Air-Fried Pork Loin: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender piece of meat with a crispy, golden crust. The high heat of the air fryer means the pork loin spends less time in the heat, reducing the chances of it drying out, while also creating a flavoursome browned crust.

There are a few simple steps to follow to ensure you get the best results. Firstly, select the right cut of pork loin – it should be lean and tender, with a uniform width throughout. Then, prepare the pork loin by removing any excess fat and patting it dry. You can then season the pork loin to your liking, using a dry rub, a marinade, or a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F. Place the pork loin inside, fat cap side up, and set the timer for 12-14 minutes per pound, or 35-45 minutes in total, flipping the meat halfway through. The internal temperature of the pork loin should reach at least 145°F.

Once the pork loin is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Choosing the right cut of pork loin

First, look for a pork loin with a uniform width throughout. This ensures even cooking, so aim for a thickness that's roughly the width of your palm. Avoid any cuts with yellow fat, as this may indicate older meat that won't be as flavourful.

Next, you'll want to trim away any excess fat and pat the meat dry. This ensures that your seasonings adhere well to the surface. Remove any silver skin, as it won't soften during cooking and may become chewy.

When it comes to seasoning, the options are endless. You can opt for a dry rub, a marinade, or keep it simple with salt, pepper, and garlic. If you're feeling adventurous, try a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours!

Once you've selected and seasoned your pork loin, it's time to get cooking! Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F (190-200°C) and cook for 12-15 minutes per pound of meat. For a juicy, tender pork loin, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for well-done.

Remember, the key to choosing the right cut of pork loin is selecting a piece that is uniform in width, trimming away any excess fat, and seasoning it to your preference. With the right cut and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to a delicious air-fried pork loin!

Preparing the pork loin

First, select a good cut of pork loin. Look for a piece that is a uniform width throughout, with a thickness of about the width of your palm. Avoid any pork loin with yellow fat, as this may indicate that it is older and less flavourful.

Once you have chosen your pork loin, it's time to trim away any excess fat and 'silver skin'. The silver skin is a thin membrane that won't soften during cooking and may be chewy. You should also pat the meat dry to ensure that any seasonings you add will adhere well.

Next, it's time to season the pork loin. You can use a dry rub, a marinade, or a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic. If you are using a dry rub, mix your chosen spices together in a small bowl before rubbing the mixture all over the meat. If you are using a marinade, follow the same process but be sure to coat the pork loin evenly and allow it to sit for a while so that the flavours can really penetrate the meat.

Once your pork loin is seasoned to your liking, it's time to cook it! Place the meat in the air fryer, ensuring that it is not overcrowded, and set the temperature and timer according to the size of your cut. As a general rule, you'll want to cook the pork loin for around 15-20 minutes per pound, at a temperature of 375-400°F. For a juicier piece of meat, some recipes suggest cooking the pork loin to an internal temperature of 145°F, while others recommend 160°F for well-done meat.

And that's it! Your pork loin is now ready to be served and enjoyed.

Setting the temperature and cook time

Setting the correct temperature and cook time is crucial to achieving the perfect pork loin in your air fryer. The temperature and time will depend on the size of your pork loin and the desired level of doneness.

First, preheat your air fryer. The ideal temperature for cooking pork loin is between 360°F and 400°F. Preheat your air fryer to your desired temperature for 5 minutes.

For a 2-pound pork loin, cook for around 30-40 minutes at 360°F. If your pork loin is larger, increase the cooking time by approximately 20 minutes per pound. For example, a 3-pound pork loin will take 40-60 minutes to cook.

It is important to use a digital thermometer to ensure the pork reaches the correct internal temperature. The minimum safe temperature for pork is 145°F for medium-rare. If you prefer your pork well-done, cook it to an internal temperature of 160°F.

If the outside of the pork loin starts to get too dark before it reaches the desired internal temperature, you can reduce the heat for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

For frozen pork loin, preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F for it to be fully cooked.

Adding seasoning

The seasoning you choose for your pork loin can make or break the dish. You can use a dry rub, a marinade, or a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic. Here are some popular seasonings and flavour combinations to try:

• Brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt and pepper.
• Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Olive oil, dijon mustard, honey, paprika, chilli powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
• Poultry seasoning (sage and thyme).
• Salt and poultry seasoning.

If you're using a store-bought seasoning mix that already contains salt, be sure to reduce the amount of additional salt in your recipe. You don't want it to be too salty!

Once you've selected your seasonings, whisk them together in a small bowl. Then, trim away any excess fat from the outside of the pork loin and rub the seasoning mix all over the meat. Be sure to coat both sides of the pork evenly, and you can also add a little oil to the mix if desired.

It's important not to over-season your pork loin, as this can mute the flavour of the meat. A pinch of each seasoning should be enough to bring out the flavour of the loin.

Now your pork loin is seasoned to perfection and ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air fryer pork loin. Here are some suggestions:

• For a balanced, nutritious meal, serve it with a side of fresh vegetables.
• For a more indulgent option, top the pork loin with a creamy sauce and serve it with mashed potatoes.
• If you're looking for something in between, roasted veggies, carrots, garlic bread, green beans, and a mix of potatoes and onions would be great side dishes.
• Air fryer-cooked sides such as squash, zucchini, baked potatoes, frozen green beans, and rosemary mashed potatoes.
• For a heartier meal, serve it with sides like butternut squash casserole or cauliflower mashed potatoes.
• If you're serving a larger group, add some air fryer baked potatoes and greens like sautéed Brussels sprouts or broccolini.
• You can also make a simple gravy to go with the pork loin by adding chicken broth to a saucepan and simmering for about 5 minutes. Don't forget to add any juices that have collected from the cooked meat!

Frequently asked questions