Are you looking for a quick and easy way to cook a succulent pork loin?
Look no further than your trusty Instant Pot! With its pressure cooking capabilities, the Instant Pot can cook a pork loin to perfection in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven.
But how long should you cook it for? The answer depends on the size and thickness of your pork loin, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll break down the cooking times for different sizes of pork loin and provide tips for ensuring your meat is cooked to perfection.
So grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook A Pork Loin In Instant Pot?
The cooking time for a pork loin in an Instant Pot will vary depending on its size and thickness. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
– For a 2-pound pork loin, pressure cook on high pressure for 14 minutes followed by a 20-minute natural release.
– For a 2.5-pound pork loin, pressure cook on high pressure for 16 minutes followed by a 20-minute natural release.
– For a 3-pound pork loin, pressure cook on high pressure for 18 minutes followed by a 20-minute natural release.
It’s important to note that these are just estimates and you should always use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure your pork is cooked to the proper internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking whole cuts of pork to 145°F, and they note that pork may still be a little pink in the center at this temperature.
If your pork loin is not quite up to temperature after pressure cooking, turn on the sauté function (with the lid off), let the sauce come to a simmer, and then turn off sauté and place the lid back on the pot for about 5 minutes, repeating as needed until the pork reaches 145°F.
Preparing Your Pork Loin For The Instant Pot
Before cooking your pork loin in the Instant Pot, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it turns out perfectly.
First, pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat and promote browning during the cooking process.
Next, season the pork loin with your desired spices. One option is to combine paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and rub the mixture over all sides of the pork. Another option is to melt butter and stir in garlic, brown sugar, and herbs, then brush the butter mixture all around the meat.
Once your pork loin is seasoned, heat up a bit of oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Sear the pork loin on all sides until browned – this should take about 2 to 3 minutes per side. After searing, remove the pork and set it aside.
Add liquid to the Instant Pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This step will help prevent burning during pressure cooking. Place a trivet in the IP and set the pork on top of the trivet.
Lock the lid and pressure cook at high pressure for the appropriate amount of time based on your pork loin’s weight and thickness. After pressure cooking, let the pressure come down naturally for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Check the internal temperature of your pork loin with an instant-read meat thermometer – it should read 145°F. If it’s less than this, you can place the lid back on the pot to let the carryover heat cook the pork to doneness. Shouldn’t take more than 3 minutes.
Transfer your pork loin to a cutting board and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. While it’s resting, you can prepare a pan sauce by selecting the Sauté function and bringing the liquid to a boil. Continue to cook at a slow boil for 5 minutes or until reduced by half, stirring occasionally. Serve your sliced pork loin with the pan juices on top.
By following these steps for preparing your pork loin for Instant Pot cooking, you’ll be on your way to a delicious and tender meal that’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for company.
Cooking Times For Small Pork Loins
If you have a small pork loin, it’s important to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that it cooks evenly and remains tender and juicy. Here are some cooking times to follow for small pork loins:
– For a 1-pound pork loin, pressure cook on high pressure for 10 minutes followed by a 10-minute natural release.
– For a 1.5-pound pork loin, pressure cook on high pressure for 12 minutes followed by a 15-minute natural release.
– For a 2-pound pork loin, pressure cook on high pressure for 14 minutes followed by a 20-minute natural release.
It’s important to note that these cooking times are based on an Instant Pot and may vary depending on the type of pressure cooker you use. Additionally, it’s always important to use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure that your pork is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 145°F.
When cooking small pork loins, it’s also important to consider the thickness of the meat. Thicker cuts may require additional cooking time or multiple rounds of pressure cooking and natural release. If your pork loin is not up to temperature after the initial cooking time, you can always add additional time or use the sauté function as described above to bring it up to temperature.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your small pork loin is cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot.
Cooking Times For Medium Pork Loins
When cooking a medium pork loin, it’s important to follow the recommended cooking times to ensure that the meat is cooked evenly and safely. The cooking time for a medium pork loin will depend on its weight and the cooking method used. Here are some estimates to follow:
– For a 2-pound pork loin roasted in the oven at 350°F, cook for 26-28 minutes per pound, which is approximately 52-56 minutes total.
– For a 3-pound pork loin roasted in the oven at 350°F, cook for 20-25 minutes per pound, which is approximately 60-75 minutes total.
– For a 4-pound pork loin roasted in the oven at 350°F, cook for 20-25 minutes per pound, which is approximately 80-100 minutes total.
It’s important to note that these are just estimates and you should always use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure your pork is cooked to the proper internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking whole cuts of pork to 145°F, and they note that pork may still be a little pink in the center at this temperature. Once your pork loin has reached the desired internal temperature, let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Cooking Times For Large Pork Loins
If you have a larger pork loin, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. As a general rule of thumb, plan for 20-25 minutes of cooking time per pound of meat at 350°F. However, it’s important to note that the internal temperature of the pork is what really matters, so use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness.
For a New York Pork Roast weighing 3-5 pounds, plan for 20-25 minutes of cooking time per pound at 350°F. For a Sirloin Pork Roast weighing 3-5 pounds, plan for the same amount of time. If you’re cooking a Pork Crown Roast, plan for 12-15 minutes per pound. For a Rack of Pork, plan for 25-40 minutes per pound. And finally, for a Sirloin Pork Roast weighing more than 5 pounds, plan for 25-40 minutes per pound.
Always remember to let your pork loin rest for at least 3 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute. If you can wait longer, resting for about 10 to 15 minutes will result in an even juicier roast. As your pork loin rests, it will continue to cook more so use a thermometer to check the internal temperature for the level of doneness you want.
Quick Release Vs. Natural Release
Once your pork loin has finished pressure cooking, you’ll need to release the pressure from your Instant Pot. There are two ways to do this: quick release and natural release.
Quick release involves manually releasing the pressure by turning the steam release handle to the venting position. This method is best for foods that can become overcooked or mushy if left in the Instant Pot for too long. To do a quick release, carefully turn the steam release handle to the venting position and let the steam escape until the float valve drops down. This can take up to 2 minutes.
On the other hand, natural release simply involves letting the Instant Pot cool down on its own without any interference from you. This method is best for foods that can benefit from additional cooking time, such as tougher cuts of meat. To do a natural release, leave the Instant Pot alone after cooking until the float valve drops down on its own, which can take up to 30 minutes.
Keep in mind that some recipes may call for a combination of both quick and natural release. For example, you may need to do a natural release for a certain amount of time before doing a quick release to fully release all the pressure.
In general, it’s important to follow the recipe instructions for releasing pressure as it can affect the texture and flavor of your final dish. It’s also important to be cautious when releasing pressure, as hot steam can cause burns. Always use oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands when handling the Instant Pot.
Checking The Internal Temperature Of Your Pork Loin
To ensure your pork loin is cooked to the proper internal temperature, it’s important to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Place the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to touch bone, fat, or gristle. Start checking the temperature towards the end of the cooking time but before you expect it to be done. For pork loin, you want the internal temperature to reach 145°F for safe consumption.
Once you’ve finished pressure cooking your pork loin, let it sit for a natural release time before checking the temperature. If it hasn’t reached 145°F yet, turn on the sauté function with the lid off and let the sauce come to a simmer. Once it reaches a simmer, turn off sauté and place the lid back on for about 5 minutes. Repeat this process as needed until your pork loin reaches the recommended internal temperature of 145°F.
Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your pork loin, so always use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to cook a delicious and perfectly cooked pork loin in your Instant Pot every time.
