How to Make Perfectly Juicy and Tender Air Fryer Pork Roast

An easy way to make a fancy meal that the whole family will love: an air-fried pork roast that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor. All you need is pork, oil, and spices.

Cooking pork roast in an air fryer yields incredibly moist flavorful meat with a crispy exterior. The circulating hot air cooks it evenly all over unlike the oven. With minimal prep, you can have a tender and delicious roast on the table any night of the week.

Using an air fryer to make pork roast has many advantages. This method takes up less room in the oven, cooks food faster, and needs almost no oil. Follow the steps, read the tips, and check out the frequently asked questions to make an air fryer pork roast that you can’t mess up.

Benefits of Using an Air Fryer for Pork Roast

Some excellent reasons to use an air fryer for pork roast include:

Cooks the meat quickly and evenly – Roasts are done in under an hour.
Creates a crispy, browned exterior without drying out the inside.
Infuses incredible flavor when seasoned or marinated prior.
Allows you to cook a roast any time without heating up the kitchen.
Lets you easily make gravy from the flavorful juices.
Provides a healthier cooking option with little or no oil needed.
Yields incredibly moist, juicy, and tender pork.
Lets you feed a crowd by cooking multiple roasts.

Choosing an Air Fryer for Roasts

When selecting an air fryer for roasting pork, keep these tips in mind:

Pick one with at least 12 quarts capacity.
Make sure it can fit at least a 4 lb roast with room around it.
The rectangular or oval-shaped models fit roasts better.
Go for a model with adjustable temperature up to 400°F.
Select one with 60-minute max cook time for larger roasts.
Consider splurging for a model with a rotating basket.

How to Prep Pork Roast for the Air Fryer

Proper preparation is key to achieving the best results:

Choose a boneless roast, ideally 3-4 lbs to serve 6-8.
Trim off any excess fat to prevent greasiness.
Pat dry thoroughly before seasoning so flavors stick.
Brush or rub with a thin layer of oil to distribute heat.
Season or marinate the pork at least 30 minutes in advance.
Let sit at room temperature while the air fryer preheats.

How to Cook Air Fryer Pork Roast – Step by Step

Cooking pork roast in the air fryer is very simple. Just follow these easy steps:

Preheat your air fryer to 380°F.
Place seasoned roast in air fryer basket. Select roast, 375°F and cook 15 minutes per lb.
Turn roast halfway through cooking for even browning.
Brush with glaze during last 10 minutes if using.
Cook until internal temp reaches 145°F, then rest before slicing.
Make gravy from juices, slice roast, and serve!

Doneness Tips

It’s important not to under or overcook pork. Check for these signs it’s ready:

Meat thermometer inserted in center reads 140-145°F.
Meat has slightly pink interior when sliced but is not red.
Texture is firm but still moist when pressed.
Exterior is nicely browned and crispy.
Juices run mostly clear with a tint of pink when pierced.

Seasoning and Glazing Ideas

One benefit of air fryer roasts is they develop so much flavor. Try these seasoning options:

Dry rubs – Cajun, jerk, Southwest spice, garlic herb, coffee rub
Marinades – Mojo criollo, guava, cola, wine, pineapple, soy sauce
Glazes – Sweet chili, honey garlic, peach jalapeño, maple mustard
Herbs & aromatics – Rosemary, thyme, sage work well. Add garlic, citrus, ginger.

What Side Dishes Pair Best?

Serve your air fryer pork roast with:

Rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies – Excellent for soaking up juices.
Fresh greens like salad or spinach – Offer a light contrast.
Warm tortillas – For tacos, burritos, and sandwiches with leftovers.
Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes – A delicious starchy pairing.
Corn on the cob, pineapple, or peaches – Bright counterpoints to the meat.

Helpful Air Fryer Pork Roast Tips

Brush on a little oil every 10-15 minutes during cooking for extra moisture and crispiness.
Use an instant read thermometer for doneness, not just cook time.
Let the roast rest 5-10 minutes before carving to retain juices.
Add minced garlic, onion, or fresh herbs to the cavity for extra flavor.
Make gravy from the drippings by adding broth and cornstarch.

Common Air Fryer Pork Roast FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long does pork roast take in an air fryer per pound?

Cook for 14-15 minutes per lb at 375°F, adjusting time as needed.

Should you cook pork roast covered or uncovered?

Leaving uncovered allows the air flow to crisp and brown the meat nicely.

What temperature should pork reach when done?

Cook until the internal temp is at least 145°F, then rest before serving.

Can you put a frozen roast directly in the air fryer?

Never air fry frozen pork. Always thaw fully in the fridge first for food safety.

Satisfying and Simple Any Night Meals

Air fryer pork roast makes for a hearty, fuss-free dinner with fantastic results. With minimal active prep, you can pull a moist and delicious roast out of your air fryer any night of the week. Get ready to enjoy major flavor payoff in under an hour with this easy cooking method.