Tiffany Haney
Cooking pork in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to make a delicious meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights as it cooks pork quickly, and it's also a healthier option than traditional frying as it uses less oil. You can cook pork tenderloin, pork chops, pulled pork, and pork steaks in an air fryer, and you can use either a store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Pork BBQ in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Pork | Pork steaks, pork chops, pork tenderloin, pork shoulder, Boston butt steaks |
| Marinade | BBQ sauce, dry rub, pineapple, kosher salt, black pepper |
| Temperature | 350°F-400°F (175°C-200°C) |
| Cooking Time | 8-15 minutes for fresh pork, 10-12 minutes for leftovers |
| Internal Temperature | 145°F (63°C) |
| Resting Time | 3-5 minutes |
| Sides | Potato salad, garden salad, mashed potatoes, grilled corn, zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork
Firstly, consider the cooking time. If you're short on time, opt for thinner cuts like pork steaks or cutlets, which cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer. Thicker cuts like chops or roasts will require a longer cooking time to achieve that beautiful char on all sides.
For pork steaks, look for thin cuts from the shoulder of the pig. These are inexpensive and versatile, suitable for grilling, pan-frying, baking, and, of course, air-frying. They cook in under 10 minutes and are perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
If you're after a more substantial chop with a beautiful char, go for thick, centre-cut, bone-in chops. These should be between 1 ½ inches to 2 inches thick and will require a cooking time of around 12 minutes. The bone-in variety adds flavour and moisture to the meat.
For a truly hands-off approach, try cooking a pork shoulder or Boston butt roast. This cut is ideal for pulled pork, and while it requires a longer cooking time (around 90 minutes), the results are tender and juicy. Wrapping the pork in foil before air frying helps to seal in moisture and stop it from drying out.
Lastly, if you're feeding a crowd, consider pork cutlets. Cutlets are thin slices of pork, perfect for breading and frying. They cook quickly and are versatile enough to be served with a range of side dishes, from buttered noodles to French fries.
Remember, the key to choosing the right cut is understanding your time constraints and desired outcome. Thinner cuts like steaks and cutlets are ideal for quick meals, while thicker chops and roasts deliver a more charred, flavourful experience with a longer cooking time.
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Preparing the pork
Firstly, select the right cut of pork. Pork steaks, pork chops, pork tenderloin, and pork shoulder are all suitable options for air frying. Keep in mind that pork steaks and pork chops are different cuts, and pork steaks are typically more inexpensive. If using pork chops, look for slightly thick chops with about a 1-inch thickness, as they cook more evenly and remain juicy.
Before seasoning the pork, you can make shallow cuts in the fat layer around the edges to prevent the meat from curling up during cooking. This step is especially important for pork chops. Then, prepare a spice rub or dry rub with your favourite spices or a store-bought BBQ seasoning. Massage the spice rub onto the pork, coating it evenly. You can also add other ingredients like pineapple for extra flavour. At this point, you can choose to marinate the pork for at least an hour or even overnight in the refrigerator.
Once the pork is seasoned and marinated, it's time to baste it with BBQ sauce. You can use a store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own homemade version. Brush the sauce onto both sides of the pork, ensuring a generous coating.
Now, your pork is ready to be placed in the air fryer! If you're cooking frozen pork steaks or tenderloin, you may need to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly, and remember to flip the meat halfway through the cooking process. For fresh pork, preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature based on the type of pork you are cooking. Place the pork in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking, with no pieces overlapping.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for pork BBQ in an air fryer depend on the type of pork and whether it is fresh or frozen.
Air Fryer Pulled Pork
For air fryer pulled pork, it is recommended to cook the pork wrapped in foil to seal in the moisture and prevent it from drying out. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the pork for 90 minutes. The ideal temperature for the pork is 85°C (185°F) when checked with a meat thermometer. If the pork is not soft, continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes.
Air Fryer Pork Chops
For slightly thick pork chops (1 to 1 1/2-inch thickness), preheat the air fryer to 375°F/190°C. Brush the pork chops with vegetable oil and place them in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Then, brush both sides with BBQ sauce and air fry for another 6 minutes, flipping again halfway through. The total cooking time is around 12-15 minutes for boneless pork chops and 15-20 minutes for bone-in pork chops.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
To make pork tenderloin in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 5 minutes. Then, brush the BBQ sauce onto the tenderloin and air fry for another 10-15 minutes. The final internal temperature should reach 145°F. Let the meat rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into it, allowing the juices to settle inside.
Air Fryer Pork Steaks
For air fryer pork steaks, preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the pork steaks in the air fryer and cook for 3-4 minutes. If you are cooking from frozen, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 13-15 minutes, flipping and basting the steaks with BBQ sauce halfway through.
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Using a meat thermometer
The ideal internal temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C). This temperature is considered safe for consumption and will ensure the pork is cooked through without being overdone. To get an accurate reading, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat.
For air-fried pork, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer. This type of thermometer provides a quick temperature reading, helping to keep the hot air inside the air fryer. Check the internal temperature of the pork after the initial cooking time, and if it has not reached 145°F, continue cooking in 5-minute intervals until it does.
Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and juicy final product. Aim for a resting time of around 5 minutes before serving.
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Reheating and storing leftovers
When storing leftovers, place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. They will keep for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you can use an air fryer, preheated to 350°F (175°C) or 375°F (190°C). Take the pork out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. Place the pork in the air fryer basket and, if desired, brush with a little extra BBQ sauce to add moisture. Reheat for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.
You can also reheat in a saucepan or the microwave until warmed through.
If you want to freeze your leftovers, wrap them well to prevent freezer burn and use within three months.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the cut of pork. For pork tenderloin, cook for 5 minutes, then brush on BBQ sauce and cook for another 10-15 minutes. For pork chops, cook for 8 minutes, then brush with BBQ sauce and cook for another 6 minutes. For pork steaks, cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and add BBQ sauce and cook for another 4-5 minutes. For pulled pork, cook for 90 minutes.
Pork tenderloin is one of the most tender cuts of pork, ensuring it remains juicy and doesn't become tough in the air fryer. It is also one of the leanest cuts, making it a healthier option. Pork steaks and pork chops are also good choices for the air fryer.
The temperature depends on the cut of pork and the desired doneness. For pork tenderloin, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For pork chops, cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. For pork steaks, cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For pulled pork, cook at 180 degrees Celsius.
