This pork loin roast is thick and juicy, and it will be on your table in less than an hour. It comes with a thick reduction of pan juices. There’s also a great tip for making sure it’s cooked perfectly every time!.
Your Instant Pot will make pork loin, a lean roast, taste great if you follow a few easy steps and use my great Instant Pot Hack. That’s it. Sear the roast on all sides and then pressure cook it for a little less time than you might think. The roast then comes up to the correct temperature using the Keep Warm function. How cool is that? The Instant Pot makes a perfectly cooked, juicy roast with great pan juices on top.
One of my most popular recipes is How to Roast Pork Loin Perfectly. Because of the good comments, I tried making a pork loin roast recipe in an Instant Pot to make it even easier for you to get this tasty roast on the table faster. The good news is that it works! I do have to say that I like pork loin air-fried better, though. The Instant Pot makes the meat a little more juicy, but the air fryer makes the crust so nice and brown and crispy. If I have to choose, I’d do the air fryer. (You can also use the CrockPot, with my Slow Cooker Pork Loin recipe. ).
Great Instant Pot! This is the one I use and I love it! It makes roasting meat faster and better than ever.
Note that this recipe has been fully retested and updated. There is a new way to cook roasts in the Instant Pot that works every time and keeps them perfectly cooked. I can’t wait for you to try it. The steps are at the bottom of the recipe, or you can read about them below. A couple of things to discuss first….
Pork loin is a lean tender cut of meat that can be tricky to cook just right. It’s easy to end up with a dry, tough pork loin if you don’t know what you’re doing. But cooking pork loin in an instant pot is a foolproof way to get perfect results every time. The instant pot’s pressure cooking function allows the pork to become extremely tender and juicy in a fraction of the normal cooking time.
In this article I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook pork loin to perfection in your instant pot. I’ll go over tips for choosing the right cut of pork prepping the meat, timing, adjusting for size, making a tasty sauce, and more. After reading this, you’ll be able to consistently nail delicious, fall-apart tender instant pot pork loin.
Choosing the Right Cut of Pork
The first step is selecting the right cut at the grocery store. For the instant pot, you’ll want to get a boneless center-cut pork loin roast. This is sometimes labeled “center-cut pork roast” or just “pork loin roast.” It’s essential to get a center-cut roast, not a sirloin roast. The center cut is the most evenly shaped and tender part of the loin.
A 2 to 3 pound roast is ideal for the instant pot. Anything larger may not fit or cook evenly. Look for a roast that is evenly shaped and compact, with a good meat-to-fat ratio. Some marbling is fine, but you don’t want big chunks of hard fat. The meat should look pink and fresh, not pale or gray.
Prepping the Pork Loin
Prepping the pork only takes a few minutes. Start by patting the roast dry with paper towels. Then, rub the surface all over with a little olive oil. This helps the spices stick.
Next, generously season the pork on all sides with salt and pepper. I also like to use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the spices into the meat so they adhere nicely.
Finally, if your roast has a thin end, fold it under and tie it in place with butcher’s twine. This helps the loin maintain an even thickness, which promotes even cooking. Now the pork is ready for the instant pot!
Instant Pot Pork Loin Cooking Time
So how long should you cook pork loin in an instant pot? Here are general guidelines:
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds – Cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds – Cook on high pressure for 35-40 minutes
- 2 to 3 pounds – Cook on high pressure for 40-45 minutes
The cooking time can vary a bit depending on the exact size, shape, and thickness of your roast. The times above ensure the pork will be cooked through while still retaining moisture.
After pressure cooking is complete, you’ll want to let the pressure release naturally for at least 15 minutes. Then do a quick release to remove the lid. This gradual release prevents the delicate pork from overcooking.
Adjusting Time for Thickness
If your roast is thicker than average, you may need to increase the cook time. A general rule of thumb is to add 5 minutes per inch of thickness over 2 inches.
For example, a 2.5 pound roast that’s 3 inches thick would cook for 45 minutes (based on its weight) plus an extra 5 minutes for being 1 inch over 2 inches thick. So the total cook time would be 50 minutes.
An instant read thermometer is also handy for checking doneness. The pork is done when it registers 145°F in the thickest part. If under, simply re-cover and pressure cook for a few more minutes.
Making a Sauce
Pork loin has a tendency to dry out, so serving it with a flavorful sauce is recommended. There are all kinds of options for instant pot pork loin sauces, like mushroom gravy, apple cider glaze, pan juices, and more.
After pressure cooking, you can thicken the cooking liquid left in the pot into an easy sauce. Remove the pork first, then use the sauté function to simmer and reduce the liquid for 5-10 minutes. Stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken at the end. Season with any herbs, salt, and pepper.
Serving Suggestions
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Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. This makes the meat ultra moist and tender.
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Slice the pork loin into 1/2 to 1 inch thick pieces. Be sure to slice against the grain – this dramatically improves tenderness.
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Fan out the sliced pork and drizzle with the sauce. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired.
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Pair with simple sides like roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad. Hearty instant pot pork loin makes a wonderful, fuss-free family dinner.
