Cooking a juicy and flavorful pork roast may seem intimidating, but it’s easy to do in a ninja grill! Ninja grills are versatile countertop appliances that can be used to grill, air fry, roast, bake, and more. With the right techniques and seasonings, you can make restaurant-quality pork roast at home.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook pork roast in a ninja grill, including:
- Choosing the right cut of pork for roasting
- Seasoning and preparing the pork roast
- Using the ninja grill to cook the pork roast
- Estimated cooking times and temperatures
- Resting, slicing, and serving the finished roast
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, juicy pork roast ready for dinner in no time. Let’s get started!
Choosing the Right Cut of Pork
The first step is selecting the right cut of pork for roasting. The ideal cuts to use are:
- Pork loin roast – This is the most popular option. It’s a center-cut roast that’s lean, tender, and cooks up juicy.
- Pork shoulder/Boston butt – Has more fat and connective tissue so it stays tender when cooked. More flavorful than loin.
- Pork crown roast – Made from rib chops tied into a circle. Impressive for a holiday table.
Bone-in roasts have more flavor, but boneless roasts are easier to carve. Allow 1⁄2 to 1 pound of meat per person. Pick a roast that will fit in your ninja grill with some room around it.
For best results, choose meat that is evenly shaped and trimmed of excess fat. Stay away from cuts with lots of bones or irregular shapes, as they won’t cook as evenly.
Seasoning the Pork Roast
Seasoning is key for adding flavor to pork roast. Here are some seasoning ideas:
- Simple salt and pepper – Coat all over with kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
- Herbs – Rub with fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, sage, etc.
- Spice blends – Use Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, etc.
- Aromatics – Rub minced garlic, shallots, oregano over the roast.
- Fruits – Coat with a light layer of apple sauce, mashed pineapple, etc.
Apply seasonings evenly over the entire roast. You can season right before cooking or let it sit overnight in the fridge so the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat.
Preparing the Ninja Grill
Preheating your ninja grill is key for properly roasting pork. Follow these steps:
- If cooking a boneless roast, tie it at 1-2 inch intervals with cooking twine. This helps it hold its shape.
- Pat roast dry with paper towels. Season all over with desired seasonings/herbs.
- Preheat ninja grill to 375°F using the ‘roast’ function.
- Place roast on grill grate and insert temperature probe, if your grill has this feature.
The roast probe will help monitor the internal temperature and let you know when it’s done. If your grill doesn’t have a probe, use an instant read thermometer.
Some models like the Ninja Foodi Grill XL have a dedicated roasting function that circulates heat evenly around food. Refer to your grill’s manual for specific preheating instructions.
Cooking Times for Pork Roast
Cooking times will vary based on the size and shape of your pork roast. Here are general time ranges:
| Roast Weight | Estimated Grill Time |
|---|---|
| 2 – 3 pounds | 1 – 1 1⁄2 hours |
| 4 – 6 pounds | 2 – 3 hours |
For bone-in roasts, increase cooking time by 15 to 30 minutes. Monitor the temperature probe and continue roasting until it reaches the desired internal temp.
Target Internal Temperatures
| Degree of Doneness | Minimum Internal Temp |
|---|---|
| Medium Rare | 135°F |
| Medium | 140 – 145°F |
| Well Done | 160°F |
Roasting the Pork
Once your ninja grill is preheated, follow these instructions for roasting:
- Place seasoned pork roast directly on grill grate.
- Insert temperature probe, if available. Probe tip should be centered in thickest part of meat.
- Roast at 375°F, flipping halfway through. Check temp periodically.
- Once probe reaches target temp (or instant thermometer), remove from grill.
- Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
If flare-ups occur, reduce heat to 350°F. For extra crispy skin, broil last 5 minutes.
Baste the roast every 30 minutes with pan drippings, apple juice, wine, or other liquid to keep it moist. Add smoked woodchips to grill before preheating for extra flavor.
Resting, Slicing, and Serving
After roasting, always let pork rest 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute through the meat for moist, tender results.
To carve, use a sharp knife to slice roast across the grain into 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick slices. Serve warm with your favorite sides and sauces. Delicious pork roast pairing ideas include:
- Sides – Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice pilaf, etc.
- Sauces – Barbecue sauce, gravy, mustard, chimichurri, etc.
- Garnishes – Fresh herbs, crispy onions, pickled vegetables, etc.
For easy meal prep, slice and store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Tips for Juicy Pork Roast
Follow these tips for the juiciest, most flavorful roast pork:
- Pat roast extremely dry before seasoning – Moisture on the surface can prevent browning.
- Use a meat thermometer – Don’t risk overcooking. Cook to 5°F below target temp.
- Let rest before slicing – Never slice right after cooking or juices will run out.
- Roast low and slow – Longer cooking at a lower temp breaks down connective tissue.
- Baste during roasting – Applying pan drippings or sauce keeps the meat moist.
- Avoid opening the grill – Opening frequently causes heat loss and longer cooking.
Common Pork Roast Mistakes
It’s easy for roasts to turn out dry, tough, or lacking flavor. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Overcooking – Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
- Underseasoning – Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, herbs and spices.
- Slicing too soon – Always wait at least 10 minutes before cutting so juices redistribute.
- Basting with sugary sauce at the end – Sugar will burn quickly under high heat.
- Not searing/browning – Browning creates rich flavor – don’t roast under foil.
As long as you monitor temperature closely and use flavorful seasonings, you’ll get fantastic results every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about roasting pork in a ninja grill:
What size pork roast fits in a ninja grill?
Ninja grills can accommodate roasts up to 7 pounds. For the Foodi Grill XL, roasts up to 9 pounds will fit. Try to leave at least 2 inches around the roast for air circulation.
Should the pork rest on a rack in the ninja grill?
You can place the roast directly on the grill grate. Adding a rack elevates it which allows air circulation under the meat, leading to crisper skin.
How long does it take to preheat a ninja grill?
Most ninja grills only take 5-10 minutes to preheat fully to the target roasting temperature of 375°F. Larger grills may take up to 15 minutes.
Can you use woodchips when roasting pork in a ninja grill?
Yes, adding a small tray of soaked woodchips while preheating will infuse nice smoky flavor into the roast. Opt for woods like hickory, apple, cherry, mesquite or pecan.
Should the pork roast be cooked fat side up or down?
Arrange pork fat side up which allows the rendering fat to baste the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. The hot air will crisp up the fat cap nicely.
Conclusion
Cooking juicy pork roast in a ninja grill is easy when you follow the right techniques. Allow enough time for the meat to cook through slowly, let it rest before slicing, and use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked results every time. With minimal hands-on effort, you’ll have delicious, tender roast pork ready to wow your family or guests.