Air-Fryer Boneless Pork Loin Roast: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Cooking a boneless pork loin roast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal with a browned, crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior. The air fryer is perfect for cooking pork loin as the lean meat isn't exposed to high heat for too long, and the roast gets a nice browned crust. The size of the roast you can make will depend on the size of your air fryer, but a 3-pound roast should fit in a 2.6-quart air fryer. The cooking time is approximately 15 minutes per pound, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F.

Choosing the right air fryer size

Air fryers come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 1 liter to 6 liters or even larger. The capacity of the air fryer determines how much food can be cooked at once, which is important for efficient cooking according to the demand of your household. For smaller families or individuals, a compact air fryer with a capacity of 2 to 3 liters is sufficient. Conversely, larger families may require a larger capacity of 5 to 6 liters.

In addition to the number of people you cook for, you should also consider the types of food you want to make. If you plan to cook whole chickens or large quantities of vegetables, a bigger air fryer may be necessary. On the other hand, if you primarily use your air fryer for preparing snacks and side dishes, a smaller, more compact model may be suitable.

Another important consideration is the power capacity of the air fryer. A higher wattage, typically between 1000 and 1500 watts, will result in faster and more efficient cooking. Additionally, models with precise temperature control and cooking presets offer versatility and can accommodate a variety of dishes.

Finally, don't forget to measure the space you have available in your kitchen and choose an air fryer that fits comfortably within that space, leaving enough room around it for safe operation.

Preparing the pork loin

Once you have your pork loin, trim away any excess fat from the outside. Then, dry the meat with a paper towel. The next step is to coat all sides of the pork loin with oil. You can use olive oil or another oil of your choice.

Now it's time to season the pork loin. You can use a store-bought seasoning mix or make your own. A simple combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper works well. You can also add a dash of cayenne for some heat. If you want to use a dry rub, coat the pork loin with the seasoning and use your hands to press it into all sides of the roast. Ensure the dry rub sticks to the meat, adding multiple coats if necessary. Alternatively, you can first spread mustard all over the top of the roast, as this helps the spices stick and adds extra flavour. You can use yellow mustard, spicy mustard, or Dijon. Then, sprinkle rosemary, salt, and pepper on top.

Once your pork loin is prepared and seasoned, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for a boneless pork loin roast in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the joint and the size of the air fryer. A 2.87-pound roast will take around 40 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 360°F. This works out as around 15 minutes per pound. If your roast is bigger or smaller, adjust the cooking time in increments of 15 minutes per pound.

For a 3-pound roast, one source recommends cooking at 300°F, although another suggests 370°F for 45 minutes. However, this source does recommend flipping the roast after 25 minutes and checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The optimal pork temperature for food safety is 145°F.

If your roast is above 2.5 lbs, you will need a larger air fryer. For a roast above 3 lbs, increase the cooking time by approximately 20 minutes per pound and always be sure to check the internal temperature.

Once the cooking time is complete, remove the roast from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate for at least 5 minutes. Cover it loosely with foil and the internal temperature will continue to rise several degrees.

Resting and serving

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 it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 3 to 5 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise several degrees during this time.

While the roast is resting, you can make a simple gravy by adding one cup of chicken broth to a saucepan, along with any remaining seasoning rub mix, and simmering for about 5 minutes. You can also add in any juices that have collected on the plate during the resting time, as well as any juices from the air fryer pan. To thicken the gravy, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water in a separate cup or small bowl, then slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering broth.

After the resting time, use a sharp knife to slice the cooked pork loin into 1/2-inch slices. Serve the sliced pork warm with the gravy and your choice of side dishes. Vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans work well, and any kind of potato—baked, mashed, or roasted—are great options.

Leftover pork roast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the pork back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes and serve with your choice of sides.

Making gravy

Since pork loin is a lean cut, you are unlikely to get any juices from cooking it. However, you can make gravy without drippings. You can even make it while the meat is cooking in the air fryer.

To make the gravy, heat a large skillet on medium heat. Melt some butter and add onions. Cook the onions until golden and caramelized, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This should take about 5 minutes.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and broth until well combined. Pour this mixture into the pan, along with Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and stir often until the mixture thickens, which should take about another 5 minutes.

You can also add in any juices that have collected on the plate during the roast resting time, as well as any juices that may be in the air fryer pan. To thicken the gravy, slowly pour in a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and cold water) while the broth is simmering.

Frequently asked questions