature and place the pork loin inside. Cook according to your air fryer's instructions, and let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

By following these steps, you can create a delicious and flavourful seasoning rub for your pork loin, which will enhance your air-fried pork dish.

How to prepare the pork loin

Preparing a pork loin in an air fryer is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, select the right cut of meat. Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender piece, while pork loin is a wider, thicker cut, similar to pork chops. For this recipe, you will need a boneless pork loin, weighing between 2 and 2.5 lbs. This size is ideal for most 5-6 qt air fryers.

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. A simple dry rub of seasonings will add flavour to your pork loin. A basic combination includes brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne for a little heat. You will also need olive oil, and some recipes suggest adding apple juice to baste the loin to keep it moist.

Now, it's time to prepare the pork. Trim any excess fat or "silver skin", a thin membrane, from the meat. Then, coat the pork loin with olive oil and generously rub in the seasoning mix, massaging it into the entire roast.

Preheat your air fryer to 360-400°F for 5 minutes. Place the pork loin inside the air fryer basket with the fat cap side up. Set the temperature to 360-400°F and air fry for 35-55 minutes. For a smaller roast, 20-22 minutes may be sufficient. Turn the meat halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

The key to juicy, tender pork is reaching the right internal temperature. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the centre of the meat has reached 145-160°F. If it hasn't, continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes.

Once the desired temperature is reached, carefully remove the pork loin from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate or cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, preventing them from escaping when you slice into the meat.

Finally, slice and serve your delicious, juicy air fryer pork loin!

Air fryer settings

Preheating

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step to ensure your pork loin cooks evenly and efficiently. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps to create a nice seared crust on the pork loin.

Temperature and Timing

The ideal temperature for cooking a pork loin in an air fryer is between 360°F and 400°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of your pork loin. For a 2-2.5 lb pork loin, cook for 45-55 minutes at 360°F. If your pork loin is larger, increase the cooking time by approximately 20 minutes per pound. For smaller pork tenderloins (1-1.5 lbs), cook at 400°F for 20-22 minutes. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked pork.

Internal Temperature

To ensure your pork loin is cooked to perfection, use an instant-read thermometer to check its internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the thickest part of the meat. The ideal internal temperature for pork is 145°F. If the internal temperature hasn't reached 145°F, continue cooking in 5-10 minute increments until it does.

Resting the Meat

Once your pork loin has finished cooking, it's essential to let it rest before slicing into it. Transfer the meat to a cutting board or plate and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes, during which time the internal temperature will continue to rise a few degrees. This resting period helps lock in the juices, ensuring your pork loin is moist and tender.

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature (360°F-400°F) for 5 minutes.
• Place the seasoned pork loin in the air fryer basket, fat cap side up.
• Set the air fryer to the selected temperature and cook for the appropriate time based on the size of your pork loin.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork loin. Continue cooking if it hasn't reached 145°F.
• Remove the pork loin from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking time

The cooking time for rotisserie pork loin in an air fryer depends on the weight of the meat and the temperature setting.

For a pork loin weighing between 2 and 2.5 lbs, cook at 360°F for 45 to 55 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the meat with an instant-read thermometer. It should be between 145°F and 160°F. If the internal temperature is below 140°F, continue cooking for another 5 to 10 minutes.

For a larger roast, increase the cooking time by approximately 20 minutes per pound. Ensure that the fit in your air fryer is not too tight, and the meat is not too close to the heating element.

For a pork loin weighing between 1 and 1.5 lbs, cook at 400°F for 20 to 22 minutes. The key is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

If you are cooking a frozen pork loin, cook at 370°F for about 60 minutes for a 2.5-lb piece of meat.

What to serve with pork loin

So, you're making a rotisserie pork loin in your air fryer and want to know what to serve with it? There are plenty of options to choose from! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Vegetables

Vegetables are always a great option to serve with pork loin. You could go for something simple like roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots. Or, if you want to get a little more creative, try making a roasted garlic cauliflower, Brussels sprouts salad, or roasted butternut squash.

Salads

If you're looking for something light and refreshing to balance out the hearty pork loin, a salad could be a great option. A simple green bean salad or a more unique option like a fig and arugula salad or butternut farro salad with blood orange vinaigrette would be delicious.

Starches

For a heartier side dish, consider serving a starch like potatoes, rice, or polenta. You could make roasted garlic Parmesan fingerling potatoes, stick-of-butter rice, or Chef John's perfect polenta. Or, if you're feeling creative, try making spaetzle tossed in brown butter and sage.

Casseroles

Casseroles are always a great option for a comforting and filling side dish. How about a creamy whipped potato casserole or an easy cauliflower casserole with cream of chicken soup and sharp cheddar cheese?

Other options

If you're looking for something a little different, you could try making sauteed cabbage and bacon, creamy coleslaw, or cheesy broccoli rice. Or, if you're feeling really adventurous, try making a spiral cut zucchini with browned garlic and fresh parsley.

No matter what you choose, just remember to have fun with it and get creative! Your side dishes will be sure to impress when served alongside your juicy and flavorful air fryer rotisserie pork loin.

Frequently asked questions