Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast

Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast is a tasty and easy dinner recipe for a flavorful, tender pork roast. Delicious air fryer pork loin is a tender and yummy main dish pork recipe that goes well with many side dishes like Slow Cooker Creamed Corn, and makes a great meal that the whole family will enjoy.

 
Originally published on 5/3/2023

Pork Roast in the Air Fryer

I discovered that the air fryer is a great way to cook a pork loin roast. I always thought they would get too dry, but that is not the case! This air fryer pork recipe is easy to follow, has simple ingredients, and makes a delicious, juicy pork roast that's perfect for dinner.

I'll show you the steps to cook a perfect air fryer pork roast using a simple dry rub, and give you tips to make this recipe easily.

What is Pork Loin Roast?

Pork loin roast is a lean cut of meat that comes from the back of the pig. Pork loin roast can be bone-in or boneless, and it can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as grilling, roasting, or braising.



What is the Difference Between Pork Loin Roast and Pork Tenderloin?

• Pork loin roast and pork tenderloin are two different cuts of meat that come from different parts of the pig. Pork loin roast is a larger cut of meat.
• Pork tenderloin is a smaller, more slender cut of meat. Pork tenderloin is also more tender.



Benefits of Using an Air Fryer to Cook a Pork Roast

Why does an air fryer work well to cook a pork roast?

• Faster Cooking Time: Because the air fryer circulates hot air around the food, it cooks faster than traditional methods like oven roasting or slow cooking. This means that your pork roast can be ready faster than in a conventional oven.
• Air Fryer Cooking for a Crispy Exterior: The high heat and rapid air circulation in the air fryer helps to create a crispy, golden crust on the pork roast, which is delicious.
• Even Cooking: Because it circulates hot air around the food, the air fryer cooks the pork roast more evenly on all sides. Using an air fryer to cook a pork roast is a great way to achieve a delicious, crispy exterior and evenly cooked, juicy interior.

Ingredients in Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast Recipe:
Boneless Pork Loin Roast - You can use a bone-in pork loin roast for this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time.
Vegetable Oil - Or use canola oil, avocado oil, light olive oil, or any cooking oil of your choice with a high smoke point.
Dry Rub (use your favorite) - Or see recipe card Notes for recipe.

What other seasonings can I use for the dry rub?
You can use any combination of spices that you like for the dry rub. Some good options include smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, and coriander. Use about 2 tablespoons of spice blend for a 3-pound pork loin roast.

How to Make a Pork Roast in the Air Fryer

1. Pat the pork roast dry using paper towels.
2. Coat the roast in oil, using a silicone brush.

3. Coat the pork roast with the spice rub, and rub it in.
4. Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 360°F.
5. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the seasoned roast in the air fryer basket with the layer of fat side up, and cook at 360°F for 40-50 minutes.

6. Check the internal temperature of the meat using a digital meat thermometer. Remove the roast when it is 140°F, then let the meat rest on a plate for about 5-10 minutes before cutting (the internal temperature will keep rising as the roast rests, and should be 145°F or a little higher before consuming.). Larger roasts will need a longer cook time.
7. Use the juices in the bottom of the air fryer basket to drizzle over the servings, if desired.

Do I Need to Flip the Pork Roast During Air Frying?

No, you don't need to flip the pork roast during cooking in the air fryer. The hot air will circulate around the roast and cook it evenly on all sides.

How Can to When the Pork Roast is Done

• The best way to tell when the pork roast is done is to use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork loin is a lean cut of pork, so to avoid dry pork you don't want to overcook it.
• The pork roast is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Keep in mind that the temperature will continue to rise by a few degrees as the pork rests, so it's best to remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 140°F.
• It's important to note that a properly cooked pork roast may still have a slightly pink color in the center. This is perfectly normal and does not mean that the meat is undercooked. As long as the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) and is allowed to rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing, it is safe to eat.

Which Side Dishes Go with Air Fryer Pork Loin Roast?

Vegetables: Roasting vegetables in the air fryer is simple and makes for a delicious side dish. Try roasting some Brussels sprouts, carrots, asparagus, or sweet potatoes for a tasty and nutritious accompaniment to air fryer pork roast.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with pork. You can make them ahead of time and keep them warm in the oven until the pork roast is ready.

Cranberry Sauce: If you're making air fryer pork loin recipe for a holiday meal, cranberry sauce is a must-have side dish. You can make your own homemade cranberry sauce, or use store-bought.
Salad: A simple salad is always a good choice to balance out a hearty meal like pork roast. Try a Chopped Salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a classic Coleslaw.

Tips for Great Air Fryer Roast Pork

• Patting the roast dry before applying oil and spices ensures that they will adhere well to the surface of the meat.
• Add even more flavor by using a marinade.
• When checking the internal temperature, insert the instant read thermometer probe into the thickest part of the roast to get an accurate reading.
• Letting the roast rest for a few minutes before cutting allows the juices to redistribute into the fibers, resulting in a more tender and juicy roast.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook the roast in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F and cook the roast for about 45-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

More Delicious Air Fryer Dinner Ideas:
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs
Air Fryer Fried Chicken
Air Fryer Barbecue Chicken Legs

How to Store Leftover Pork Roast

If you have leftovers, here's how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pork roast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: To freeze it, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: To reheat leftover pork roast, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the pork in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave for a minute or so. Keep in mind that the pork may dry out a bit when reheated, so you can add a little bit of water to the dish before reheating to keep the meat moist.

If you make this air fryer pork loin recipe, please let me know. You can leave a comment with a star rating below.

Here is a simple and delicious pork rub recipe that you can use for this air fryer pork roast recipe or any other pork dish:
Ingredients:
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

Spice Rub Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients until well combined.
2. Store the rub in an airtight container until ready to use.
3. This recipe yields is approximately ½ cup. This should be enough to generously coat a 3 pound pork loin roast, as well as have some leftover for future use. However, you can easily double or triple the recipe if you need more. Any unused spice blend can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Sandy Clifton is a Recipe developer at Simply Happy Foodie, specializing in easy air fryer dinners