Air fryer Pork Loin

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 18-25 minutes

• Rest Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 38-45 minutes

• Servings: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

For the Pork Loin:

• 1 (2 to 2.5 lb) boneless pork loin roast

• 1.5 tablespoons olive oil

For the Spice Rub:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1.5 teaspoons smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for a warm, earthy note)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pork

Remove the pork loin from its packaging and pat it completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step; removing excess moisture is key to achieving a crispy crust in the air fryer. Trim any large, hard pieces of fat or silver skin, but leave a thin layer of fat intact to baste the meat as it cooks.

2. Season Generously

In a small bowl, combine all the spice rub ingredients: brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and cumin (if using). Whisk to combine.
Rub the pork loin all over with olive oil, ensuring every surface is coated. Then, generously apply the spice rub, massaging it into the meat with your hands to ensure it adheres. Don’t be shy; use all of the rub to create that flavorful crust.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the cooking process starts immediately and evenly.

4. Air Fry the Pork

Carefully place the seasoned pork loin into the air fryer basket. For best results, place it with the fat cap facing down for the first half of the cooking time. This allows the fat to render and baste the meat.
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip the pork loin over so the fat cap is now facing up. Continue to cook for an additional 8-12 minutes.

5. Check for Doneness

The most reliable way to ensure your pork is perfectly cooked and safe to eat is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork loin, avoiding any bones.
The target internal temperature is 145°F (63°C). The pork will continue to cook as it rests, reaching the USDA recommended safe temperature.

Cook Time Intensity Tip:

• For a 2 lb pork loin: Start with a total time of 22-25 minutes (15 minutes, flip, then 7-10 minutes).

• For a 2.5 lb pork loin: Start with a total time of 25-28 minutes (15 minutes, flip, then 10-13 minutes).

6. Rest the Meat

Once the pork loin reaches 145°F (63°C), remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Do not skip this step. Loosely tent the meat with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes.
Resting allows the juices, which have been forced to the center of the meat during cooking, to redistribute throughout the entire roast. This is the secret to a juicy, not dry, pork loin.

7. Slice and Serve

After resting, slice the pork loin against the grain into ¾-inch thick medallions. Arrange on a platter and spoon any resting juices over the top. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Recipe Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook: The number one cause of dry pork is overcooking. Trust your thermometer, not the clock. Every air fryer is slightly different, so start checking the temperature around the 20-minute mark.

• The Resting Period: As mentioned, this is non-negotiable. Slicing into the pork immediately will result in all the flavorful juices spilling out onto the cutting board, leaving you with dry meat.

• Bring to Room Temperature: If you have time, take the pork loin out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.

• Baste for Extra Flavor: If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, you can baste the pork with a little melted butter or the rendered fat from the basket in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Air Fryer Pork Loin pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Here are a few favorites:

• Classic Comfort: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans.

• Healthy & Fresh: Pair with a crisp side salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or steamed broccoli.

• Elegant & Zesty: A side of apple chutney or a tangy Dijon mustard sauce complements the smoky spice rub perfectly.

Nutrition Information

Nutritional information is an estimate and is provided for informational purposes only. Calculated based on a 2.25 lb pork loin, serving 6 people.

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6 oz)

• Calories: 285 kcal

• Total Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 3.5g

• Cholesterol: 95mg

• Sodium: 480mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 3g

• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g

• Total Sugars: 2g

• Protein: 39g