Marianne Martinez
Cooking pork roast in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get tender, juicy meat with a crispy sear on the outside. There are a few ways to do this, depending on the cut of pork and the size of your air fryer. For example, a pork loin roast is a different cut to a pork tenderloin and will require different temperatures and timings. You can season your pork roast with a dry rub of salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and cayenne pepper, or a mixture of brown sugar, ground mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
How to cook pork roast in a NuWave Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Pork loin roast |
| Weight | 1.14 lbs - 3 lbs |
| Temperature | 360° F - 400° F |
| Time | 45 mins - 1 hour |
| Resting Time | 5 mins - 15 mins |
| Internal Temperature | 145° F - 170° F |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, onion powder, mustard, smoked paprika |
| Sides | Potatoes, rice, vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork
Type of Roast
The two most common types of pork roasts are pork loin roast and pork tenderloin roast. Pork loin is a wider and larger cut, typically weighing between 3 to 5 pounds. It is light in colour and mild in flavour, with a cap of fat running along the top. Pork tenderloin, on the other hand, is a longer, thinner, and leaner cut, typically weighing around 1.5 pounds. It is darker in colour and has little to no fat. Pork loin roast is perfect for feeding a crowd, while pork tenderloin is better for a smaller gathering or a quick meal.
Bone-in or Boneless
You can choose between a bone-in (also known as a crown roast) or boneless pork loin roast. A bone-in roast will be juicier and more flavourful, but it will take longer to cook. Boneless roasts are easier to handle and cook faster, but they may be less juicy.
Fresh or Cured
If you're using farm-fresh pork, you have the option to cure it or leave it uncured. Uncured pork is also known as fresh ham. You can also choose to have your ham dry-cured or wet-cured. Dry-cured ham is rubbed with salt and spices, while wet-cured ham is brined or soaked in a salt solution.
Size of the Roast
Consider the size of your air fryer and the number of people you need to serve when choosing the size of your roast. A larger roast may not fit well in a smaller air fryer, and you want to avoid having the meat too close to the heating element. If you have a larger air fryer, you can fit larger roasts and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Cooking Temperature
Different cuts of pork have different recommended cooking temperatures. Pork loin roasts should be cooked at 360° F for 45-55 minutes, with an internal temperature of 145° – 160° F. Pork tenderloin, due to its leanness, cooks at a higher temperature of 375°F for 25 minutes or 425°F for 20-25 minutes, with an internal temperature of 145° F.
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Preparing the pork
Once you have your pork loin roast, you can begin to prepare it for cooking. Start by patting the meat dry with paper towels. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and create a crispy exterior. Next, you will want to season the pork generously. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as brown sugar, ground mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these seasonings together to create a dry rub and generously coat the entire surface of the pork loin roast. You can also add a second layer of the dry rub for extra flavour.
If you are using a NuWave oven, place the seasoned pork on a 3-inch rack inside the oven. Set the cook time for 12 minutes. After the timer goes off, turn the tenderloins over and set the timer for another 12 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer. It should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If it has not reached this temperature, put it back in the oven for a few more minutes.
For other air fryers, preheat the air fryer to 360° F for 5 minutes. After preheating, carefully place the seasoned pork roast into the air fryer and air fry at 360° F for 45-55 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 145° – 160° F. If the internal temperature has not reached 145°, continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached.
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Seasoning and marinating the pork
Firstly, pat the pork roast dry using paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasonings adhere better to the meat. Next, you'll want to select your seasonings. A simple yet effective combination is salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. You can also add some ground mustard for an extra kick. Mix these dry ingredients together, creating a rub for your roast.
Now, it's time to apply the rub. Generously coat the entire surface of the pork roast with the seasoning mix. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for even flavour distribution. Once fully coated, let the pork rest for a few minutes, allowing the seasonings to absorb and create a delicious crust. If you're aiming for an extra crispy exterior, you can apply a second layer of the dry rub, gently patting it onto the surface.
For an even more intense flavour, you can try marinating the pork. Mix some olive oil with your chosen seasonings, creating a paste. Then, gently massage this mixture all over the pork roast. Cover the roast and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or even overnight. This process will help the flavours penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavourful roast.
Remember, the key to a great pork roast is taking your time with the seasoning and marinating process. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and techniques to find your perfect flavour combination.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for pork roast in a Nuwave air fryer will depend on the weight of the roast and the size of your air fryer. It's important to note that a pork loin roast is different from a pork tenderloin, with the former being a larger cut of meat that requires different temperatures and cooking times.
For a pork loin roast, you should preheat your air fryer to 360° F for 5 minutes. After preheating, place the roast in the air fryer and cook at 360° F for 45-55 minutes. The internal temperature of the roast should reach 145°–160° F. If the internal temperature has not reached 145° F, continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes or adjust according to the weight of the roast.
For a pork tenderloin, the cooking temperature and time will differ. Preheat your Nuwave air fryer to 375° F. After preheating, place the tenderloin in the air fryer and cook at 375° F for 25 minutes.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the weight of your roast. As a general rule, when cooking pork roast in an air fryer, allow for about 12 minutes of cooking time per pound of meat. This is significantly faster than cooking in an oven, which typically takes about 25 minutes per pound.
Additionally, it is recommended to let the pork roast rest for at least 5 minutes after removing it from the air fryer. During this time, the internal temperature will continue to rise several degrees, and the meat will continue to cook. For a thicker roast, it is advisable to let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
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Resting and serving the pork
Once the pork roast is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise several degrees as it rests. This process is important as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender.
While the meat is resting, you can make a simple gravy using the remaining seasoning rub. Add 1 cup of chicken broth to a saucepan, along with any juices that have collected on the plate or in the air fryer pan during cooking. Simmer this mixture for about 5 minutes. In a separate cup or small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water, then slowly pour this slurry into the simmering broth to thicken it.
After resting, the pork roast is ready to be sliced and served. For a tenderloin roast, slice into 1/2" to 3/4" medallions. You can drizzle your favourite sauce or gravy over the sliced pork or serve it as-is.
If you are cooking a larger roast, the cooking time will need to be increased. As a general rule, add approximately 20 minutes per pound for larger roasts. Always check the internal temperature of the pork roast to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of 145°F in the middle before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
First, dry your pork roast and season it with salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and cayenne. You can also add olive oil and a seasoning rub. Then, preheat your air fryer to 360° F for 5 minutes. Place the pork roast on a rack in the air fryer and cook for 45-55 minutes. The internal temperature should be 145° – 160° F. Once it's done, remove the roast and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
The cooking time depends on the weight of your pork roast. For a 3-pound piece, cook for 35-45 minutes. As a general rule, the cooking time per pound for pork roast in an air fryer is about 12 minutes.
Preheat your air fryer to 360° F. The internal temperature of the pork roast should reach 145° – 160° F.
You can use a pork loin roast or a pork tenderloin. A pork loin roast is boneless and cut from the same part of the pig as boneless pork chops. A pork tenderloin is a smaller cut of meat and requires different temperatures and cooking times.
