Emilie Meyer
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance for cooking a variety of dishes, including pork. Cooking pork in an air fryer can yield a juicy and tender roast with crispy crackling, a result that is desired by many. The use of an air fryer can also save energy costs compared to using a traditional oven. However, one of the challenges when cooking pork in an air fryer is ensuring that the pork is cooked evenly and that the crackling is crispy. To achieve this, some recipes recommend using an air fryer rack to elevate the pork and allow hot air to circulate evenly around the meat. This raises the question: should you use an air fryer rack when cooking pork?
Should you use an air fryer rack when cooking pork?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air fryer rack | Not mentioned |
| Air fryer basket | Used to cook pork |
| Air fryer size | 5.5L/5.5-5.8 Qt or bigger |
| Pork size | 1.5kg/3 lbs or smaller |
| Air fryer temperature | 360°F-400°F/180°C-200°C |
| Cooking time | 40-55 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145°F-160°F/63°C-75°C |
| Resting time | 5-20 minutes |
| Oil | Olive oil, vegetable oil, corn oil, avocado oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, brown sugar, ground mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper |
| Meat thermometer | Recommended |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork
When it comes to choosing the right cut of pork for your air fryer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, ensure that the size of the pork roast fits your air fryer. If you have a smaller air fryer, opt for a roast that weighs around 1.5 kg or 3 lbs. This size typically fits well in a 5.5L or 5.5 Qt air fryer without touching the cooking element. If you have a larger air fryer, you can purchase a bigger roast.
The cut of pork you choose will depend on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are following. For pork chops, it is recommended to use thick, center-cut chops, with bone-in or boneless options available. The recommended thickness for chops is between 1 1/2 to 2 inches, as thinner chops may cook too quickly and not develop the desired char. If you are cooking a pork loin, it is important to note that it is a thinner cut and will require less cooking time than a larger roast.
Additionally, consider the type of pork roast you prefer. A pork leg or shoulder roast is a popular choice, and boneless options are available. Ensure that the roast you choose will fit comfortably in your air fryer, as some tied roasts may be too tall and require untied before cooking.
Lastly, consider the cooking time and temperature requirements for the cut of pork you choose. Different cuts of pork may have varying cooking times and temperatures, so refer to a recipe or cooking guidelines specific to your chosen cut. Remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork is cooked to the recommended internal temperature, which is typically around 145°F for chops and 70-75°C or 155-165°F for roasts.
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Preparing the pork
Firstly, select the right size of pork roast for your air fryer. Ensure it fits comfortably, allowing some space between the meat and the heating element. A roast that is too large may touch the heating element and cook unevenly. As a guide, a 1.5 kg roast is suitable for a 5.5 L air fryer.
Next, remove the pork from its packaging and any netting. Pat the roast dry with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. This step is important as it helps to ensure crispy crackling. Scoring the rind or skin of the pork is also recommended. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts about 1 cm apart, being careful not to cut into the meat.
Now, it's time to season the pork. Rub olive oil or another cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or avocado oil, all over the roast. Then, generously sprinkle coarse salt, such as sea salt, kosher salt, or cooking salt, onto the roast, ensuring it gets into the scores. You can also add other seasonings like ground mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper to taste. If desired, you can leave the seasoned pork in the fridge uncovered overnight or for a few hours to further enhance the drying process and ensure crispy crackling.
Once your pork is prepared, it's time to place it in the air fryer. Set the temperature and cooking time according to the size of your roast and the specifications of your air fryer. As a general guideline, cook the pork at a higher temperature initially (around 360-400°F or 200°C) for 20 minutes, and then reduce the temperature to 350°F or 180°C until it is cooked through. For a 1 kg roast, this process may take around 40-50 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, measured in the centre of the thickest part of the meat.
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Cooking temperature and time
The cooking temperature and time for pork in an air fryer depend on the type of pork and the size of the roast. For a pork loin roast, preheat your air fryer to 360° F for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, place the pork roast into the air fryer and cook at 360° F for 45-55 minutes. The internal temperature should be 145° – 160° F. If the internal temperature is not 145° F yet, continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes or however long is required depending on the weight of the roast.
For a pork roast, preheat your air fryer to 400° F, then place the pork inside (rind side up) and air fry until the internal temperature reaches 145° F. You can also preheat the air fryer to 390° F and then place the pork roast into the air fryer basket, setting the temperature to 350° F for 40-50 minutes. The exact time depends on the size of your roast and your air fryer. Larger roasts take longer to cook than smaller roasts.
For a pork joint, place the pork in the air fryer and cook at 210° C for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 160° C and cook for 40-50 minutes (for a 1kg roast) or 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes (for a 1.5kg roast). The internal temperature should read 70° C on a digital thermometer.
It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to check if your pork is fully cooked. Pork is safe to eat at 145° F or 63° C.
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Resting the meat
When cooking pork in an air fryer, it is recommended to let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the meat is tender and flavourful. During this time, you can make a simple gravy by adding chicken broth and any remaining juices from the roast to a saucepan.
For a pork loin roast, it is important to ensure that the meat is not too close to the heating element of the air fryer. If the roast is too large, it may not fit properly and could end up drying out. In general, it is recommended to cook a pork loin roast that is 2.5 lbs or less for the best results in a standard-sized air fryer.
If you are cooking a larger roast, such as a pork shoulder or leg, you may need to increase the cooking time accordingly. However, it is important to cook to temperature rather than following exact time guidelines. A meat thermometer can be used to ensure that the pork has reached the desired internal temperature of 145°F to 165°F.
In addition to resting the meat, it is recommended to let it sit uncovered in the fridge for a few hours or overnight before cooking. This helps to dry out the rind and ensure crispy crackling. Removing moisture and patting the pork dry before adding oil and seasoning will also contribute to achieving that perfect crackling.
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Side dishes and sauces
When it comes to side dishes and sauces, there are plenty of options to complement your air-fried pork. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Side Dishes
- Vegetables: Think about what vegetables you usually enjoy with a roast. Many types of vegetables can be cooked in the air fryer, including potatoes, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and green beans. For potatoes, consider making crispy garlic roasted potatoes, or jacket potatoes with a fluffy centre and crisp skin. For broccoli, start at a lower temperature to soften it, then raise the temperature to get crispy edges. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for extra flavour. For cauliflower, consider drizzling with buffalo sauce and serving with ranch dressing on the side.
- Rolls: Make some instant pot dinner rolls or air fryer dinner rolls to go with your pork.
Sauces
- Apple Sauce: A classic pairing with pork, apple sauce will add a touch of sweetness to your meal.
- Favourite Sauces: Don't be afraid to serve your pork with your favourite sauces. Ketchup, hot sauce, and buffalo sauce are all great options.
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Frequently asked questions
The temperature depends on the size of your roast. For a 1kg roast, cook at 210C for 20 minutes, then reduce to 160C for 40-50 minutes. For a 1.5kg roast, cook at 210C for 20 minutes, then reduce to 160C for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes.
To get the perfect crackling, pat the pork dry and score the skin/rind with a sharp knife. Then, rub in salt, ensuring it gets into the scores. Leave for 10 minutes, then pat dry again and cover with oil. Place the pork in the air fryer basket, skin side up.
Make sure you buy a pork roast that will fit in your air fryer. A 1kg roast should fit nicely in most air fryers, but if you have a bigger air fryer, you can buy a bigger roast.
You should use a meat thermometer to check that your pork is cooked. The internal temperature should be at least 63°C/145°F (medium-rare) in the centre of the thickest part.
