Cody Casey
Cooking pork in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to prepare a hearty meal. You can cook a variety of pork cuts in an air fryer, including Boston butt, pork loin, pork shoulder, and pork belly. Air fryers can be used to make pulled pork, pork roast, and even pork ribs. The air fryer's ability to produce a crispy crust on the outside of the meat, while maintaining tenderness and succulence, makes it a popular choice for cooking pork.
So, if you're wondering whether you should cook a Boston butt in an air fryer, the answer is yes! You can expect a delicious, tender, and juicy meal with relatively little hassle and preparation time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 12-14 minutes per pound at 400°F, plus 10 minutes resting time |
| Internal temperature | 145°F |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Montreal steak seasoning |
| Cooking method | Place in a foil pouch, pour broth into the foil, and bake |
| Side dishes | Potatoes, carrots, onions, parsnips, or squash |
| Leftovers | Can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and reheat for 3-5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
Boston butt, also known as pork shoulder, can be cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the weight of the meat and the desired level of doneness.
For a Boston butt roast, it is recommended to cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the roast over, add vegetables, and lower the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for another 35 minutes. Check the temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer; it is safe to eat at 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If it has not reached this temperature, return it to the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes at a time at 350 degrees until it reaches the desired temperature.
For Boston butt steaks, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Massage the steaks with a BBQ dry rub and baste with BBQ sauce. Place the steaks in the air fryer with the BBQ side down and cook for about 4 minutes. Then, baste the top side with more BBQ sauce, flip the steaks over, and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes. The total cooking time is about 9 minutes.
For pulled pork, cook Boston butt at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, remove the pork from the air fryer and shred it using two forks.
Alternatively, for more well-done pulled pork, cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 90 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, shred the pork and mix with barbecue sauce.
It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and weight of the Boston butt. Always ensure that the meat is cooked to the recommended internal temperature to avoid undercooking.
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Marinade and seasoning
Marinating your Boston butt overnight in the refrigerator will allow the seasoning to act as a marinade and penetrate the flavour deeper into the meat. A great substitute for a marinade would be 3/4 cup of pineapple (or lime or lemon) juice mixed with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. If you don't have any juice, try mixing the brown sugar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
You can also try a dry rub with a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Montreal steak seasoning. Make sure to cover all sides of the meat. For extra flavour, rub the pork with pork loin seasoning that contains brown sugar and spices. The sugar not only flavours the meat but is also responsible for some colour.
If you are cooking pork shoulder with crackling, you can rub the rind with salt, herbs, and olive oil. Turn the pork joint over and rub with oil, garlic powder, fennel, and sugar. Push the pork to the side and place apple and onion slices in the middle of the foil. Position the pork shoulder on top, rind side up. Wrap the foil tightly around the pork to cover it completely.
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Resting and serving
The Boston butt can be served in a variety of ways. It can be sliced and served as a roast with potatoes and vegetables. It can also be shredded and used in dishes such as tacos, burrito bowls, sandwiches, wraps, salads, or even on top of mac and cheese pizza. The shredded meat can be mixed with barbecue sauce, providing a tangy flavour.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, the cooked Boston butt can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to be enjoyed again, the leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
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Storing and reheating
When storing cooked Boston butt, it is important to wrap it well and store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to store it for a longer period, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When reheating Boston butt, it is best to use an air fryer to ensure the meat retains its moisture and texture. Set the air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and heat the meat for about 10 minutes, or until it is warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat the Boston butt in a saucepan or microwave until warmed through.
If you are reheating frozen Boston butt, it is important to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Ensure that the meat is piping hot all the way through before serving.
Leftover Boston butt can be used in various dishes such as sandwiches, fried rice, stir-fries, or even as a filling for quesadillas or tacos.
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Vegetables to serve with it
Boston butt cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of vegetables. Here are some options:
Potatoes
Air fryer potatoes are a popular choice to serve with Boston butt. You can make air fryer roast potatoes with rosemary, baby potatoes, or frozen roast potatoes. Sweet potatoes are also a great option, especially when seasoned with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Carrots
Carrots are another classic vegetable to pair with Boston butt. Baby carrots can be sliced in half, tossed in olive oil, seasoning salt, and pepper, and cooked in the air fryer alongside the meat.
Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts make an excellent side dish, offering a crispy texture and nutty flavor to complement the rich and savory Boston butt. They are a healthy addition, providing nutrients like vitamin C and fiber, and their natural sugars are caramelized during roasting, enhancing their sweetness.
Okra
Air fryer okra is a delightful, crispy, and healthy option to serve with Boston butt. It brings a delightful crispiness and a healthier twist to traditional fried okra.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables, such as corn, green beans, and street corn, can be seasoned to perfection, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding a delightful charred flavor.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a classic side dish that can be served with Boston butt. They provide a sweet and savory flavor, as well as a hearty texture, to complement the meat.
These are just a few ideas, but feel free to experiment with other vegetables and seasonings to find your favorite combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the weight of your Boston butt. It is recommended to cook Boston butt steaks for 3 to 4 minutes, while larger cuts can take up to 90-120 minutes.
Boston butt steaks should be cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For larger cuts, it is recommended to cook at 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit.
The internal temperature of the meat should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also check by piercing the meat with a knife – if it is very soft, it is done.
