The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Juicy, Crispy Pork Roll in an Air Fryer

Pork roll, also known as Taylor ham is a processed meat product with a unique salty, smoky flavor that is beloved in New Jersey and parts of the Northeast. While traditionally pan-fried cooking pork roll in an air fryer results in a healthier version that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, without needing copious amounts of oil.

In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make mouthwatering air fried pork roll at home. You’ll learn how to choose the best pork roll prep and season it, set up your air fryer, monitor doneness, and even jazz up the pork roll with creative flavors. With my foolproof process, you’ll be able to enjoy this iconic regional specialty any time with just your air fryer!

Benefits of Cooking Pork Roll in an Air Fryer

From quick weekday breakfasts to easy appetizers, air frying pork roll offers several advantages

• Uses less oil for a healthier version while maintaining crispiness
• Cooks evenly and thoroughly with the circulating hot air
• Infuses the pork roll with a touch of smoky flavor from the Maillard reaction
• Saves time with a faster cook time compared to pan frying
• Allows you to easily customize flavors with spices, glazes, etc.
• Lets you cook other foods like eggs or tater tots simultaneously
• Minimizes mess and splatter with the contained basket

Air frying is a great way to enjoy all the salty, savory goodness of pork roll minus the greasiness!

Choosing the Best Pork Roll for Air Frying

With many brands of pork roll available, select one that fits these criteria for optimal air frying results:

• Thinly sliced – Thinner cuts will cook up crispy in the air fryer. Around 1/8 inch slices are ideal.

• Minimal large fat pockets – Excess fat can lead to greasy pork roll. Look for leaner options.

• Well-marbled – Some marbling provides flavor and moisture. Avoid very lean cuts.

• Lower sodium – Air frying won’t rinse away salt like pan frying, so reduce sodium levels.

• Trusted brand – Stick to reputable NJ/PA brands like Taylor, Trenton, Loeffler’s, etc.

• Fresh – Check sell-by date and pick pork roll without discoloration or dry spots.

Choosing a high-quality, thinly sliced pork roll optimizes both taste and texture when air frying.

Seasoning Your Pork Roll for Maximum Flavor

One benefit of air frying pork roll is that you can customize flavors easily. Follow these tips:

• Lightly coat in oil – A small amount of oil helps pork roll get crispy in the air fryer.

• Spice it up – Dash on spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, pepper, etc.

• Sweet and savory – Brush on maple syrup, then sprinkle on something savory like rosemary.

• Smoky – A dash of smoked paprika adds even more smoky depth.

• Saucy – Brush bbq sauce, teriyaki, or other sauces on the pork roll before air frying.

• Cheesy – Top slices with shredded cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for melty goodness.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with creative seasonings and flavors to make your air fried pork roll truly unique.

Step-By-Step Process for Air Frying

Follow this simple process for perfect pork roll every time:

• Preheat – Preheating ensures the air fryer is fully heated before cooking. Set to 370 ̊F for 3-5 minutes.

• Prep pork roll – Pat dry slices, brush with a bit of oil, and season as desired.

• Arrange in single layer – Lay slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overlapping.

• Cook – Air fry at 400 ̊F for 4-6 minutes until browned and crispy. Flip halfway through.

• Check temperature – Pork roll should reach an internal temperature of 145 ̊F.

• Let rest – Let pork roll rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

• Enjoy! – Dig into your hot, crispy air fried pork roll!

Stick to this easy process, and you’ll have delicious pork roll ready in under 15 minutes.

Monitoring Doneness

Since air fryers can vary in cooking power, always monitor doneness:

• Appearance – Pork roll is done when deep golden brown on both sides.

• Internal temperature – Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 145 ̊F.

• Texture – Properly cooked pork roll will be crispy on the outside but still tender and juicy inside.

• Time – Average air frying time is 4-6 minutes per batch, but check often to avoid overcooking.

Keeping an eye on visual and temperature cues as you air fry ensures your pork roll turns out perfectly cooked.

Serving Ideas for Air Fried Pork Roll

Now that you’ve mastered the air frying process, try serving your pork roll in fun ways:

• Breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese on a bagel or English muffin

• Chopped in macaroni or potato salad for a savory addition

• On a pizza as a topping – goes great with red sauce and mozzarella

• Crumble into scrambles eggs or omelets for a breakfast twist

• Layer on a hoagie roll with desired toppings for a tasty sandwich

• Serve with pancakes or waffles in place of breakfast sausage

The applications are endless! Get creative with how you enjoy your quick and easy air fried pork roll.

Amp Up the Flavor with Sauces and Glazes

Plain air fried pork roll is delicious, but kicks things up a notch with zesty sauces and sweet glazes:

• BBQ sauce – Classic, bold flavor perfect for pork. Great on sandwiches.

• Maple syrup – For a hint of sweetness. Lovely with pepper flakes.

• Hot sauce – Spicy favorites like sriracha or Cholula add a fiery kick.

• Honey mustard – Sweet, tangy, savory – great as a sandwich spread.

• Teriyaki – For an Asian-inspired flavor twist.

• Ranch – Cool, creamy ranch complements the saltiness.

Brush or drizzle your favorite sauces on pork roll before or after cooking. The options are endless!

Got Leftovers? Creative Ways to Use Them Up

No need to waste leftover air fried pork roll! Beyond reheating it in the air fryer, try:

• Chop up and add to omelets, quiches or frittatas

• Include in mac and cheese or scalloped potatoes as a surprise savory twist

• Make creative pizzas with pork roll topping

• Fold into wontons, egg rolls or dumplings for an appetizer

• Top a salad with sliced pork roll instead of deli meat

• Toss into fried rice or noodles for takeout flavor at home

With some creativity, you can transform leftovers into all sorts of delicious dishes.

FAQs about Air Frying Pork Roll

What oil should I use to air fry pork roll?

Go for a high smoke point, neutral oil like avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil. Olive oil can also work. Avoid butter or low smoke point oils.

How much oil do I need for air frying pork roll?
Just a light brushing or misting of oil is sufficient. Anywhere from 1/2 to 1 tablespoon oil is plenty for a batch.

Should I flip pork roll during air frying?
Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even browning and cooking on both sides. Use tongs to carefully flip.

Can I air fry frozen pork roll?
It’s best to thaw frozen pork roll overnight in the fridge before air frying. Air frying straight from frozen will result in uneven cooking.

What if my pork roll gets overcooked?
Check pork roll early and often. If slightly overcooked, serve with extra sauces or glazes to add moisture. Severely overcooked pork roll may need to be discarded.

How should I reheat leftover air fried pork roll?
Reheat in the air fryer at 300 ̊F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Or microwave in 30 second increments, checking frequently.

The Easiest, Crispiest Air Fried Pork Roll

Air frying allows you to enjoy the salty, savory flavors of pork roll with a fraction of the oil and grease