Marianne Martinez
Pork loin is a wide and fat cut of meat from the back of the pig, and it is perfect for roasting in an air fryer. The air fryer's high heat means the meat spends less time cooking, so it doesn't dry out, and it also gives the meat a tasty browned crust. This introduction will cover how to cook a pork loin filet in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking, and serving suggestions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 370-400°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking time | 10-22 minutes |
| Meat type | Boneless pork loin |
| Meat weight | 1-3 pounds |
| Meat temperature | 145-160°F |
| Resting time | 3-5 minutes |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, paprika, brown sugar, olive oil, honey, mustard |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking a pork loin filet. 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 checking that your pork loin filet will fit comfortably in the basket. If it doesn't fit, you may need to cut it into two pieces or slices. You can then season your meat and prepare a spice rub to coat the filet. Once your meat is prepared, set your air fryer to 370°F-400°F and preheat for 5 minutes. If you are cooking frozen pork loin, you do not need to preheat the air fryer.
It is important to note that the size of your roast will depend on the size of your air fryer. A 3-pound roast, for example, fits perfectly in a 2.6-quart air fryer. If you are cooking a pork tenderloin, which is a different cut of meat, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time.
Once the air fryer is preheated, you can place the pork loin filet inside and adjust the temperature and time according to your recipe. Remember to flip the meat halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
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Seasoning and spice rubs
A simple dry rub can be made with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add olive oil to the rub to help it stick to the meat. This combination of spices will add a savoury, earthy flavour to your pork loin.
If you're looking for something a little different, you can try a rub with brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. The brown sugar will caramelise in the air fryer, creating a flavour explosion. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper to this mixture for a little extra heat.
Another option is to brine your pork loin before cooking. This is a great way to add flavour and moisture to lean meat. You can make a standard brine with 4 tablespoons of kosher salt to 4 cups of cold water. Submerge the pork loin in the brine and refrigerate for 1-3 hours. There's no need to rinse the meat after brining, but be sure to pat it dry and omit salt from your spice rub, as the pork loin will already be salted from the brine.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for pork loin fillets in an air fryer depend on the weight of the meat and the desired level of doneness. It's 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 it for 60 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give you a slightly pink but safe-to-eat piece of meat. If you prefer your pork with no pink, you can cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you're cooking a boneless pork loin roast, the cooking time will depend on the weight of the roast. As a general rule, cook the pork loin in the air fryer basket for 12-14 minutes per pound, flipping it once halfway through to ensure even cooking. For a 2-pound pork loin, this would translate to a cooking time of 24 to 36 minutes. The roast should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit when measured with an instant-read thermometer.
For pork tenderloin, which is a different cut of meat from pork loin, the cooking time and temperature vary slightly. After seasoning and coating the tenderloin with olive oil, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Then, flip the tenderloin and reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. The internal temperature of the tenderloin should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit, and the exterior should be sticky and glistening. Let the tenderloin rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Resting the meat
During the resting period, the juices will settle, so it's important not to skip this step or rush the process. The meat will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so bear this in mind when deciding how long to rest your pork loin for. The ideal temperature for cooked pork is 145°F, so use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached this level before slicing.
If you are cooking a pork tenderloin, rather than a pork loin, the resting process is just as important. Again, allow the meat to rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure that the juices are retained and the meat stays moist and tender.
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Reheating and storing
Leftover pork loin fillets can be reheated in the air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3 minutes. If you are reheating a frozen pork loin, increase the cooking time to 60 minutes.
Leftover pork loin should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Cooked pork is safe to eat as long as it has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer your pork with no pink, cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
To store leftover pork loin for longer, place it in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw the pork overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in the air fryer.
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