Air Fryer Pork Loins
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Air fryer pork loins are a mouthwatering delight that combines the succulence of tender pork with a crispy outside. We’ll show you how to achieve a golden, crispy crust while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful for the perfect easy dinner air fryer recipe.
Air fryer recipes make some of the easiest dinner ideas that you can make in less time with more flavor and texture than the oven. We love our Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven for most of our cooking needs.
Pork loin vs pork roast
Pork loin and pork roast are two different cuts of pork that vary in size, shape, and cooking methods. Here are the main differences between the two:
- Cut:
- Pork loin is a lean and boneless cut of meat that comes from the back of the pig, specifically the area between the shoulder and the leg. It is typically cylindrical in shape and can be found whole or cut into smaller portions like pork chops or tenderloin.
- Pork roast refers to a larger cut of pork that can come from various parts of the pig, including the shoulder (also known as pork butt or Boston butt), leg, or loin. Pork roasts are often bone-in and can be round or rectangular in shape.
- Size:
- A whole pork loin can weigh several pounds but is usually divided into smaller roasts for cooking.
- Pork roasts are larger cuts, often weighing several pounds or even double-digit pounds. They are intended to serve multiple people and are commonly used for roasting. We love to cook our pork roast in the crock pot for making tender and succulent pulled pork!
- Texture and Flavor:
- Pork loin is a lean cut with minimal fat marbling. It has a mild and delicate flavor, making it ideal for those who prefer a leaner and less fatty pork option. When cooked properly, it remains tender and juicy. (Don’t overcook it though!)
- Pork roasts, especially those from the shoulder, may have more fat and connective tissue, resulting in a richer and slightly more flavorful meat. The presence of fat can help keep the meat moist during slow roasting.
Whatever cut of pork you choose, pork is a very flavorful and versatile meat. My personal favorite.
Here are some great side dishes to serve with your Air Fryer Pork Loins:
- Balsamic Roasted Zucchini with Feta
- Honey Roasted Carrots, Parsnips, and Potatoes
- Air Fryer Garlic Potatoes with Everything Seasoning
Now let’s get to the good part, the recipe!
Air fryer pork loin recipe
Air Fryer Pork Loin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pork loin roast approximately 2-3 pounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning paste.
- Rub the seasoning paste evenly over the entire surface of the pork loin. Make sure to coat it thoroughly for the best flavor.
- Place the seasoned pork loin in the preheated air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cut the pork loin in half to fit it comfortably.
- Cook the pork loin in the air fryer for approximately 12-15 minutes per pound, turning it halfway through the cooking time. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the pork loin, so use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- Once the pork loin reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
- Slice the pork loin into ½-inch thick slices, and it’s ready to serve.
