Air Frying Pork Roast: The Perfect Temperature

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance for cooking pork roasts, with many people praising the results. The ideal temperature for cooking a pork roast in an air fryer is around 360° F for 40–55 minutes, depending on the weight of the roast. The internal temperature should reach 145°–160° F. It is recommended to let the roast rest for at least 5 minutes before serving, and to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for pork roast in an air fryer depend on the weight of the roast. It is recommended to cook the roast for 12-15 minutes per pound at 360° F. For example, a 2.87-pound roast will take about 40 minutes to cook. If your roast is bigger or smaller, adjust the cooking time in increments of 15 minutes per pound.

It is important to note that the internal temperature of the roast should reach 145°-160° F to be fully cooked through. If the internal temperature is not yet 145° F, continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached.

For a crispy crackling, some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 360° F for 5 minutes. Then, carefully place the pork roast into the air fryer and air fry at 360° F for 45-55 minutes.

It is also recommended to let the roast rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the meat to continue cooking and the internal temperature to rise several degrees. During this time, you can make a simple gravy by adding chicken broth, any remaining seasoning rub mix, and juices from the roast to a saucepan and simmering for about 5 minutes.

Marinades and rubs

If you're looking for something a little different, you can try a marinade. A simple option is to use pineapple, lime, or lemon juice mixed with brown sugar. If you don't have any juice, you can mix the brown sugar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. This type of marinade will add a tangy, sweet flavour to your pork roast. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of juices, sugars, and spices to find your perfect flavour profile.

When applying your rub or marinade, be sure to coat all sides of the pork loin evenly. Use your hands to press the rub into the meat and don't be afraid to add multiple coats to ensure a generous coverage.

Remember, the key to a successful pork roast in the air fryer is not just the cooking temperature, but also the marinade or rub you choose. By taking the time to prepare your meat with a delicious coating, you'll achieve a flavourful and crispy exterior that your family and friends will love.

Resting and serving

When the desired cooking time is up, carefully remove the pork roast from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate. Cover the roast loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. During this time, the roast will continue to cook, and its internal temperature will rise several degrees. This process ensures that the juices are evenly distributed throughout the meat, making it tender and juicy.

The ideal internal temperature for a pork roast varies depending on the source. Some sources recommend cooking the pork roast to an internal temperature of 145°F to 160°F, while others suggest a range of 155°F to 165°F. It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked to the desired temperature.

While the roast is resting, you can prepare a simple gravy using the juices collected on the plate and in the air fryer pan. Start by adding 1 cup of chicken broth to a saucepan, along with any remaining seasoning rub mix. Simmer this mixture for about 5 minutes. You can also add in the juices from the resting roast to enhance the flavour. To thicken the gravy, create a slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water, and then slowly pour it into the simmering broth.

Once the resting time is complete, you can slice and serve the pork roast. It is recommended to let the roast rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This will ensure that the juices have had enough time to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender roast. Enjoy your juicy and delicious air fryer pork roast!

Storage

When storing leftover pork roast, it's important to follow food safety guidelines to prevent foodborne illnesses. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store your leftover pork roast cooked in an air fryer:

Wrapping and Storing:

Leftover pork roast should be stored properly to maintain its freshness and quality. Firstly, allow the cooked pork roast to cool down to room temperature. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria and also avoids raising the temperature in your refrigerator. Then, wrap the pork roast well using plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Make sure it is tightly sealed, ensuring no air can enter the package. Alternatively, you can store the pork roast in an airtight container. Label the container with the date, so you know when it was stored. Place the wrapped pork roast or the airtight container in the refrigerator.

Leftover pork roast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. It is important to consume or freeze the leftover pork within this time frame to ensure food safety and maintain its freshness. If you do not plan to consume the leftover pork within 3 to 4 days, it is best to freeze it.

Freezing:

If you wish to store the leftover pork roast for an extended period, freezing is a suitable option. Cut the leftover pork roast into smaller portions and wrap them tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. Label the packages with the date before placing them in the freezer. Frozen leftover pork roast can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover pork roast again, simply remove it from the refrigerator or thaw it if frozen. Reheat the pork roast in the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the meat is heated thoroughly while maintaining its juicy texture. You can also reheat the pork roast in the oven or on the stovetop if desired. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches a minimum of 145 degrees Fahrenheit to guarantee food safety.

Meat thermometer

A meat thermometer is an essential tool for cooking meat to perfection. It is a thermometer used to measure the internal temperature of meat, especially roasts and steaks, to ensure it is cooked as desired and safe to consume. The degree of "doneness" of meat correlates closely with its internal temperature, so a thermometer reading indicates when it is cooked perfectly.

There are various types of meat thermometers available, including bimetallic, digital, and wireless digital probe thermometers. The bimetallic thermometers are the least expensive and most widely available, but they are usually not as accurate as digital ones. The digital instant-read thermometers are easy to use and provide a quick readout. Wireless digital probe thermometers are "smart" versions that can be safely placed in the oven and relay temperature information to an app.

When using a meat thermometer, it is important to insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat, but not touching any bones, fat, or cartilage, as these can affect the temperature reading. The probe can be inserted before cooking and left in place, or the meat can be cooked and the temperature checked before serving. For larger roasts, start checking the temperature about 30 minutes before the expected finish time, and for smaller cuts, start checking 5 to 10 minutes before.

Meat continues to cook even after it is removed from the heat, which is called carryover cooking. Therefore, it is important to remove larger cuts of meat when they reach 5 degrees less than the desired temperature and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the temperature to rise to perfection and the juices to redistribute.

When cooking pork in an air fryer, the target internal temperature should be 145°F to 160°F. Using a meat thermometer ensures that your pork roast is cooked to perfection and safe to consume.

Frequently asked questions