How Long to Cook Pork Loin in an Air Fryer?

Abstract:

Air fryer pork loin cooking requires specific timing and temperatures for perfectly juicy results.

• Pork tenderloin (1-1.5 lbs) cooks in 20-22 minutes at 400°F, while larger pork loin roasts need 35-60 minutes depending on weight
• The USDA recommends 145°F internal temperature with 5 minutes resting time, though 155-160°F eliminates pink coloring
• For crispy crackling, score skin, dry thoroughly, and cook at high temperature ; use instant-read thermometer for accuracy
• Frozen pork cooks remarkably well—steaks require same 14 minutes, tenderloin needs 25 minutes at 400°F
• Store cooked pork up to 5 days refrigerated ; reheat using one-third original cooking time at same temperature

Cooking pork loin in an air fryer has become increasingly popular among home chefs who appreciate quick cooking methods and energy-efficient kitchen appliances. This comprehensive guide explores the precise timing, temperatures, and techniques needed to achieve perfectly cooked pork every time. Whether you’re working with a tender pork tenderloin or a substantial pork loin roast, understanding the differences between these cuts and their specific requirements will transform your air frying experience.

Understanding pork cuts and preparation methods

Before discussing cooking times, it’s essential to distinguish between pork loin and pork tenderloin, as these cuts are frequently confused despite being entirely different. Pork tenderloin represents the filet mignon of pork—an extremely lean, delicate muscle running along the backbone. This long, thin, boneless cut is also known as pork fillet or gentleman’s cut, weighing typically between 1 and 1.5 pounds.

Pork loin, conversely, is a larger, wider, thicker piece from the animal’s back. Often labeled as center cut pork loin roast or rolled loin, this cut may include ribs and typically features skin with a fat layer. Understanding this distinction is crucial because cooking times vary significantly between these cuts.

Proper preparation begins with trimming any excessive fat and removing the silver skin from tenderloin using a sharp knife. Coating your meat with olive oil before applying seasoning ensures better adhesion and flavor distribution. Popular seasoning combinations include brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne. Traditional pork roast flavors incorporate garlic, rosemary, sage, and thyme, while poultry seasoning offers a convenient alternative. For achieving crispy crackling on pork loin, score the skin with a sharp knife, thoroughly dry it with paper towels, and ideally refrigerate uncovered for 24 hours before cooking.

Cooking times and temperatures for different pork cuts

The standard cooking temperature for pork in an air fryer ranges between 370°F and 400°F, depending on the specific cut. For pork tenderloin weighing 1 to 1.5 pounds, the optimal cooking time is 20-22 minutes at 400°F. Smaller tenderloins closer to 1 pound should cook for approximately 20 minutes, while larger 1.5-pound pieces require 22 minutes. Some variations suggest 16-17 minutes for pound cuts, making it essential to monitor internal temperature rather than relying solely on time.

For pork loin roasts, timing varies considerably based on weight. A 3-pound pork loin roast cooked at 370°F requires 35-45 minutes, with testing beginning at 35 minutes. At 400°F, the following guidelines apply :

For larger cuts, add 10 minutes per additional 0.5 pounds. Pork loin steaks or boneless pork chops weighing approximately 4 ounces and ¾ inch thick require only 14 minutes at 390°F. Similar to how long to cook pork chops in an air fryer, monitoring thickness is crucial for timing accuracy.

The USDA now confirms that pork is safe at 145°F with 5 minutes resting time, though slight pinkness may remain. Those preferring more well-done meat without pink coloring should cook to 155-160°F. Remember that meat continues cooking during the resting period, so remove it from the air fryer slightly before reaching your target temperature.

Cooking process and techniques for optimal results

Pre-heating requirements vary by air fryer model, with most requiring 4-5 minutes at 400-405°F. Always consult your specific manual as requirements differ between manufacturers. Place seasoned pork in the air fryer basket using the air fry setting, ensuring adequate space for air circulation around the meat.

During cooking, the brown sugar caramelizes creating enhanced flavor, while the outside crisps and the inside remains juicy due to high-speed circulating heat. For pork tenderloin, turning is typically unnecessary due to circulating heat, though some prefer flipping halfway through. For pork loin, consider turning at the 20-minute mark if browning unevenly.

When cooking pork loin with crackling, after the first 20 minutes, the skin should begin turning golden with crackling formation starting. After another 20 minutes, check if crackling has completely formed and internal temperature reaches 160°F. If crackling hasn’t fully formed but meat approaches desired temperature, loosely cover with foil and continue cooking at 350°F. This technique differs slightly from how to cook a steak in an air fryer, which focuses more on searing than skin crisping.

An instant-read meat thermometer is considered essential for checking doneness accurately. For pork tenderloin, make a cut in the thickest part—meat should be nearly white in the center with possible slight pink blush. If additional cooking is desired, return to the air fryer for 2-minute increments.

Storage, reheating, and practical considerations

After cooking completes, carefully remove pork to a cutting board. Rest pork tenderloin for 3-5 minutes before slicing, while pork loin requires 20 minutes before carving. Save any juices collected in the air fryer basket for spooning over sliced meat, adding extra flavor and moisture.

For slicing pork loin with crackling, remove all ties, place crackling-side down, and cut slices to desired thickness. When reaching the crackling, press down on the knife’s back with your other hand while holding the handle firmly to cut through cleanly, resulting in evenly cut crackling on each slice.

Cooked pork tenderloin stores in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, while pork loin steaks keep for 4 days. For reheating in the air fryer, the general rule is approximately one-third of original cooking time at the same temperature. Pork loin steaks reheat for around 5 minutes at 390°F, while tenderloin slices need only 3 minutes at 400°F, adding minutes as needed until piping hot throughout.

When cooking from frozen, remarkable convenience emerges as pork loin steaks require the exact same 14 minutes at 390°F. Simply rinse frozen steaks under warm water to remove surface ice crystals, thoroughly pat dry, then apply oil and seasoning. For frozen pork tenderloin, start at 25 minutes at 400°F, checking doneness and adding 2-3 minutes incrementally if needed.

The air fryer’s benefits extend beyond cooking speed. Using this appliance frees up valuable oven space during holidays and special occasions, won’t heat your kitchen excessively during hot weather, and uses less energy due to the smaller cooking space. Since air fryers are portable, they can even be used outside. Multiple pork loin steaks typically fit in the basket depending on size, with most accommodating 4 steaks with proper spacing for air circulation.