The Most Amazing Air Fryer Pork Loin

Air fryer pork loin is an incredible recipe that is easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but also special enough to serve on a holiday. It’s a quick, healthy way to cook a large pork roast, that leaves it juicy and full of flavor. You just need a pork loin, Dijon mustard, and a handful of seasonings to make this amazingly delicious air fryer pork loin, I bet it will become one of your favorite ways to cook pork!

One bite in, and my whole family was hooked. That’s how delicious this air fryer pork loin is! It’s an incredibly simple recipe and takes less than 10 minutes to prepare. After the pork is trimmed and seasoned, you place it into the air fryer basket and let the air fryer take care of the rest. Since this juicy pork roast is cooked in the air fryer, it frees up oven space so you can cook more delicious things like Oil-free Cajun Potatoes or even a decadent dessert like this gluten free chocolate snack cake!

This easy air fryer pork roast is so easy, cooks in under an hour, and is so tender and juicy you’ll wonder why you’ve never cooked it this way before! If you’re looking for a special air fryer recipe for an upcoming holiday meal or even dinner tonight, then look no further because this lean cut of pork is sure to wow. Though it is a larger cut of meat, it’s easy, beginner friendly, and the pork comes out perfectly cooked. Whether you're air frying for the first time, or you're a pro, this is the best way to make a roast!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS AIR FRYER PORK LOIN

• It has a less than 45 minute cook time
• Both easy enough for a weeknight and special enough for a holiday
• Crispy skin, juicy interior
• Pork comes out perfectly cooked
• A foolproof cooking technique for beginners!
• Easy, healthy, and quick
• Saves oven space so you can make more delicious things

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS EASY AIR FRYER PORK

1. Pork Loin: I used a boneless, 3 pound roast and trimmed the fat a little. This is an average size at most grocery stores
2. Dijon Mustard: Adds a great tangy, sharpness that cuts the richness of the pork
3. Salt & Black Pepper
4. Garlic Powder
5. Paprika
6. Mustard Seeds: I LOVE adding mustard seeds because of the texture!

HOW TO MAKE PORK LOIN IN THE AIR FRYER

1. Use a sharp knife to trim off any excess fat from your roast (I left only about a ¼ inch cap on mine)
2. In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and mustard seeds
3. Dry the roast, and use your fingers to generously spread the seasoning rub all over the fat cap and sides
4. Place the roast seasoning side up into your air fryer basket and cook at 370 degrees F for 18 minutes
5. After the initial 18 minutes are up, use tongs to flip the pork over and then cook for another 18-20 minutes
6. For best results, pull it out once it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F (use a digital meat thermometer to check) and place on a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes
7. Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PORK LOIN AND PORK TENDERLOIN?

You might be surprised to know that, besides their name, these two cuts of pork are actually very different. 

PORK LOIN:

• Cut from the back of the pig
• Boneless or bone-in
• Wider and flatter

PORK TENDERLOIN:

• Cut from a section along the backbone
• Always boneless
• Longer and skinnier
• The leanest cut of pork
• (if you're looking for a juicy pork tenderloin- try this!)

HOW TO REHEAT AIR FRYER PORK LOIN

Most air fryer recipes can be reheated in the air fryer, on the stove, or in the microwave. (though I don’t recommend that one) In the air fryer, I like to reheat slices at 350 degrees F for just 2-3 minutes. If that isn’t hot enough for you add a minute or two, but since it’s being reheated you run the risk of overcooking it. On the stove, add a little olive oil to a skillet over low heat and place a slice of pork into the skillet. Heat for 2-3 minutes per side. If you use a microwave, just make sure to cover the plate with a damp paper towel so the pork doesn’t dry out too much.

Instead of reheating pork, my preference is to dice it up and make sandwiches, add it to a breakfast hash, or even switch out the chicken and add it to my favorite salad! But you do whatever you like with the leftovers.

HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVERS?

Speaking of leftover pork, how do I store it? Good question! I store any leftovers from this air fryer recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You could also freeze cooked slices of pork for up to three months in a freezer bag.

EXPERT TIPS

• Read the entire recipe before beginning
• Trim the fat with a SHARP knife, a dull knife is actually more dangerous
• Leave a little bit of fat on the pork because that holds the most flavor and gives you a perfect crust
• The internal temperature of the meat needs to me 145 degrees F
• I pull my pork at 140 degrees F and let the residual heat finish the cooking process
• LET YOUR MEAT REST, please I beg of you
• Serve with a veggie (like green beans) and carb (like potatoes) for a healthy, balanced, family friendly meal

FAQs

1. How long does pork loin cook per pound? Most air fryer recipes call for a pork loin to be cooked for 12-14 minutes per pound. So, for example, a 3 pound roast would cook for 36-42 minutes.
2. How big of a pork roast can I fit in the air fryer? You can fit up to a 5 pound roast. I haven’t done one that big, but I’ve done a whole chicken and it came out perfect.
3. Why do I need to let the meat rest? Resting the meat is important for 2 reasons. 1. I usually pull my roast out about 5 degrees below the recommended temperature and let the residual heat finish the cooking process so it’s not overcooked. 2. By letting it rest, the juices are absorbed back into the roast instead of all over your counter if you cut it too fast.

Did you make this incredible Air Fryer Pork Loin for dinner tonight? If you did, I would greatly appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. In addition, you can also follow me on Instagram @coleinthekitchen and tag me so I can see what you’ve made!

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