Tiffany Haney
Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a great way to get a juicy, tender roast with a nice browned crust. Pork loin is a notoriously lean cut of meat, which means it can dry out if it's overcooked. The high heat of the air fryer means the meat spends less time cooking, reducing the risk of drying out. The air fryer's hot air circulation also helps to crisp up the outside of the roast, locking in the juices inside. This method is also more energy-efficient than using an oven.
Cooking a Pork Loin in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 370°F-400°F |
| Preheat Time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes per pound (about 35-40 minutes total) |
| Internal Temperature | 145°F-160°F |
| Resting Time | 5 minutes |
| Seasonings | Brown sugar, ground mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, olive oil, honey, dijon mustard |
| Sides | Roasted vegetables, carrots, garlic bread, green beans, potatoes, onions, mashed potatoes |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of cooking a pork loin. This will ensure that your meat spends the longest time at the highest temperature, creating a nice crust on the outside and sealing in the juices.
To preheat your air fryer, start by setting it to the desired temperature. For cooking pork loin, a temperature of around 370°F to 400°F is recommended. Once you have set the temperature, let the air fryer preheat for a few minutes. Typically, 5 minutes is sufficient, but you can adjust this time depending on your air fryer model and the specific recipe you are following.
It is important to note that different air fryers may have varying preheat settings and functions. Some air fryers may have a dedicated "preheat" button or function, while others may require you to manually set the temperature and wait for it to reach the desired level. Refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions on how to preheat your particular model.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your pork loin. This includes trimming away any excess fat from the outside of the meat and applying a dry rub or seasoning blend. You can also use this time to prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with your pork loin.
Once the air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next step of placing the pork loin in the air fryer basket and following the recommended cooking instructions for the weight of your roast.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for pork loin in an air fryer depend on the weight of the meat and the size of your air fryer. It is recommended to cook the pork loin for 12-14 minutes per pound, flipping it once halfway through to ensure even cooking. For a 2-pound pork loin, this translates to a cooking time of 24 to 36 minutes. If your pork loin weighs more than 2.5 pounds, increase the cooking time by approximately 20 minutes per pound.
Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 370°F or 400°F for 5 minutes. The high heat of the air fryer will create a nice crust on the outside of the pork loin, locking in the juices and keeping the meat tender.
The pork loin is ready when its internal temperature reaches 145°F. This can be checked using an instant-read thermometer. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the pork loin from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
If you are cooking a frozen pork loin, increase the cooking time to around 60 minutes at 370°F. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F before removing it from the air fryer.
For a smaller cut of pork tenderloin, the cooking time will be shorter. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 20-22 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin. The internal temperature should also reach 145°F for this cut.
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Resting the pork loin
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pork loin from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. It is important to let the roast rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise, ensuring that the meat is cooked through and juicy. Cover the roast loosely with foil to keep it warm during the resting period.
While the pork loin is resting, you can make a simple gravy using the juices that have collected on the plate or in the air fryer pan. You can also add some chicken broth and any remaining seasoning rub to a saucepan and simmer for a few minutes. To thicken the gravy, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water and slowly pouring it into the simmering broth.
The resting period is crucial in ensuring the pork loin is cooked to perfection. During this time, the meat continues to cook, and the internal temperature can rise by several degrees. This is especially important if you are aiming for a specific final temperature. For example, if you are targeting a final internal temperature of 145°F, you can remove the pork loin from the air fryer when it reaches 140°F, as it will continue to cook during the resting period.
Additionally, the resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender. Without resting, the juices can spill out as soon as the meat is cut, resulting in a dry and less flavorful dish. Therefore, it is essential to give the pork loin enough time to rest before slicing or serving. Depending on the size of the roast, you may consider increasing the resting time to ensure optimal results.
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Reheating leftover pork loin
To reheat leftover pork loin in an air fryer, first set your air fryer to 370-380ºF (193ºC). While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the leftover pork loin slices. Place them on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle some chicken or vegetable stock over them. This adds moisture and flavor to the meat. You can also seal the pork loin in the foil, creating a packet that traps steam and moisture. Make sure the packet is well-sealed to prevent any leaks.
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the foil-wrapped pork loin packet into the air fryer basket and reheat for 5-10 minutes. If you prefer a crisp exterior, remove the pork from the foil and place it directly into the air fryer. Reheat for an additional 2-3 minutes at 400ºF (204ºC). Keep a close eye on the pork to avoid any sizzling or burning.
It is important to note that reheating times may vary depending on the size and weight of the leftover pork loin. Always use tongs or heat-resistant gloves when handling hot foods.
Leftover pork loin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you plan to store it for longer, it is best to freeze it, which can be done for up to 3 months.
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Seasoning and brine
Brining your pork loin is a great way to add flavour and moisture to the meat. To make a brine, use a standard recipe of 4 tablespoons of kosher salt to 4 cups of cold water. Place the pork loin in a zip-top bag or large bowl with the brine, ensuring it is fully submerged. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 3 hours. After brining, pat the meat dry and omit salt from the rest of the recipe, as the pork loin will already be salted from the brine.
If you are short on time, you can skip the brining process and simply season the pork loin before cooking. Start by trimming away any excess fat from the outside of the pork loin. Then, rub the pork loin with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and trap the juices. You can use a store-bought seasoning mix, or make your own rub from scratch. A simple seasoning rub can be made from a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. You can also add a dash of cayenne for some heat. Coat the pork loin with the seasoning rub, using almost all of it. Any remaining rub can be used to make a quick gravy.
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer to 370°F or 400°F. Next, trim away any excess fat from the outside of the pork loin and rub it with olive oil. You can then add your choice of seasoning. Finally, place the pork loin in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-14 minutes per pound, flipping once to ensure even cooking.
The cooking time depends on the weight of the pork loin. A 2.5lb piece of meat should be cooked for around 60 minutes. A 1lb pork loin will take 20-22 minutes to cook, while a 1.5lb loin will take 22-27 minutes.
The ideal temperature for cooking pork loin in an air fryer is 145°F. This is the internal temperature that the roast should reach.
Place slices of leftover pork loin in a preheated air fryer at 370°F for about 3 minutes until warmed through.
