Tiffany Haney
Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a great way to get a juicy and tender roast with a nice crust on the outside. The high heat of the air fryer means the meat spends less time cooking, reducing the risk of it drying out. It's also a quick and easy way to cook pork loin, taking less than an hour to prepare and serve.
To cook pork loin in an air fryer, you'll want to start with a boneless cut of meat. Then, you can choose to brine the pork loin or coat it with olive oil and a seasoning rub. Once seasoned, the pork loin is placed in the air fryer basket and cooked for 12-14 minutes per pound, flipping it halfway through. After cooking, the pork loin should be left to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat type | Boneless pork loin |
| Meat weight | 1-3 lbs |
| Meat temperature | 145°F |
| Air fryer temperature | 370-400°F |
| Air fryer preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Total cooking time | 20-60 minutes |
| Resting time | 3-10 minutes |
| Meat coating | Olive oil |
| Seasoning | Brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, oregano, cinnamon, chili powder |
| Side dishes | Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, carrots, garlic bread, green beans, potatoes and onions |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork
First, it's important to understand the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin. Pork loin is a wide and fat cut from the back of the animal, and it's perfect for oven-roasting or air frying. It's also usually more affordable. On the other hand, pork tenderloin is leaner and more tender, coming from the muscle that runs along the backbone. It's a pricier option and is better suited for quick-cooking methods like grilling.
When selecting a pork loin for air frying, opt for a boneless cut. The size of the roast you choose will depend on the capacity of your air fryer. For example, a 3-pound roast fits well in a 2.6-quart air fryer. If you're cooking for a larger group, consider using two air fryers or opting for a different cooking method, as larger cuts like pork butt or pork shoulder may not be ideal for the air fryer due to their size.
For pork tenderloin, choose a cut that is between 1 to 1.5 pounds. This will ensure even cooking in the air fryer. If you're cooking for a smaller group, a 1-pound tenderloin will be perfect, and you'll need about 20 minutes in the air fryer. For a larger tenderloin, around 1.5 pounds, allow for 22 minutes of cooking time.
When shopping for pork chops, you have the option of choosing bone-in or boneless cuts. Bone-in chops have more flavour but take longer to cook. Boneless chops, on the other hand, are easier to eat and are less likely to dry out. Thicker chops, regardless of whether they are bone-in or boneless, are preferable for the air fryer as they will char beautifully. Aim for chops that are at least 1 inch thick, with the ideal thickness being between 1 ½ to 2 inches.
With these tips in mind, you'll be able to choose the right cut of pork for your air fryer creations, ensuring juicy, tender, and flavourful results every time.
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Brining and seasoning the pork
Brining your pork loin is a great way to add flavour and moisture to the meat. To brine your pork, start by making a standard brine solution using 4 tablespoons of kosher salt to 4 cups of cold water. Place the pork in a zip-top bag or large bowl, cover it with the brine solution, and leave it in the fridge for 1 to 3 hours. After brining, pat the pork dry and omit salt from the rest of the recipe.
If you don't want to brine your pork, you can simply season it with a dry rub. A typical seasoning mix includes brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. You can also add a dash of cayenne for some heat. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought seasoning mix, such as poultry seasoning, which includes sage and thyme.
Once you've prepared your brine or seasoning, coat the pork loin with olive oil and then apply the dry rub or brine. If you're using a dry rub, you can let the pork sit in the fridge overnight to absorb the flavours.
If you're cooking a frozen pork loin, you won't be able to apply a dry rub as it won't stick. In this case, you can start cooking the pork and then apply the seasoning halfway through.
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Preheating the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your pork loin reaches the perfect temperature and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer for cooking pork loin:
Firstly, ensure your air fryer is set to the correct temperature. For cooking pork loin, you should preheat your air fryer to 370°F-400°F. Different air fryers may have varying preheat settings, so refer to your appliance's instructions. This temperature range is ideal for achieving a crispy, golden crust on the outside of the pork loin while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Next, allow sufficient time for preheating. Depending on the model of your air fryer, it can take a few minutes to reach the desired temperature. For example, some recipes suggest preheating for 5 minutes at 400°F. Check your air fryer's manual or the recipe instructions for the recommended preheat time and temperature.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your pork loin. Trim away any excess fat or silver skin from the meat. This step helps ensure even cooking and improves the final texture. You can also create a brine solution by mixing kosher salt with cold water and submerging the pork loin in it for 1-3 hours in the refrigerator. This step is optional but helps add flavour and moisture to the meat. Just remember to pat the meat dry and omit salt from your seasoning if you choose to brine.
Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next steps of cooking your pork loin. Remember to follow the subsequent instructions carefully, including cooking time and temperature adjustments, to ensure your pork loin turns out perfectly cooked and delicious.
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Cooking the pork
Brining (Optional):
Firstly, you have the option to brine the pork loin to add flavour and moisture. To do this, prepare a standard brine solution of 4 tablespoons of kosher salt to 4 cups of cold water. Submerge the pork loin in the brine solution in a zip-top bag or bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours. After brining, pat the meat dry and omit salt from the rest of the recipe.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheating the air fryer is an important step as it ensures the meat spends the longest time at the highest temperature, helping to create a nice crust. Preheat your air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Pork Loin:
Trim away any excess fat or silver skin from the pork loin. If you brined the meat, omit this step as the pork will already be salted. Otherwise, you can coat the roast with olive oil and add a seasoning rub. A typical seasoning rub may include brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne for heat. Alternatively, you can use store-bought seasoning mixes or make your own poultry seasoning with sage and thyme.
Air Frying:
Place the pork loin in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-14 minutes per pound, flipping it once halfway through to ensure even cooking. For a 2-pound pork loin, this will take around 24 to 36 minutes. If you are cooking a frozen pork loin, increase the cooking time to around 60 minutes. The roast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, which can be measured with an instant-read thermometer.
Resting:
Once the desired internal temperature is reached, carefully remove the pork loin from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board or plate. Loosely cover it with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy roast.
Serving:
Pork loin pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, potatoes, and gravy. Enjoy your delicious and juicy air-fried pork loin!
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Reheating and storing leftovers
Leftover pork loin fillets can be reheated in the air fryer at 370°F for about 3 minutes. If you're reheating a frozen pork loin, increase the cooking time to 60 minutes. If you're reheating slices of pork tenderloin, start with 3 minutes at 400°F and add a minute or two at a time if needed.
Leftover pork can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. As long as the pork has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, it is safe to eat. If you prefer your pork with no pink, cook it to an internal temperature of about 155°F.
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Frequently asked questions
Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 5 minutes. Once the air fryer is 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 loin. It is recommended to cook the pork loin for 12-14 minutes per pound (about 35-40 minutes total), flipping once to ensure even cooking.
Brining the pork loin before cooking is a great way to add flavour and moisture to the meat. You can also coat the pork loin with olive oil before adding the seasoning rub to help keep the meat juicy.
The pork loin is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can check this by using a meat thermometer.
