Marianne Martinez
Cooking a pork roast in an air fryer is a simple and tasty way to create a delicious meal. With minimal preparation, a few simple ingredients, and a short cooking time, you can achieve a juicy and tender roast with the perfect crispy crackling. This method is a great way to free up oven space and save on energy costs. Plus, with leftovers that can be stored for several days, it's a convenient option for quick and easy meals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking time | 12-15 minutes per pound at 360° F or 400° F |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Total time | 40 minutes |
| Pork roast weight | 1.14-3 lbs |
| Air fryer size | 5-6 qt |
| Internal temperature | 145°-160° F |
| Seasoning | Brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, Montreal steak seasoning |
| Sides | Mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, broccoli, roasted baby potatoes, carrots, apple sauce |
| Storage | Leftover pork roast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork
Type of Roast:
The two most commonly confused roasts are pork loin and pork tenderloin. Pork loin is a wider and larger cut, typically weighing between 3 to 5 pounds. It is mild in flavour and can be purchased on the bone (crown roast) or boneless. Boneless pork loin is a good option if you want to make chops or cut down the roast into smaller pieces. On the other hand, pork tenderloin is a thinner, leaner, and darker cut, usually weighing around 1.5 pounds. It cooks quicker at higher temperatures and is perfect for a low-prep, smaller gathering.
Fat Content:
The fat content in pork is crucial to achieving a juicy and flavourful roast. While some may prefer leaner cuts, fat insulates the meat, keeping it moist during cooking. Pork loin, for example, has a cap of fat running along its top, which can be removed after cooking if desired. If you opt for a leaner cut like pork tenderloin, consider adding an extra layer of fat, such as bacon, to prevent the meat from drying out.
Intended Serving Size:
Consider the number of people you plan to serve when choosing your cut. Pork loin is often recommended for feeding a crowd, as it typically yields more meat. Leftovers can also be used for sandwiches or other dishes. Tenderloin, due to its smaller size, may not be sufficient for a large group unless you have multiple roasts.
Cooking Method:
The cooking method you plan to use can influence your choice of pork cut. For air fryer roasts, consider the size of your air fryer basket and the weight of the roast. A roast that is too large may not fit properly, affecting cooking times and results. Pork loin, for instance, is a good option for most 5-6 qt air fryers.
Personal Preference:
Lastly, consider your personal preferences for flavour, texture, and convenience. Some people prefer the sweeter flavour of pork loin from the end nearest the head of the pig. Others may opt for the convenience of pre-cut chops or the ease of carving a boneless roast. Ultimately, the "best" cut of pork is the one that aligns with your taste, cooking style, and serving needs.
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Preparing the pork for cooking
Once you have the right cut of pork, remove it from its packaging and any netting. Use a paper towel to pat the pork dry, removing any moisture. This step is important, as it will help ensure crispy crackling. If you have the time, leave the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight or for a few hours, as this will further dry the meat and promote better crackling.
The next step is to score the rind of the pork. Use a small, sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern across the rind, being careful not to cut into the meat. Scoring the rind helps the fat render and promotes even cooking and crispy crackling. After scoring, rub the pork all over with olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice.
Now it's time to season the pork. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or create a dry rub with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Generously coat the pork with your chosen seasoning, rubbing it into all sides of the roast. If desired, you can prepare the dry rub in advance and let the pork marinate in the fridge for a more intense flavor.
Your pork is now ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked according to your recipe's instructions. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145-165°F (63-74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.
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Cooking the pork in the air fryer
Next, prepare the pork by removing it from its packaging and patting it dry with a paper towel. Score the rind at 1 cm intervals, being careful not to cut into the meat. Leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight will help dry the rind and ensure crispy crackling, but even an hour will help the process. Rub the pork with olive oil and season generously with salt, rubbing it into the scores.
Now, you can add any additional seasonings of your choice. A common dry rub includes brown sugar (or coconut sugar), smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. Coat all sides of the pork with this mixture, adding multiple coats if needed.
Preheat your air fryer to 360-400° F for 5 minutes. Then, place the pork in the air fryer basket with the rind side up. Cook for 12-15 minutes per pound, or 20 minutes per pound for larger roasts. For a 1 kg roast, reduce the temperature to 160° C or 350° F and cook for another 40-50 minutes. For a 1.5 kg roast, cook for another 60-70 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 70-75° C or 145-165° F.
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate or cutting board covered loosely with foil. It should rest for at least 5 minutes, during which time the internal temperature will continue to rise. This will also allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier.
Finally, slice the pork and serve with your choice of sides. Enjoy!
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Resting and serving the pork
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the pork roast from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. Cover the roast with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more juicy and flavourful. If you prefer your crackling to be extra crispy, you can remove the skin from the meat and set it aside, leaving the meat to rest covered for 10-20 minutes while you cook the skin separately at 220C for 15-20 minutes.
While the meat is resting, you can make a simple gravy by adding 1 cup of chicken broth to a saucepan, along with any remaining seasoning rub. Simmer this mixture for about 5 minutes, adding in any juices collected from the resting meat and the air fryer pan. To thicken the gravy, slowly pour in a cornstarch slurry made by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water.
When the pork has rested, use a sharp knife to slice it into ½-inch slices. Serve the juicy, tender pork warm with your choice of sides. It goes well with mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, broccoli, roasted baby potatoes, or any other vegetables and potatoes of your choice.
Leftover pork roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the pork back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes, and it's ready to be enjoyed again!
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Storing leftovers
Allow the pork roast to cool down to room temperature after cooking. This ensures that the meat's internal temperature is safe for storage, preventing bacterial growth. Once cooled, wrap the leftover pork roast securely in plastic wrap, ensuring it is fully covered. Alternatively, place the roast in an airtight container. If you prefer to portion out your leftovers, cut the roast into slices or chunks before storing.
When properly wrapped, store the leftover pork roast in the refrigerator. It is best to use a dedicated meat compartment or a shelf that maintains a constant cool temperature. Aim to consume the leftovers within 3 to 4 days of cooking for the best quality and taste.
If you wish to store the leftovers for a more extended period, consider freezing them. Wrap the leftover pork roast tightly in heavy-duty foil or plastic freezer wrap, ensuring no exposure to air. You can also place the wrapped roast in a freezer bag for added protection. Label the storage container with the date, ensuring you keep track of how long it has been in the freezer.
Leftover pork roast can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. When ready to consume, thaw the roast in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Do not refreeze the pork roast once it has been thawed. Reheat the leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can reheat the pork roast in an air fryer, oven, or microwave until it reaches the desired temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 12-15 minutes per pound at 360° F to cook a pork roast in an air fryer. The internal temperature should be 145° F.
The ideal temperature for cooking a pork roast in an air fryer is 360° F.
First, dry the pork with a paper towel. Next, coat all sides of the pork with oil and season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and steak seasoning.
Pork roast cooked in an air fryer goes well with many side dishes, such as vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, potatoes, carrots, and green beans.
Leftover pork roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
