Air-Fried Pork Loin: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a great way to get a juicy and tender roast with a golden, crispy crust. This cut of meat is lean, so it benefits from the air fryer's high heat, which cooks the meat quickly and reduces the chance of it drying out.

To make pork loin in an air fryer, start by trimming away any excess fat from the outside of the meat. Then, rub the loin with a mixture of spices and oil. You can use a simple dry rub, or a mixture of wet ingredients like olive oil, dijon mustard, and honey. Place the pork loin in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-14 minutes per pound, flipping it over halfway through. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 145-160°F. Once cooked, let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Choosing the right cut of pork

Type of Pork:

Firstly, it is important to distinguish between pork loin and pork tenderloin, as they are different cuts of meat with distinct cooking methods. Pork loin is a wider and thicker cut of meat, similar to pork chops, and is perfect for oven-roasting or air frying. On the other hand, pork tenderloin is a long, thin, and lean cut of meat that is ideal for quick-cooking methods like grilling.

Size and Thickness:

The size of your air fryer will determine the size of the pork loin you can cook. For instance, a 3-pound pork loin fits well in a 2.6-quart air fryer. It's important to ensure that your pork loin is not too large for your air fryer, as this can affect cooking time and temperature. Additionally, opt for thicker pork loin chops, as thinner ones tend to cook too quickly and may dry out. Aim for chops that are at least 1-inch thick, with bone-in chops adding extra flavour and moisture.

Freshness:

While fresh pork loin is always preferable, you can also cook frozen pork loin in your air fryer. However, it's important to increase the cooking time to ensure it cooks through. For a 2.5-pound frozen pork loin, cook for about 60 minutes at 370°F.

Brining:

Brining your pork loin is an excellent way to add flavour and moisture to this lean cut of meat. Create a simple brine solution by mixing 4 tablespoons of kosher salt with 4 cups of cold water. Submerge the pork loin in this solution for 1 to 3 hours in the refrigerator. After brining, pat the meat dry and omit any additional salt from your recipe.

Marinating:

While not mandatory, marinating your pork loin can infuse it with flavour and help keep it juicy. A simple marinade of olive oil, coconut aminos or soy sauce, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic can do wonders for your pork loin. However, avoid marinating for more than 12 hours, as it may cause the meat to become mushy.

Seasoning:

If you're short on time, you can opt to season your pork loin generously with a simple blend of spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also use a store-bought seasoning mix or make your own rub with ingredients like brown sugar, paprika, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Preparing the meat

Firstly, select a good cut of pork loin roast, aiming for a weight between 2 and 2.5 lbs. This size is ideal for most 5-6 qt air fryers. Ensure that you choose a pork loin roast, which is different from a pork tenderloin, as they require different temperatures and cooking times.

Before applying any seasonings, it is recommended to trim away any excess fat or silver skin from the pork loin. This step ensures that the meat cooks evenly and reduces the chances of it drying out during cooking.

Now, it's time to make the seasoning rub. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together your chosen dry ingredients. A simple combination of salt and pepper will work, but you can also experiment with various spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, and even a dash of cayenne for some heat. You can also try brining the pork loin in a solution of kosher salt and cold water for a more flavourful and moist roast. If you do brine the meat, remember to pat it dry and omit salt from the seasoning rub.

Once your seasoning rub is ready, coat the pork loin with a small amount of olive oil, and then generously rub the spices all over the meat. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavour.

At this point, your pork loin is ready to be placed in the air fryer. However, some recipes recommend preheating your air fryer for about 5 minutes at 360°F or 370°F before adding the meat. This step ensures that the pork loin cooks evenly and reaches the desired internal temperature.

And there you have it! Your pork loin is now ready to be cooked to perfection in the air fryer.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for pork loin in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the meat and the size of your air fryer.

For a 2-2.5lb pork loin, cook at 360°F for 45-55 minutes, turning halfway through. If your air fryer is larger than 5-6 quarts, you can fit larger roasts and should increase the cooking time by about 20 minutes per pound.

For a 1.25-1.75lb pork tenderloin, cook at 400°F for 20-22 minutes.

For a 3lb pork loin, cook at 370°F for 35-45 minutes. Start testing the temperature at around 35 minutes.

A smaller roast (under 3lbs) will take 30-40 minutes. Start testing the temperature at 25 minutes.

A larger roast (over 3lbs) will take 40-60 minutes. Start testing the temperature at 35 minutes. If the outside starts to get too dark, turn the temperature down to 300°F for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

For a 1.5lb pork tenderloin, cook at 400°F for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10-12 minutes.

For a 1.5lb pork tenderloin, cook at 200°F/400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Always ensure your pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Some sources suggest cooking to 160°F for well-done meat.

Resting the meat

Once the desired internal temperature is reached, carefully remove the pork loin from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board or plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. The meat will continue to cook and the internal temperature will rise a few degrees. This process ensures that the juices are sealed inside, making the pork loin moist and flavourful.

The resting time can vary depending on the size of the roast. For a smaller roast, 3 to 5 minutes of resting time is usually sufficient. However, for a larger roast, you may need to rest it for up to 10 minutes.

It is important to note that the pork loin will continue to cook during the resting process, so it is best to remove it from the air fryer when it is a few degrees away from your desired internal temperature. This way, it will reach the perfect temperature while resting and stay juicy.

Additionally, if you are making a gravy, you can use the resting time to prepare it. Collect any juices that accumulate on the plate or cutting board during the resting process and add them to your gravy for extra flavour.

Serving suggestions

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

Side Dishes

You can serve the pork loin with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, or a mix of potatoes and onions. For a starchier option, mashed potatoes or rosemary mashed potatoes are a good choice. If you're looking for something more green, serve it with your favorite green vegetable, like broccoli or sautéed green beans. You can also try air fryer squash, zucchini, or baked potatoes as a side dish.

Gravy

Since pork loin is a lean cut of meat, it may not produce enough juices for gravy. However, you can make a simple gravy by adding chicken broth to a saucepan with any remaining seasoning rub and simmering for about 5 minutes. Don't forget to add in any juices collected from the resting meat! Thicken the gravy by slowly pouring in a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and cold water).

Leftovers

Leftover pork loin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the slices in a preheated air fryer at 370°F for about 3 minutes.

Customization

The beauty of pork loin is its versatility. You can customize it with different seasonings, sauces, or breading to suit your taste. For a kick of spice, try a Fajita or Chili seasoning rub. If you're feeling adventurous, wrap the loin in bacon slices before applying the rub for an extra juicy and flavorful experience.

No matter which serving suggestions you choose, your juicy and tender air fryer pork loin is sure to be a delicious and impressive meal!

Frequently asked questions