How to Cook a Perfect Pork Roast in an Air Fryer

Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years for their ability to make crispy foods like french fries and chicken wings with little to no oil. But did you know that air fryers are also great for cooking tender juicy roasts? Specifically air fryers can make amazing pork roasts that are flavorful on the outside with perfectly cooked meat on the inside.

In this detailed guide I’ll explain everything you need to know to cook a perfect pork roast in an air fryer including tips for choosing the right cut of meat, seasoning and preparing the roast, recommended cook times and temperatures, and how to ensure your pork turns out juicy, tender and delicious every time.

Benefits of Cooking Pork Roast in an Air Fryer

There are several advantages to using an air fryer instead of a traditional oven when cooking pork roast

• Quicker cooking time – Air fryers utilize rapid hot air circulation so pork roasts cook more quickly, usually 30-50% faster than the oven. A 2-3 lb roast takes only 45-60 minutes in an air fryer.

• Crispy exterior – The hot air circulation gives the exterior of the pork roast a crispy, browned outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

• Less prep work – No need to sear the meat on the stove first, the air fryer does this for you!

• More even cooking – Air fryers cook food from all sides at once, preventing cold spots.

• Retains juices and flavors – Requires little to no added oil, so all the natural pork flavors are retained.

Choosing the Right Cut of Pork for Roasting

The cut of pork you choose is important, as some are more suitable for roasting than others:

• Pork loin roast – The most popular option, from the upper loin area. Contains less fat than other cuts.

• Pork shoulder roast – Also called a Boston butt or Boston shoulder. Contains more fat and connective tissue so it’s more moist.

• Pork tenderloin – Very lean and tender but can dry out if overcooked. Best for grilling or pan searing vs. roasting.

For roasting, I recommend choosing a boneless pork loin roast that’s 2-3 lbs or a boneless pork shoulder roast of the same size. Avoid cuts over 4 lbs, as they likely won’t fit or cook evenly in an air fryer.

Seasoning a Pork Roast for the Air Fryer

One of the keys to amazing roast pork is properly seasoning the meat before cooking. Here are some tips:

• Dry brine the roast – Coat it with salt, herbs and spices and let rest overnight. This helps season the meat all the way through.

• Use oil – Lightly coat the pork with oil before adding any spice rub or seasoning. This helps the seasonings stick.

• Spice rub ideas – Cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic, onion, mustard, oregano, sage and thyme all pair well with pork.

• Get creative – You can also use spice blends like jerk seasoning, cajun seasoning, Italian dressing mix or pre-made pork rubs.

Make sure to pat the seasoning rub all over the roast so it’s fully coated. Allowing it to marinate for a few hours or overnight intensifies the flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Pork Roast in an Air Fryer

1. Remove roast from packaging – Pat dry with paper towels. Allow roast to sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

2. Coat with oil – Use olive, canola or avocado oil. This helps the roast brown and makes the seasoning stick.

3. Season the roast – Generously apply your favorite spice rub or herbs/seasoning all over. Press rub into the meat.

4. Preheat air fryer – Set to 360°F and preheat for 5 minutes. This gets the air fryer hot enough to sear the meat.

5. Place pork in fryer – Put roast in cooking basket fat-side up. No need to add extra oil to the basket.

6. Cook 15 minutes per pound – For a 2 lb roast, cook 30 minutes, flip halfway through. For a 3 lb roast, cook 45 minutes, flipping halfway.

7. Check temperature – Pork should reach 145°F internally. If not done, cook 5-10 minutes more until temp is reached.

8. Let rest 10 minutes – The roast will keep cooking a bit after removed from the air fryer. Tent with foil while resting.

And that’s it – perfectly cooked, tender and juicy pork roast right from your air fryer!

Tips for the Best Results

Follow these tips and tricks for air fryer pork roast success:

• Choose a roast 2-3 lbs to fit best in the air fryer basket.

• Dry brine and marinate roast for maximum flavor.

• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – 145°F for pork.

• Let roast rest before slicing to retain juices.

• Add vegetables like potatoes or carrots in the last 10-15 minutes to roast them alongside.

• Stick to 360°F cooking temperature – higher can dry out the meat’s exterior.

• If pork seems dry, wrap in foil while cooking to help retain moisture.

• For crispier skin, coat with a thin layer of oil before adding rub.

Favorite Seasonings and Rubs for Pork Roast

The seasoning you choose can make or break your pork roast! Here are some of my favorite spice rubs to use:

Simple Herb Rub

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried sage
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp pepper

Apple Cider Rub

• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper

Coffee Chile Rub

• 1 tbsp ground coffee
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp pepper

Experiment with different spice combinations to find your perfect pork roast rub!

Side Dishes That Pair Well with Pork Roast

A pork roast dinner deserves some tasty side dishes. Here are some excellent options:

• Roasted or mashed potatoes
• Rice pilaf or risotto
• Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips or beets
• Glazed carrots
• Roasted brussels sprouts or broccoli
• Dinner rolls or biscuits
• Pasta salad
• Fruit salad

Sides with a touch of sweetness balance the savory pork roast wonderfully. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your pairings!

How to Make Juicy Pork Roast in an Air Fryer

The number one issue people have when cooking pork roast is dry, tough meat. Follow these tips for juicy, tender air fryer pork every time:

• Choose cuts with more fat/marbling like shoulder roast over lean loin roast.

• Dry brine overnight and marinate for at least 2-3 hours before cooking.

• Sear and cook the roast at 360°F, no higher to prevent drying out.

• Use a meat thermometer and don’t overcook – 145°F is perfect.

• Let roast rest at least 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

• Add liquid to the air fryer basket like broth, juice or water.

• Spritz with water or broth every 20 minutes while cooking.

• Wrap the pork in foil if it seems to be drying out while cooking.

Air Fryer Pork Roast Recipe

Now that you know all the tips and tricks, here is a simple, foolproof recipe to cook a perfect pork roast in the air fryer:

Ingredients:

• 2–3 lb boneless pork shoulder or loin roast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1⁄2 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp pepper
• 1⁄4 tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Mix garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper and paprika in a small bowl. Set aside.
2. Pat pork roast dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle spice mix all over the roast and press into the meat.
4. Let marinate 30 minutes up to overnight, refrigerated.
5. Preheat air fryer to 360°F for 5 minutes.
6. Place marinated pork roast in fryer basket. Cook 15 minutes per pound, flipping halfway.
7. Roast is done at 145°F internal temperature. Allow to rest 10 minutes