Are you looking for a new and exciting way to cook a pork roast?
Look no further than your trusty air fryer!
With its ability to cook food quickly and evenly, the air fryer is the perfect tool for creating a juicy and flavorful pork roast.
But how exactly do you cook a pork roast in an air fryer?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore several different methods for cooking a pork roast in an air fryer, complete with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook A Pork Roast In An Air Fryer?
Method 1: Rub and Season
One popular method for cooking a pork roast in an air fryer is to rub it with olive oil and seasonings. Start by patting the pork roast dry with paper towels. If the roast has a rind, score the skin with a sharp knife in a criss-cross pattern, cutting into the fat beneath but not into the meat. Sprinkle salt over the skin and rub it in, then leave the pork roast for 10 minutes to allow the salt to draw moisture from the skin. Pat the pork roast dry again, then drizzle with oil and rub it in.
Preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). Place the pork roast in the air fryer basket and cook for 50 minutes (25 minutes per pound of meat). When the cooking time is up, check that the pork is cooked to ensure it has reached 145°F/63°C in the center of the thickest part. Remove the pork roast from the air fryer, cover it with kitchen foil, and let it rest for ten minutes before serving. Carve into slices to serve.
Method 2: Dry Rub
Another method for cooking a pork roast in an air fryer is to use a dry rub. Start by patting the pork roast dry with paper towels. Mix together dry ingredients or seasonings of choice and rub them all over the outside of the roast. Then put a second layer of dry rub on, lifting up and allowing excess to fall off.
Preheat your air fryer to 300°F for 5 minutes. Spray the basket with non-stick spray and lay the pork roast inside. Cook for 35-40 minutes for a 3-pound piece. Check the temperature at the thickest part to ensure it has reached a safe 145°F inside. Remove and cover, allowing it to sit and rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Method 3: Foil Pouch
A third method for cooking a pork roast in an air fryer is to make a foil pouch. Rub the pork roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Montreal Steak Seasoning. Make sure to cover all sides. Make a large foil pouch inside your air fryer and place the seasoned roast inside it. Pour broth into the foil pan with the roast.
Set your air fryer to cook at 400°F for 20 minutes. While this is cooking, prepare potatoes and carrots by slicing them into halves and tossing them in olive oil, seasoning salt, and pepper. When the first cook time is over for the pork roast, open the air fryer and flip the roast over. Add vegetables all around it. Put the basket back into the air fryer, set the temperature for 350°F, and cook for another 35 minutes.
Check the temperature of the meat; it is safe to eat at 145°F. If it is not at this temperature, return it to the air fryer, cooking for five-minute intervals at 350°F until it reaches this temperature. Check tenderness of vegetables; if they are not cooked yet but your roast is done, remove it from air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board covered with tin foil before slicing.
Preparing Your Pork Roast For The Air Fryer
Before you start cooking your pork roast in the air fryer, there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure that it cooks evenly and comes out juicy and delicious. The first step is to prepare the pork roast by rubbing it with olive oil and seasonings.
To do this, start by patting the pork roast dry with paper towels. If your roast has a rind, score the skin with a sharp knife in a criss-cross pattern, cutting into the fat beneath but not into the meat. Sprinkle salt over the skin and rub it in, then leave the pork roast for 10 minutes to allow the salt to draw moisture from the skin. Pat the pork roast dry again, then drizzle with oil and rub it in.
Next, you’ll want to apply your chosen seasonings to the pork roast. You can use a pre-made seasoning mix or create your own blend of herbs and spices. Make sure to cover all sides of the pork roast with the seasoning mix, rubbing it in well.
Once your pork roast is nicely seasoned, it’s time to place it in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your pork roast and your air fryer, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces to fit. Make sure that there is enough space around each piece of meat for air to circulate and cook it evenly.
Preheat your air fryer to the appropriate temperature for your chosen cooking method (see above for specific temperatures and cooking times). Once preheated, place the pork roast in the basket and set the timer for the recommended cooking time. It’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature of your pork roast with a meat thermometer before removing it from the air fryer. The temperature should read 145°F/63°C in the center of the thickest part.
Finally, remove the pork roast from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures that it stays moist and tender. Serve your delicious air fryer pork roast with your favorite sides for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Seasoning Your Pork Roast For Maximum Flavor
One crucial step in cooking a pork roast in an air fryer is seasoning it properly. Seasoning the meat not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize and enhance the texture of the pork. There are various methods for seasoning your pork roast, but the most common ones are rubbing and using a dry rub.
When using the rubbing method, start by patting the pork roast dry with paper towels. If the roast has a rind, score the skin with a sharp knife in a criss-cross pattern, cutting into the fat beneath but not into the meat. Sprinkle salt over the skin and rub it in, then leave the pork roast for 10 minutes to allow the salt to draw moisture from the skin. Pat the pork roast dry again, then drizzle with oil and rub it in.
