Ella Walter
Cooking pork fillet in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender piece of meat. The high heat of the air fryer means the pork fillet cooks quickly and evenly, resulting in a delicious browned crust on the outside and a juicy, tender centre. This method is ideal for a lean cut of pork like a pork fillet or tenderloin, as it ensures the meat doesn't dry out.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking time | 13-22 minutes |
| Meat weight | 1-3 lbs |
| Meat type | Boneless pork loin |
| Resting time | 3-5 minutes |
| Sides | Mashed potatoes, green beans, broccoli, roasted vegetables, carrots, garlic bread, potatoes and onions |
| Seasoning | Brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, cayenne |
| Brine | 4 tablespoons kosher salt to 4 cups of cold water |
| Internal temperature | 145°F |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your pork fillet will cook evenly and efficiently, achieving that sought-after browned crust on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Firstly, remove the pork from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. This will bring the meat closer to room temperature and ensure a more even cook. Pat the pork fillet dry with a paper towel, and if necessary, cut the fillet into halves or thirds so that it fits comfortably in your air fryer with a little space between each piece for the air to circulate.
Next, preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F for 5 minutes. The exact temperature will depend on the size of your pork fillet and the specific model of your air fryer, so be sure to refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the pork fillet by drizzling it with oil and seasoning. For a simple seasoning, try a mixture of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, for a sweet and spicy flavour profile, combine coconut sugar or brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. Rub the seasoning mix generously onto the pork fillet, ensuring it sticks to all sides of the meat.
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Prep the pork fillet
To prep the pork fillet, start by removing it from the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. Dry the pork fillet thoroughly with a paper towel. If your pork fillet is particularly large, you may need to cut it in half or into thirds so that it fits comfortably in your air fryer. Next, trim away any excess fat or silver skin from the pork fillet.
Now, it's time to coat the pork fillet. Drizzle or brush oil onto the pork fillet—a teaspoon of oil should be enough to thoroughly coat a standard-sized fillet. You can also add half a teaspoon of seasoning to the oil before tossing the pork fillet to coat it. Alternatively, you can prepare a dry rub with a combination of spices like brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne for heat. Coat the pork fillet with the dry rub, pressing it into the meat with your hands to help it stick.
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Cook the pork fillet
To cook a pork fillet in an air fryer, start by removing the pork from the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. Pat the skin dry with a paper towel, then score it with a sharp knife, creating a diamond pattern without cutting into the flesh.
Drizzle the pork fillet with oil and season with salt. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, and pepper. Rub the seasonings into the pork fillet, ensuring it is thoroughly coated.
Place the pork fillet into the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece if cooking multiple fillets to allow for air circulation. Set the air fryer temperature to between 360°F and 400°F, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes per pound of pork. A 450g/1lb pork fillet will take around 13 minutes to cook, while a 2lb pork fillet will take 24 to 36 minutes.
Check if the pork is cooked by inserting a knife into the thickest part and ensuring the meat is nearly white in the centre. The internal temperature should reach 145°F, or 155°F if you prefer no pink in the meat. Once cooked, remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Rest the pork fillet
Resting the pork fillet is an important step in the cooking process. Once the pork fillet is cooked, it should be removed from the air fryer and placed on a plate or cutting board. It is important to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring that the pork fillet stays moist and juicy. The ideal resting time is between 3 to 5 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature of the meat will also increase slightly, ensuring that it reaches the recommended temperature for safe consumption.
While the pork fillet is resting, it is a good idea to cover it loosely with foil. This helps to keep the meat warm and also allows the steam to escape. If you don't have foil, you can also use a large bowl or a pot with a lid to cover the meat. It is important to ensure that the meat is not completely sealed, as this can cause condensation to form and make the crackling lose its crispness.
The size of the pork fillet will also determine the resting time. For larger cuts of meat, a longer resting time of up to 20 minutes may be required. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. If you are cooking a smaller pork fillet, a shorter resting time of around 3 to 5 minutes is sufficient.
During the resting time, you can also prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with the pork fillet. This ensures that the meal is still hot and fresh when served. Some side dishes that pair well with pork fillet include roasted vegetables, potatoes, and green beans.
After the resting period, you can then slice the pork fillet and serve it with your chosen sides. It is important to note that the pork fillet will continue to release some juices as it rests, so you may want to save these juices to add extra flavour to your meal.
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Reheat and store
Leftover pork fillet can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It can also be well wrapped and frozen. It is recommended to store the cooked fillet whole and reheat it before slicing, as this will help it retain its juices.
To reheat in the air fryer, set the temperature to 200°C/390°F and cook for around a third of the original cooking time. For example, if the pork was cooked for 13 minutes, reheat for 4-5 minutes. Check that the meat is piping hot all the way through and cook for longer if needed.
You can also reheat the pork fillet in the microwave or in a pan on the stove.
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Frequently asked questions
Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 5 minutes. Once preheated, keep the temperature at 400°F and set the time for 20-22 minutes.
The cooking time depends on the weight of the pork fillet. A 450g/1lb pork fillet will take 13 minutes to cook with a slight blush of pink remaining in the centre. If you would like no pink, add another 2 minutes to the cooking time.
Dry the pork fillet with a paper towel and trim any excess fat or silver skin. Drizzle or coat the fillet with oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper.
Check that the pork is cooked by making a cut in the centre of the thickest part of the meat. The meat should be nearly white. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 145°F.
