Tillie Doyle
Cooking pork butt in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare this cut of meat. The air fryer yields tender meat with a crispy coating, and is a quick and simple way to cook a hearty meal. This method is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, and with only 5 minutes of prep time, it's a convenient way to cook pork butt.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Pork Butt in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of meat | Pork shoulder or pork loin |
| Weight | 1.14 lbs to 3 lbs |
| Temperature | 360° F to 400° F |
| Cooking time | 12-14 minutes per pound to 90-120 minutes |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145° F to 160° F |
| Dry rub ingredients | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, Montreal steak seasoning, coconut sugar or brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, olive oil, fennel seeds, mixed herbs |
| Sides | Potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, broccoli, asparagus |
| Storage | Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 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 Pork Cut
The type of pork cut you choose will depend on the specific recipe and your desired outcome. For example, pork shoulder is ideal for a classic roast with crispy crackling, while pork loin is a leaner, tender, and flavourful option. If you're short on time, opt for pork cutlets, which are thin slices of pork that cook quickly in the air fryer.
Bone-In or Boneless
Decide whether you want your pork to be bone-in or boneless. Bone-in pork chops, for instance, will take longer to cook than boneless ones. However, some recipes specifically call for bone-in chops to achieve a beautiful char on all sides.
Thickness
Consider the thickness of the pork cut. For pork chops, thicker cuts, ranging from 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches, are recommended for the air fryer. Thin pork chops may cook too quickly and won't achieve the same nice char.
Weight
The weight of the pork will determine the cooking time. For example, a 2.87-lb pork loin will take about 40 minutes to cook in the air fryer, while a 3-lb pork loin will take about 45 minutes. Adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Freshness
Always opt for fresh, high-quality pork from a reputable source. Check the "best before" date and ensure the packaging is intact and undamaged.
Personal Preference
Lastly, consider your personal preferences. If you have a favourite cut of pork, feel free to choose that. You can adjust cooking times and techniques to suit the specific cut of pork you prefer.
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Preparing the pork
Firstly, pat the pork dry with a paper towel or kitchen paper. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and ensure an even cook. If your pork has a rind, use a sharp knife to score the surface in a crisscross pattern, being careful to only cut into the fat and not the meat. Rub salt into the scores.
Next, it's time to season the pork. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with a dry rub. A dry rub will add extra flavour to your pork butt and can be made with a variety of spices and herbs. Try a mixture of coconut sugar or brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. Combine the dry ingredients in a small bowl, then coat all sides of the pork with oil and sprinkle with the dry rub. Use your hands to press the rub into the meat, ensuring it sticks.
Now your pork is ready for the air fryer! Place the seasoned roast in a foil pouch and pour in broth, or wrap the foil tightly around the pork to cover it completely, before placing it in the preheated air fryer.
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Cooking the pork
Once the pork is prepared, create a foil pouch inside your air fryer and place the seasoned pork inside. Set the air fryer to 360-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the pork for 15-20 minutes per pound. For example, a 2.87-pound roast will take about 40-45 minutes to cook. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145-160 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the pork is cooking, prepare any vegetables you wish to serve it with. Baby carrots and potatoes are a popular choice, but you can also serve the pork with mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, broccoli, asparagus, or any other vegetables of your choice.
Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board or plate for at least 5-10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier.
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Resting the pork
While the pork is resting, you can make a simple gravy using the juices that have collected on the plate or in the air fryer pan. You can also add these juices to a cup of chicken broth in a saucepan, along with any remaining seasoning rub. Simmer this mixture for about 5 minutes, and then slowly pour in a cornstarch slurry (made by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water) to thicken the gravy.
If you have cooked crackling with your pork roast, leave it uncovered while the meat rests. This will ensure that the crackling remains crisp. After the resting time, place the roast pork on a wooden cutting board, with the crackling side down.
The resting time is essential to ensure that your pork is juicy and tender, so don't be tempted to skip it! It also gives you time to prepare any sides or gravy to complete your meal.
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Serving the pork
Once your pork butt is cooked and rested, it's time to serve it up! You can slice the pork into 1/2-inch slices using a cutting board and a sharp knife. The meat should be tender, so slicing shouldn't be an issue.
You can serve the pork warm or cold, depending on your preference. If you're serving it warm, it goes well with a variety of sides. For example, mashed sweet potatoes and green beans, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Any kind of potato—baked, mashed, or roasted—is also a great option.
If you have any leftovers, don't worry; they won't go to waste! You can store leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back into the air fryer for 3-5 minutes, and it'll be good as new. You can also use leftover pork in sandwiches, fried rice, or stir-fry dishes.
There you have it! A delicious and juicy pork butt meal, served to perfection. Enjoy your home-cooked feast!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 12-14 minutes per pound at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The internal temperature should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for another 35 minutes.
Dry the pork with a paper towel. Coat all sides of the pork with oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and steak seasoning.
Pork butt goes well with roasted vegetables such as baby carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, asparagus, and green beans.
Let the pork butt rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier.