For a dry rub, mix together dry ingredients or seasonings of choice and rub them all over the outside of the roast. Be sure to get all sides of each piece of meat. Let the meat sit for a while so that the seasoning can sink in. In some cases, 15 minutes is enough, but it is recommended to let it sit for two hours or even overnight (in the refrigerator) to really let it absorb.
Some common seasonings that go well with pork include brown sugar, cumin, thyme, oregano, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and pepper. You can also use other herbs and spices that you prefer.
When cooking your seasoned pork roast in an air fryer, be sure to follow the recommended cooking times and temperatures for your chosen method. Checking the temperature of the meat using an instant-read thermometer is also crucial to ensure that it has reached a safe temperature of 145°F/63°C in the center of the thickest part.
Cooking Your Pork Roast In The Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking a pork roast in an air fryer is a simple and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you cook your pork roast to perfection:
1. Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for your chosen method.
2. Prepare the pork roast: Pat the pork roast dry with paper towels. Rub it with olive oil and seasonings, or apply a dry rub of your choice. Make sure to cover all sides of the roast.
3. Place the pork roast in the air fryer: Place the seasoned pork roast in the air fryer basket or make a foil pouch for it, depending on the method you have chosen.
4. Cook the pork roast: Set your air fryer to cook at the recommended temperature and time for your chosen method. Check the temperature of the meat with an instant-read thermometer after 35 minutes of cooking. When it reaches 145°F/63°C in the center of the thickest part, remove it from the air fryer.
5. Let it rest: Cover the cooked pork roast with kitchen foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it into serving sizes.
6. Serve and enjoy: Serve your deliciously cooked pork roast with your favorite side dishes and enjoy.
Remember, cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on your air fryer model and size of the pork roast. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that your pork roast is cooked to perfection. With these simple steps, you can easily cook a delicious pork roast in an air fryer that will impress your family and friends!
Checking The Temperature And Doneness Of Your Pork Roast
Checking the temperature and doneness of your pork roast is crucial to ensure it is cooked safely and to your desired level of tenderness. The recommended safe internal temperature for fresh cuts of pork is 145°F/63°C. To check the temperature properly, use a digital cooking thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the meat, making sure it doesn’t touch bone, fat, or gristle. Start checking the temperature toward the end of cooking, but before you expect it to be done.
If you’re using Method 1 or Method 2 mentioned above, cook the pork roast for the recommended time and then check the temperature at the center of the thickest part using a meat thermometer. If the temperature has not reached 145°F/63°C, return it to the air fryer and cook for an additional five-minute interval until it reaches this temperature.
If you’re using Method 3 and have added vegetables to the air fryer, check their tenderness as well. If they are not cooked yet but your roast is done, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board covered with tin foil before slicing.
Once your pork roast has reached a safe internal temperature of 145°F/63°C, remove it from the air fryer and cover it with kitchen foil. Let it rest for ten minutes before slicing into it. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender pork roast. By following these guidelines, you can cook a delicious and safe pork roast in your air fryer every time.
Resting And Serving Your Perfectly Cooked Pork Roast
Once your pork roast is cooked to perfection, it’s important to let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Simply remove the pork roast from the air fryer basket and cover it loosely with foil, allowing it to rest for the designated time.
After resting, remove the foil and carve your pork roast into slices of your desired thickness. It’s important to use a sharp carving knife to ensure clean cuts. If you’re worried about the roast getting cold during this time, don’t be. The meat will stay warm inside for quite some time, and you’ll be reheating it in the air fryer for a bit before serving.
To serve your perfectly cooked pork roast, pour hot gravy over the slices to keep them warm and juicy. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes or any other side dish of your choice. Remember that presentation is key, so arrange your slices nicely on a platter or individual plates.
Tips And Tricks For Cooking Pork Roast In An Air Fryer
Cooking a pork roast in an air fryer can be a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the best results:
1. Use a meat thermometer: It’s important to make sure your pork roast is fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the roast, making sure it reaches at least 145°F/63°C in the center of the thickest part.
2. Let the pork rest: After cooking, let the pork rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
3. Season well: Whether you use a dry rub or a wet rub, make sure to season your pork roast well before cooking. This will help enhance the flavor of the meat.
4. Consider using foil: If you want to keep your pork roast moist while cooking, consider wrapping it in foil or making a foil pouch. This will help trap in moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
5. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Make sure to leave enough space in your air fryer basket for air to circulate around the pork roast. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and may result in an undercooked or overcooked roast.
By following these tips and tricks, you can cook a delicious and tender pork roast in your air fryer that will be sure to impress your family and friends.
