Air-Fried Pork Loin: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a great way to get a juicy, tender roast with a flavorful browned crust. The high heat of the air fryer means the meat spends less time cooking, reducing the risk of it drying out. This method is also quicker and easier than oven-roasting, and you're less likely to have a mess to clean up afterwards. To get started, you'll need to trim the fat from a boneless pork loin and rub it with a mixture of seasonings, including olive oil, salt, pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, and thyme. Then, preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F and cook the pork for 10-15 minutes per pound, flipping it halfway through. Once the internal temperature reaches 145-160°F, your pork loin is ready to be devoured!

Choosing the right cut of pork

First, decide between pork loin and pork tenderloin. These two cuts come from different parts of the animal and have distinct characteristics. Pork loin is a wider, fattier, and more economical cut taken from the back of the pig. It's perfect for air frying as it benefits from high-temperature cooking, which creates a delicious crust on the outside while keeping the meat juicy. On the other hand, pork tenderloin is leaner and more tender, coming from the muscle along the backbone, and it tends to be pricier.

If you opt for pork loin, look for a roast that fits comfortably in your air fryer. Once a pork loin roast exceeds 2.5 pounds, pay close attention to the size to ensure it doesn't touch the heating element. If you have a larger air fryer (5-6 quarts or more), you can accommodate larger roasts and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

For pork tenderloin, the size will typically range between 1 to 1.5 pounds. This cut is ideal for air frying as it cooks quickly and evenly, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

When selecting pork chops, you have the option of bone-in or boneless. Bone-in chops offer 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, ideally between 1.5 to 2 inches, are preferable for air frying as they allow for a beautiful char on all sides.

Lastly, consider the overall weight and size of the pork cut you choose. Air fryer cooking times are largely dependent on the weight of the meat, with most recipes recommending a certain number of minutes per pound. A larger roast or thicker chops will require a longer cooking time to ensure they reach the desired internal temperature.

Remember, choosing the right cut of pork for your air fryer ensures not only that it fits properly but also that it cooks evenly and results in juicy, tender meat.

Preparing the meat

Selecting the Right Cut of Pork

Firstly, ensure you have the right cut of pork. Pork loin is a wide, fat cut from the back of the animal, while pork tenderloin is lean, tender, and comes from a muscle running along the backbone. Pork loin is perfect for oven-roasting and, therefore, also ideal for the air fryer.

Trimming and Brining the Pork Loin

Before applying any seasonings, trim away any excess fat or silver skin from the outside of the pork loin. Brining the pork loin is an excellent way to add flavour and moisture to this lean cut of meat. Prepare a standard brine solution of 4 tablespoons of kosher salt to 4 cups of cold water. Submerge the pork loin in this solution and 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.

Seasoning the Pork Loin

You can create a simple seasoning rub with a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Coat the pork loin with olive oil, and then apply the seasoning rub generously. Any leftover rub can be used to make gravy. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought seasoning mix.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer before cooking the pork to achieve a nice seared crust. Set the temperature to 370°F to 400°F, depending on your preference and the specific model of your air fryer. Preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure the meat spends the longest time at the highest temperature.

Portioning the Pork Loin

If your pork loin is quite large, consider slicing it into halves or more manageable pieces. This is especially important if your air fryer is on the smaller side, ensuring the meat fits comfortably without being too close to the heating element. Cooking in batches may be necessary for larger cuts of pork loin.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for pork loin in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the meat and the size of your air fryer. It is important to preheat your air fryer before cooking the pork to get a nice seared crust.

For a 2.5-pound piece of pork loin, cook for 60 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit until the roast hits an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If your pork loin is larger than 2.5 pounds, increase the cooking time by approximately 20 minutes per pound.

For a 3-pound roast, one source recommends cooking it in an air fryer at 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes, removing it at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. However, this source notes that the temperature may need to be adjusted depending on your location.

Another source recommends cooking the pork loin for 12-14 minutes per pound (about 35-40 minutes total) at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping it once to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer no pink, cook until the internal temperature reaches about 155 degrees Fahrenheit.

For pork tenderloin, which is a different cut of meat from pork loin, the cooking time and temperature will vary. Pork tenderloin is thinner and will take less time to cook. One source recommends cooking pork tenderloin at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, then flipping it and reducing the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cooking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Another source recommends cooking pork tenderloin for 10-12 minutes at an unspecified temperature, flipping it halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Resting and slicing

Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pork loin from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise several degrees during this time. This step is important as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender.

While the pork loin is resting, you can make a simple gravy by adding 1 cup of chicken broth to a saucepan, along with any remaining seasoning rub mix. Simmer this for about 5 minutes, adding in any juices that have collected on the plate or in the air fryer pan during the resting time. In a separate cup or small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water, then slowly pour this slurry into the simmering broth to thicken it.

After the resting time has passed, transfer the pork loin to a cutting board if it isn't already on one. Slice the pork loin, and serve with the gravy. Any leftover pork loin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Reheating and storing leftovers

Leftover pork loin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. To freeze, place the cooked and cooled loin in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Leftover pork loin fillets can be reheated in the air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes. If reheating a frozen pork loin, let a 2.5-pound piece of meat cook for 60 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pork loin is a lean cut of meat, which means it can dry out if overcooked. The air fryer's high heat allows the meat to be cooked in less time, so it doesn't dry out as much, and it gives the meat a flavorful browned crust. Brining the pork loin before cooking is a great way to add flavor and moisture to the meat.

Frequently asked questions