Air-Fried Pork Loin: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy roast with a browned crust. The high heat of the air fryer means the meat spends less time cooking, reducing the risk of it drying out.

There are a few key steps to follow to ensure your pork loin is cooked to perfection. Firstly, preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, around 370-400°F. Secondly, trim any excess fat from the pork loin and rub it with oil and your chosen seasonings. You can use a dry rub with spices like garlic and onion powder, or a wet rub with ingredients like olive oil, mustard, honey, and spices. Thirdly, place the pork loin in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-14 minutes per pound, flipping it halfway through. The internal temperature of the pork loin should reach at least 145°F. Finally, let the pork loin rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

You can pair your juicy air fryer pork loin with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green vegetable for a delicious weeknight or weekend meal.

Choosing the right cut of pork

Type of Pork

There are two common types of pork cuts: pork loin and pork tenderloin. They sound similar, but they are different parts of the animal and have distinct characteristics. Pork loin is a wider and thicker cut of meat, similar to pork chops, taken from the back of the animal. It is often labelled as a pork loin roast 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 comes from the muscle running along the backbone. It is more delicate and suitable for quick-cooking methods like grilling.

Size of the Roast

The size of the pork loin roast you choose should fit comfortably in your air fryer to ensure optimal air circulation and even cooking. For example, a 3-pound roast fits well in a 2.6-quart air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer, consider choosing a smaller roast, and vice versa.

Bone-in or Boneless

You can choose between bone-in and boneless pork loin roasts. Bone-in roasts may take slightly longer to cook than boneless ones, but the difference is not significant. If you opt for a bone-in roast, ensure you have enough space in your air fryer, as the bone will take up extra room.

Fat Content

Pork loin is a lean cut of meat, which means it can dry out if overcooked. When selecting your pork loin, look for one with a moderate amount of fat marbling. This fat will help keep the meat moist and juicy during the cooking process.

Fresh or Frozen

While fresh pork loin is always preferable, you can also cook frozen pork loin in your air fryer. Keep in mind that cooking times will be longer for frozen pork loin, and you may need to adjust the temperature and timing accordingly.

Brining

Brining your pork loin before cooking it in the air fryer is an excellent way to add flavour and moisture to the meat. Create a basic 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.

In summary, when choosing the right cut of pork loin for your air fryer, consider the type of pork, the size of the roast, whether it is bone-in or boneless, the fat content, and whether you want to start with it fresh or frozen. By selecting the best cut of pork loin for your air fryer, you'll be well on your way to creating juicy and delicious meals.

Preparing the meat

Firstly, select the right cut of meat. Pork loin is a wide and thick piece of meat, similar to pork chops, and is perfect for oven-roasting or air frying. It is different from pork tenderloin, which is thinner and more slender.

Before seasoning the meat, trim away any excess fat or silver skin from the outside of the pork loin. This step ensures that the meat cooks evenly and has a nice, crisp exterior.

Now, it's time to season the pork loin. You can use a variety of seasonings to suit your taste preferences. A simple dry rub can be made by combining spices like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. You can also experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, ground mustard, cayenne, or thyme. Mix the spices thoroughly and then rub them generously all over the meat.

Some recipes suggest coating the pork loin with olive oil before applying the spice rub. This helps the seasonings stick to the meat and can also promote browning. Additionally, you can try brining the pork loin before seasoning. Brining adds flavour and moisture to the meat. To brine, submerge the pork loin in a solution of 4 tablespoons of kosher salt to 4 cups of cold water for 1 to 3 hours in the refrigerator.

Once the pork loin is seasoned, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the roast, you might need to cut the pork loin into smaller pieces to ensure it fits comfortably in the basket.

Remember, the key to delicious pork loin is in the preparation!

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 desired level of doneness. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried pork loin:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. This step is crucial as it ensures the meat spends the maximum time at the highest temperature, resulting in a nice crust formation. Set the temperature to between 370-400°F. Preheat for about 5 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached.

For a boneless pork loin, cook at 370°F for 35-45 minutes for a 3-pound roast. Start checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer at the 35-minute mark. The roast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (medium) to 160°F (well-done).

If your roast is smaller than 3 pounds, cook for 30-40 minutes, starting to check the temperature at 25 minutes. For a larger roast, cook for 40-60 minutes, checking the temperature at 35 minutes. If the outside is getting too dark, reduce the temperature to 300°F for the remaining cooking time.

For a bone-in pork loin, the cooking time will be slightly longer than for a boneless roast. Start checking the temperature at the same time as you would for a boneless roast of the same weight, and adjust the temperature if necessary to prevent over-browning.

When cooking frozen pork loin, increase the cooking time to about 1.5 times the recommended time for a fresh roast. For example, cook a 2.5-pound piece of frozen pork loin for around 60 minutes at 370°F.

If your pork tenderloin is around 1.5 pounds, cook at 380°F for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes at the same temperature. The tenderloin is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

For smaller or larger tenderloins, adjust the cooking time accordingly, keeping in mind that the goal is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Always let the pork rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist and tender.

Resting the meat

Resting allows the juices from the meat, which have pooled to the surface during cooking, to redistribute into the whole roast. This ensures the roast will stay moist and tender, even after slicing.

It's also important to make sure the meat is fully cooked before resting. Pork tenderloin is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check this. If you prefer your pork more well-done, you can cook it to an internal temperature of 155°F.

Once the pork has rested, you can slice and serve it. It's now ready to be enjoyed!

Serving suggestions

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

Side Dishes

You can serve the pork loin with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, and a mix of potatoes and onions. Garlic bread is also a good option to pair with the pork loin.

If you're looking for something more hearty, mashed potatoes and gravy are a great choice. You can also serve the pork loin with a side of applesauce, which is a classic combination. For a lighter option, a green salad or sautéed green vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, can be a good choice.

Different Cuts of Meat

If you're looking to switch up the cut of meat, you can try pork tenderloin, which is a thinner and more slender cut of meat compared to pork loin. It can be prepared in a similar way to pork loin and is also well-suited for the air fryer.

Leftovers

If you have any leftover pork loin, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 370 degrees Fahrenheit for about three minutes.

You can also get creative with your leftovers and use them in sandwiches, such as a pork banh mi. Thinly slice the leftover pork loin and serve it on a crusty roll with your choice of toppings and condiments.

Customization

The beauty of pork loin is that it can be customized with a variety of seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different spice blends or rubs to find your favorite flavor profile.

Additionally, if you're brining the pork loin, you can adjust the brine recipe to include different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, sage, or thyme, to infuse more flavor into the meat.

Presentation

When serving the pork loin, consider garnishing the dish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme sprigs, for added color and flavor. You can also drizzle the pork loin with a sauce or glaze, such as a honey mustard sauce or an herbed butter sauce, to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Accompanying Drinks

When it comes to drink pairings, pork loin is quite versatile. It can be enjoyed with a variety of beverages, depending on your preferences. Some options include:

• Beer: A crisp lager or a fuller-bodied ale can complement the flavors of the pork.
• Wine: A medium-bodied red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or a Zinfandel, can pair well with the juicy flavors of the pork. A dry rosé or a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, can also be a good choice.
• Cocktails: If you're looking for something stronger, a classic whiskey sour or a refreshing gin and tonic can be a nice accompaniment to the dish.
• Non-alcoholic drinks: For those who don't consume alcohol, a sparkling cider or a craft soda can be a great choice. Iced tea or lemonade can also be refreshing options, especially during warmer months.

Frequently asked questions