Emilie Meyer
Boston butt, or pork shoulder, is a cut of meat that is perfect for pulled pork. Cooking Boston butt in an air fryer is a great way to achieve tender, juicy meat with a crispy coating. The air fryer method is faster and healthier than traditional cooking methods, and it seals in moisture to prevent the meat from drying out. This introduction will explore the process of cooking Boston butt in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of meat | Boston butt, pork shoulder, pork loin roast |
| Weight | 1.14 lbs – 3.7 lbs |
| Temperature | 350°F – 400°F |
| Timing | 20 minutes – 120 minutes |
| Resting time | 5 minutes – 10 minutes |
| Marinade | Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, fennel seeds, mixed herbs, paprika, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, steak seasoning |
| Sides | Baby carrots, baby potatoes, apple, onion, bread rolls, salad |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for Boston butt in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the meat and the desired level of crispness. It's important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it is cooked thoroughly. The temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
For a pork roast, it is recommended to cook at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes. After this time, flip the roast over and add vegetables such as baby carrots and potatoes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and cook for an additional 35 minutes. Check the temperature of the meat and continue cooking in 5-minute intervals at 350°F (177°C) until the desired temperature of 145°F (63°C) is reached.
For a pork shoulder with crackling, wrap the pork in foil and cook for 90-120 minutes at 350°F (177°C). The exact time will depend on the weight of the meat. Check the internal temperature, which should be nearing 195°F (91°C). Open the foil and add a little extra salt to the crackling, along with some apple cider vinegar. Increase the temperature and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the crackling is crispy.
For pulled pork, cook at 350°F (177°C) for 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the pork and let it rest before shredding it with forks. Reheating pulled pork can be done in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
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Resting the meat
While the meat is resting, you can make a simple gravy by adding chicken or pork broth to a saucepan, along with any remaining seasoning rub. You can also add the juices that have collected on the plate or in the air fryer pan during the cooking and resting process. To thicken the gravy, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water, and slowly pour it into the simmering broth.
If you are cooking vegetables alongside the meat, they can be kept warm while the meat rests. If the roast is cooked but the vegetables are not, remove the roast and cover it with tin foil to rest, then return the vegetables to the air fryer to continue cooking.
Finally, after the meat has rested, you can check the internal temperature to ensure it is safe to eat. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. If the temperature is below this, return the meat to the air fryer and cook in 5-minute intervals until it reaches the correct temperature.
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Preparing vegetables
To prepare vegetables in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer. For tender vegetables, such as zucchini, peppers, and squash, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). For firm vegetables, like root vegetables (carrots, beets, potatoes, parsnips), preheat to 360°F (180°C).
Next, chop the vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces. Remember that smaller pieces will cook faster and more evenly. If desired, drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, which will help them brown and develop a roasted flavour. Then, add your favourite seasonings. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are popular choices, but you can use any combination of dried herbs and spices that you like. Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly in oil and seasonings.
Now, arrange the vegetables in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, as this will cause the vegetables to steam instead of brown. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the vegetables in batches.
Finally, cook the vegetables for 10 to 15 minutes for tender veggies, or 20 to 30 minutes for firm veggies, shaking the air fryer pan once or twice during cooking to promote even browning. For best results, cook until the vegetables are tender and browned, with crisp, caramelized edges.
In addition to the vegetables mentioned above, other options that can be cooked in an air fryer include mushrooms, onions, asparagus, and cauliflower.
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Seasoning and spices
Firstly, it is important to pat the pork dry with kitchen towels. This will help the seasonings and spices adhere better to the meat. You can also allow the meat to reach room temperature before seasoning, as some recipes suggest.
For a classic pork roast, a generous amount of coarse salt is recommended. This salt is rubbed into the scores of the pork rind. Additionally, you can add 1 teaspoon of mixed herbs and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the seasoning mix. If your pork rind is not scored, use a sharp knife to create a crisscross pattern, being careful to only cut into the fat and not the meat.
For a pork shoulder joint, you can place the pork rind-side up in the middle of a foil base and drizzle with olive oil. Then, rub the rind with salt, herbs, garlic powder, fennel, and sugar. Flip the pork joint and rub with oil. You can also add apple and onion slices to the foil before wrapping the pork.
If you are cooking pulled pork, a spice rub is essential for flavour and to tenderise the meat. You can use a store-bought spice rub or make your own by combining various seasonings and spices. One recipe suggests combining 2 tablespoons of paprika, 1 tablespoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of Montreal Steak Seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Another recipe recommends a rub of brown sugar, ground mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also use this rub to make a gravy by adding it to chicken broth.
Some recipes also suggest marinating the pork in the spice rub and other ingredients like pineapple juice or vinegar overnight in the refrigerator. This step is optional but can add more flavour to the Boston butt.
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Reheating and storing
When it comes to reheating, the air fryer is your best option to retain the juicy texture and flavour. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover Boston butt inside. Reheat for about 10 minutes, or until the meat is warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside. Alternatively, you can reheat the roast in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the Boston butt in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meat is heated through.
For smaller portions, you can also use a microwave to reheat your Boston butt. Place the meat in a microwave-safe container, cover it, and heat it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. Reheated Boston butt can be served in sandwiches, wraps, tacos, salads, or as a tasty addition to fried rice or stir-fry dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 90 minutes at 180°C (350°F) or until the pork is about 85°C (185°F).
You should cook Boston butt at 180°C (350°F) in an air fryer.
First, pat the pork dry and allow it to come to room temperature. Score the rind in a crisscross pattern, taking care to only cut into the fat and not the meat. Rub salt into the scores of the pork rind. Then, rub the pork with a spice mix of garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Wrap the pork tightly in foil and place it in the air fryer. Cook for 90 minutes at 180°C (350°F). Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should be about 85°C (185°F). Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, shred the pork with two forks and serve.
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