Emilie Meyer
Cooking roast pork in an air fryer is a simple and tasty way to create a delicious family meal. With a short prep time, you can have tender, juicy pork with crispy crackling and your favourite sides. The air fryer locks in moisture, creating a flavoursome roast that's not dry. It's also a great way to save on energy costs and free up space in the oven.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat type | Pork loin roast |
| Meat weight | 1.14-3 lbs |
| Meat temperature | 360° F |
| Cooking time | 40-55 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145° – 160° F |
| Resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Sides | Mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, broccoli, asparagus |
| Seasoning | Brown sugar, coconut sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, olive oil |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork
Size of the Pork Roast
Firstly, ensure that the pork roast you choose will fit comfortably in your air fryer. A roast that is too large may touch the heating element, affecting the cooking process and potentially causing uneven cooking. As a general guide, a 1.5 kg (3 lb) roast fits well in a 5.5 L (5.5-6 Qt) air fryer. If you have a larger air fryer, you can accommodate a bigger roast.
Type of Cut
The type of pork roast you choose can impact the flavour and texture of your final dish. Here are some common options:
- Pork Loin Roast: This cut is lean, tender, and flavourful. It is a good choice for air frying as it benefits from the even cooking that the air fryer provides. Pork loin roasts are also relatively affordable and simple to prepare.
- Pork Shoulder or Leg Roast: These cuts are often used for roast pork and can be purchased boneless. Look for a roast with a nice thick layer of fat, which will help to create crispy crackling.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, choosing the right cut of pork depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy the taste of crispy pork skin, opt for a cut with a good amount of fat that will crisp up nicely in the air fryer. If you prefer a leaner option, go for a pork loin roast. You can also choose between bone-in or boneless roasts, depending on your preference and the availability of cuts at your local butcher or grocery store.
Storage and Preparation
When choosing your pork roast, consider the preparation time needed. For instance, leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight helps dry out the rind, resulting in better crackling. If you're short on time, even a few hours of drying will help. Additionally, check if your roast comes tied with butcher's twine, which can impact the cooking process and the evenness of cooking. You can choose to keep the twine on or remove it before cooking, depending on your desired result.
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Preparing the pork
Secondly, remove the pork from its packaging and any netting, and pat it dry with a paper towel. Scoring the rind or skin is an important step to create the perfect crackling. Use a small sharp knife to make scores about 1cm apart, being careful not to cut into the meat. If you want a diamond pattern, you can score the skin before drying it. Leaving the meat uncovered in the fridge overnight or even for an hour will help dry out the rind and improve the crackling.
Now it's time to rub the pork with oil, making sure to coat all sides. Be generous with the oil, as this will help prevent the pork from drying out. Sprinkle the dry rub seasoning onto the pork, using your hands to press it into the meat and ensure it sticks. You can make your own dry rub with a combination of spices such as brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper, or you can use a pre-made seasoning like Montreal Steak Seasoning. Don't be shy with the seasoning, and add multiple coats if needed.
Finally, place the seasoned pork into the air fryer basket, skin-side up, and you're ready to start cooking!
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for roast pork in an air fryer depend on the weight of the roast and the size of your air fryer. It's important to ensure that the roast fits in your air fryer without touching the heating element. For a 1.5 kg roast, one source recommends cooking at 210°C for 20 minutes, then reducing the temperature to 160°C and cooking for another 60-70 minutes. Another source recommends cooking a 3-pound roast at 360°F for 45-55 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F-160°F.
For a 2.87-pound roast, one source suggests cooking at 360°F for about 40 minutes, or 15 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Similarly, another source recommends cooking at 400°F for about 12-14 minutes per pound, plus 10 minutes of resting time. The internal temperature should be 145°F-165°F.
If your roast is above 2.5 lbs, you may need to increase the cooking time by approximately 20 minutes per pound. It's important to monitor the internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
After removing the roast from the air fryer, let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier and more tender.
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Resting the meat
During the resting time, the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise several degrees, so it is important to take this into account when determining the cooking time. The ideal final internal temperature for the pork roast is 145°F to 160°F. If you are unsure if your roast is done, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
If you are cooking crackling, you may need to remove the skin from the meat and cook it separately. In this case, cover the meat and let it rest for 20 minutes while you cook the skin. Otherwise, leave the joint uncovered for 10-20 minutes.
The resting time is also a great opportunity to prepare any sides or gravy to accompany your roast pork. For example, you can make a simple gravy by adding chicken broth, any remaining seasoning rub, and juices from the roast to a saucepan and simmering for a few minutes.
Finally, when the resting time is complete, slice the roast pork and serve it with your chosen sides and gravy. Enjoy your delicious and juicy air-fried pork roast!
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Carving and serving
Once your roast pork is cooked and you've checked that it's safe to eat, it's time to carve and serve. First, remove the pork from the air fryer basket and place it on a cutting board. Cover it with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes, or up to 20 minutes if you want to be sure the crackling is crisp. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more juicy and flavourful.
When you're ready to carve, use a sharp knife to slice the pork into 1/2-inch slices. If you tied the roast before cooking, you may find it easier to carve into perfectly round slices. Place the sliced pork on a serving platter and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Serve your roast pork with a generous drizzle of gravy and your favourite sides. Classic choices include roast potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, and steamed green beans. Broccoli, asparagus, and baked potatoes are also great options. If you're looking for something extra special, try making air fryer broccolini to serve alongside your juicy pork roast.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking times vary depending on the weight of the pork roast. A good rule of thumb is 15 minutes per pound at 360° F. For example, a 2.87 lb roast will take about 40-45 minutes.
The internal temperature of the roast should be 145° F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also check by making sure the juices run clear.
Pat the pork dry with a paper towel. Score the rind at 1 cm intervals, being careful not to cut into the meat. Rub olive oil and salt onto the skin.
To get crispy crackling, use coarse sea salt or kosher salt, and be generous with the amount. You can also leave the butcher's twine on the roast while cooking to help it cook evenly.
Roast pork pairs well with traditional sides like potatoes, carrots, and apple sauce. For a dairy-free option, serve with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans.