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Leftover sliced pork makes amazing sandwiches too. Pile it on crusty bread or rolls with extra sauce for juicy pulled pork sandwiches.
Tips for Juicy, Tender Results
Follow these tips every time for flawless, moist pork loin:
- Trim off excess fat to avoid greasiness
- Pat the meat very dry before seasoning
- Generously season with salt and pepper
- Add aromatics like garlic, onions, or herbs
- Don’t peek or open the pot during cooking
- Allow a natural pressure release after cooking
- Check for doneness with a thermometer
- Let rest before slicing to redistribute juices
Common Questions
What size instant pot do I need?
- A 6 quart or 8 quart instant pot is ideal. The minimum size needed is a 6 quart.
Can I double the recipe?
- Doubling is not recommended, as it may be too much for the pot. Stick with a maximum of 3 pounds of pork.
Is pork loin done when the instant pot beeps?
- No, you need to include the natural release time after pressure cooking completes. The meat continues to gently cook and soften during the release.
Do I need liquid in the instant pot?
- No additional liquid is required as the pork releases moisture. You can add 1/2 cup if desired.
Instant Pot Pork Loin Recipe
To summarize, here is a simple recipe for juicy, tender pork loin in an instant pot:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lb boneless pork loin roast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp each paprika, thyme, rosemary
Instructions:
- Pat pork dry, coat with olive oil, and season all over with spices
- If uneven, tie thinner end under itself with twine
- Place pork in instant pot and cook on high pressure:
- 1-1.5 lbs for 25-30 mins
- 1.5-2 lbs for 35-40 mins
- 2-3 lbs for 40-45 mins
- Allow pressure to release naturally 15 mins, then quick release
- Check internal temp (145°F), rest 5-10 mins before slicing
- Make pan sauce from cooking liquid if desired
Podcast Episode: Making Instant Pot Pork Loin
Click on the play button below to hear me briefly talk about how to make this pork loin and some other great tips:
Instant Pot Pork Loin Recipe
- Author: Christine Pittman
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Entrée
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Thanks to a great Instant Pot hack, this pork loin roast is soft and juicy, and it’s served with a thick reduction of the pan juices.
Note: This recipe was retested and edited in February 2023 due to comments from readers. Some people loved the recipe, others found their roast undercooked, and others found it overcooked. After a lot of testing, I’ve come up with the new Keep Warm method, which makes sure that every roast is cooked just right.
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 1/2 to 5 pound pork loin roast, with or without bones
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 medium onion, cut into 8 wedges
- 1 and 1/2 cup unsalted chicken broth or water
- 1 and 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch (optional, to thicken pan sauce)
- Take the roast out of the fridge and make cuts in the fat. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine. Rub pork roast all over with salt mixture.
- Press the Sauté button on the Instant Pot. Add the olive oil and butter. Swirl until it melts and is very hot. Place the seasoned pork on top, fat side down. Do not touch it for three minutes. Flip it over and cook for another 3 minutes. Press Cancel and remove pork from Instant Pot. Set aside on a plate.
- Add the broth to the Instant Pot. Use a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pot. It’s important to get the dirty, browned bits off the bottom.
- Add the onion wedges to the broth, distributing evenly. Put the roast on top, fat-side-up.
- Cover the pot, lock the lid, and set the steam valve to “Sealing.” Press the Pressure Cook button and set the timer for 5 minutes per pound on high. *.
- After the 10 minutes of Natural Release, the pressure cooking cycle is over. Then, do nothing for 10 minutes. Once the 10 minutes are up, switch the valve to Venting and let any steam that is still inside escape.
- Check internal temperature of the roast. Take the roast out of the Instant Pot if it reaches 145F or higher. If it’s lower, put the lid back on, seal it, and set the Instant Pot to “Keep Warm.” Leave it on “Keep Warm” for 2 to 10 minutes at a time, checking the temperature inside every two to ten minutes. Remove roast when it reaches 145F. **Let the roast sit for at least five minutes on a clean plate or cutting board. ***.
- Select the Sauté button on the Instant Pot. Bring the juices to a boil and stir them around a few times over the course of 5 to 7 minutes to reduce them by half. Taste and season as desired. Mix 3 tablespoons of cold water with cornstarch, then add it to the pan juices. This will make the juices more like gravy. Bring to a simmer.
- Cut the pork into 1/2-inch slices and serve with gravy or pan juices.
*For roasts that are 2-5 pounds, pressure-cook on high for 5 minutes per pound. For roasts thar are 5-8 pounds, pressure-cook on high for 25 minutes total. If your roast is bigger than 8 pounds, cut it in half so that each half is half as wide as the first. Then, pressure cook for 20 minutes.
**If you like your roast more well-done, you’ll be taking it out when it reaches 155F.
***After taking the roast out of the Instant Pot, you can put it on a pan under the broiler for 5 to 10 minutes until the crust gets crispy.
There are a lot of questions and answers at the bottom of the post, which you should read. But here is a list of the most common ones.