It’s so easy to cook a pork loin in the Instant Pot! This Instant Pot Pork Loin comes out juicy and flavorful with a rich gravy.
My family loves pork for dinner. I usually cook pork chops or pork tenderloin, but cooking a pork loin is a simple way to change things up a bit. A while ago, I decided to try cooking a pork loin in the Instant Pot instead of our usual Pork Loin Roast recipe. The results were amazing!
The best thing about this Instant Pot pork loin is that it cooks right in the tastiest gravy. There are a lot of savory flavors in the gravy, like garlic, soy sauce, and tomato paste, and a little sweetness from honey. It tastes a bit like a mix of gravy and honey garlic sauce, and it goes great with pork.
This Instant Pot pork loin recipe is simple enough to make on a weeknight and fancy enough to serve to guests. Serve it with Mashed Potatoes and Roasted Vegetables for a meal the whole family will love.
As a busy home cook, I love how the Instant Pot can turn out a juicy, delicious pork loin roast in a fraction of the traditional oven time But nailing the right cook time can be tricky with this convenient electric pressure cooker. In this guide, I’ll share my tips for exactly how long to cook pork loin in the Instant Pot for perfect doneness.
Why Cook Pork Loin in an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is ideal for pork loin because
- Cooks the meat quickly thanks to pressure cooking
- Keeps the pork tender and moist
- Infuses flavor into the meat
- Minimal hands-on time needed
- Convenient – no need to monitor the oven
With the right timing, you’ll enjoy stellar results every time.
Average Instant Pot Pork Loin Cook Times
As a general rule of thumb, use these Instant Pot pork loin cook times as a starting point:
- 1-2 lb pork loin: 25-35 minutes
- 3-4 lb pork loin: 35-45 minutes
- 5-6 lb pork loin: 45-60 minutes
The shape, thickness, and bone-in vs boneless all impact timing. Use a meat thermometer for best accuracy.
Instant Pot Temperature for Pork Loin
Cook the pork loin at high pressure in the Instant Pot. For food safety, pork needs to reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
- For medium doneness, target an internal temp of 145°F
- For medium well, aim for 150-155°F
- For well done pork, cook to 160°F
Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness instead of relying solely on time.
Calculating Exact Instant Pot Pork Loin Time
While the estimates above provide a starting point, the precise Instant Pot pork loin cook time depends on:
1. Thickness – A 2-inch thick roast needs more time than a 1-inch thick chop.
2. Weight – Heavier roasts require longer cook times.
3. Shape – Uniform roasts cook evenly, oddly shaped pieces may need more time.
4. Bone-in or Boneless – Bone-in pork loin takes longer.
5. Desired Doneness – The final internal temp impacts total time.
Let’s look at how to determine the exact Instant Pot cook time based on these factors.
Step-by-Step Guide for Instant Pot Pork Loin Perfection
Follow my simple steps for foolproof Instant Pot pork loin every time:
- Select pork loin roast and note weight and dimensions
- Add 1 cup broth or water to Instant Pot inner pot
- Place trivet and pork loin in pot
- Lock lid and pressure cook on high for estimated time based on roast size
- Allow natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes
- Quick release remaining pressure
- Check internal temp using a meat thermometer
- Adjust time as needed if undercooked and retest temperature
Checking Doneness of Instant Pot Pork Loin
To test if your pork loin is ready, use these foolproof methods:
-
Meat thermometer is most accurate – insert into thickest area and check temperature
-
Slice pork loin open – Meat should no longer be pink in center
-
Test texture – Pork should feel firm, not squishy
Once the innermost portion of the pork loin reaches 145°F, it is safely cooked through.
Common Instant Pot Pork Loin Mistakes
To achieve tender, juicy pork loin, avoid these common pitfalls:
-
Not using natural pressure release – Causes meat to toughen
-
Quick release right away – Leads to drier pork
-
No resting time after pressure cooking – Results in juices spilling out
-
Skipping meat thermometer – Makes it hard to confirm safe doneness
By following the steps above and using a meat thermometer, you’ll get perfect results every time.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Pork Loin
Take your Instant Pot pork loin to the next level with these expert tips:
-
Brine the pork loin in salt, sugar, and herbs for 1-2 hours before cooking to boost moisture and flavor.
-
Brown the pork loin in the Instant Pot on saute mode first to create a tasty crust.
-
Add garlic, onion, broth, and seasonings to the pot for extra flavor infusion.
-
Tent pork loin with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
-
Mix defatted pan juices with flour to make an easy pork gravy.
With the right technique, the Instant Pot delivers tender, fall-apart pork loin in a fraction of the traditional oven roasting time.
Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Pork Loin
Here are delicious ways to use your cooked Instant Pot pork loin:
-
Slice into pork medallions and serve with apple chutney.
-
Shred for pulled pork sandwiches with bbq sauce.
-
Chop and add to fried rice or egg roll filling.
-
Pair with roasted veggies and chimichurri sauce.
-
Use in tacos, burrito bowls, or enchiladas.
The possibilities are endless! I hope these Instant Pot pork loin tips help you achieve tender, juicy results every single time.
Common Questions about Instant Pot Pork Loin
Q: How long does it take to cook a 2 lb pork loin in the Instant Pot?
A: For a 2 lb boneless pork loin, the cook time is around 25-35 minutes at high pressure. Use a meat thermometer to confirm.
Q: Should the pork loin be completely submerged in liquid?
A: No, the pork loin can sit on a trivet above the water or broth in the pot. It does not need to be fully submerged.
Q: Can I cook frozen pork loin in the Instant Pot?
A: Yes, but add 5-10 extra minutes to the cook time if starting with fully frozen pork loin.
Q: Is natural release necessary for pork loin?
A: Yes, allowing the pressure to come down naturally for at least 10-15 minutes is important for tender results. Avoid quick releasing right away.
Q: What temperature should pork loin be for shredding?
A: For shredded pork loin, cook it until it reaches an internal temp of 200-205°F for fall-apart tender meat.
How Long to Cook a Pork Loin in the Instant Pot
The cook time will depend on the size and thickness of your pork loin. Here is a general guide:
- For a 2-pound pork loin, cook it under high pressure for 14 minutes and then let the pressure naturally drop for 20 minutes.
- 2. Pressure cook a 5-pound pork loin for 16 minutes on high pressure, then let the pressure drop naturally for 20 minutes.
- For a 3-pound pork loin, cook it under high pressure for 18 minutes and then let the pressure naturally release for 20 minutes.
The best way to tell if the pork is cooked through is to use an instant read thermometer to test the temperature of the center of the meat. The USDA recommends cooking whole cuts of pork to 145° F, and they note that pork may still be a little pink in the center at this temperature.
If the pork isn’t quite done after pressure cooking, put the lid back on the pot and turn on the sauté function. Let the sauce come to a simmer, then turn off sauté and put the lid back on the pot for about 5 minutes. Do this again and again until the pork reaches 145° F.
Round out the meal with a few easy side dishes. Here are some suggestions:
Instant Pot Pork Loin Recipe Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Instant Pot pork loin recipe:
- Boneless Pork Loin Roast: The recipe tells you how long to cook a pork loin that weighs 2 to 3 pounds.
- Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper are mixed together and used to rub the pork. This spice mix is a less complicated version of our favorite Pork Rub recipe.
- Olive Oil: For searing the pork in the Instant Pot.
- Chicken Broth: The Instant Pot can build up pressure because of the chicken broth. It also forms the base of the gravy.