Yes, you can absolutely cook pork loin in an air fryer! Air fryers are a great way to cook pork loin that turns out juicy and delicious with a crispy exterior.
Benefits of Cooking Pork Loin in an Air Fryer
There are several benefits to using an air fryer to cook pork loin:
- Air fryers cook food quickly by using super heated air and require little to no oil. This results in pork loin that is moist and tender on the inside with a crispy, golden brown exterior.
- The circulating hot air cooks the pork loin evenly all over.
- Air fryers are easy to use with minimal cleanup required.
- Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a healthier cooking method compared to deep frying since little to no oil is used.
- Air fryers can give pork loin a nice caramelized flavor from the Maillard reaction that occurs.
Instructions for Cooking Pork Loin in an Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps for cooking delicious pork loin in an air fryer:
- Preheat air fryer to 370°F.
- Trim any excess fat from the pork loin. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Season all over with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. Popular options are garlic powder, paprika, oregano, or rosemary.
- Place pork loin in air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd basket.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Internal temperature should reach 145°F.
- Allow pork loin to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into medallions.
Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the pork loin as well as air fryer model. Check for doneness and adjust cook time as needed.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips when cooking pork loin in an air fryer:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches safe internal temperature.
- Rubbing pork loin with a little oil helps promote browning.
- Flip pork halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Let pork rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Spritz pork with vegetable oil if it starts to dry out.
- Cube pork loin for bite-size air fryer pork chops.
Recommended Air Fryer Settings
| Pork Loin Thickness | Air Fry Temp | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 370°F | 15-18 minutes |
| 1.5 inches | 360°F | 18-22 minutes |
| 2 inches | 360°F | 20-25 minutes |
Recipes and Flavor Ideas
Cooking pork loin in an air fryer is a quick and easy meal idea. Here are some recipe ideas to inspire you:
- Apple Rosemary Pork Loin – Rub pork loin with apple butter, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper before air frying.
- BBQ Pork Loin – Coat pork loin with barbecue sauce and sprinkle with chili powder and cumin before cooking.
- Parmesan Crusted Pork Loin – Cover pork loin with grated parmesan, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs before air frying.
- Maple Dijon Pork Loin – Brush pork loin with maple syrup and Dijon mustard before cooking.
- Southwest Pork Loin – Season pork loin with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
The possibilities are endless! Air fried pork loin also makes for great sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
Conclusion
Cooking pork loin in an air fryer results in a quick and easy weeknight meal with crispy, golden brown exterior and juicy interior. The circulating hot air of an air fryer cooks the pork loin fast and evenly for optimal flavor and texture. Follow the recommended cook times and temperatures, and experiment with different seasonings and flavors. In no time, you’ll be making delicious air fryer pork loin meals for your family or dinner guests.