Traditionally, pulled pork is roasted over a low fire for hours to create a tender and succulent meat. But sometimes you can’t cook over an open flame for hours on end, and you may be looking for ways to make pulled pork in a roaster.
The good news is that cooking pork roast in a roaster is easier than cooking it over an open flame. You can even use an electric roaster to make the tender, juicy pull-apart meat you want.
For tasty pulled pork, cook the pork in a roaster at 300 to 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 hours, or until it is so soft that it falls apart.
Cooking a delicious pork roast in an electric roaster is easy when you know how much time you need. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the roast and how well done you want it. Follow this guide to learn exactly how long your pork roast needs to cook.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
There are two key factors that determine how long to cook a pork roast in an electric roaster:
Size of the Roast
A larger roast will obviously take longer to cook than a smaller one, Most roasting recipes recommend allowing around 15-20 minutes per pound,
For example, a 5-pound pork roast will take approximately 1 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 hours to cook. An 8-pound roast will need 2 to 2 1⁄2 hours.
When estimating cooking time, it’s best to round up slightly to ensure the center of the meat is fully cooked. It’s always better for a roast to be slightly overcooked on the outside than undercooked on the inside
Desired Degree of Doneness
How well done you want your pork roast will impact total cooking time. Pork is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, but many people prefer it cooked to 160°F for better texture and juiciness.
- 145°F = pink, tender pork
- 160°F = white, firm pork
Cooking to a higher temperature requires more time. You’ll need to add around 15 extra minutes to get a roast all the way to 160°F.
So keep your desired doneness in mind when figuring out the total roasting time Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy
Cooking Time Estimates
Here are some general time estimates for roasting pork based on size and doneness:
2-3 Pound Roast
- Cooked to 145°F: 45 mins to 1 hour
- Cooked to 160°F: 1 hour to 1 hr 15 mins
This size roast is ideal for a small family meal. Allow a little extra time if it’s on the larger side.
4-5 Pound Roast
- Cooked to 145°F: 1 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 hours
- Cooked to 160°F: 1 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4 hours
This medium roast will feed about 6-8 people comfortably. The cooking time can vary significantly for a 4 pound vs. 5 pound roast.
6-8 Pound Roast
- Cooked to 145°F: 1 3⁄4 to 2 1⁄4 hours
- Cooked to 160°F: 2 to 2 1⁄2 hours
A larger 6-8 pound pork roast will serve a big family or gathering of 10-12 people. Be sure to use the long end of the time range for a full 8 pounds.
Tips for Roasting Pork Perfectly
Follow these tips to ensure your pork roast turns out juicy, tender, and flavorful:
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Bring the roast to room temperature before cooking. Cold meat takes longer to roast.
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Season the pork well with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, or a rub. This adds lots of flavor.
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Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp, not just the roasting time.
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Tent foil loosely over the roast during the last 30 mins if the top browns too quickly.
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Let the roast rest for 10-15 mins before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
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Slice across the grain for most tender results.
Know When It’s Done
The best way to know exactly when your pork roast is cooked to perfection is to use a digital meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding bone or fat.
For medium rare pork, cook to an internal temp of 145°F. The meat will be lightly pink inside and juicy.
For well done pork, cook to 160°F. The meat will be white throughout with a firm, dry texture.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check for doneness by piercing the thickest part of the roast with a fork. If the juices run clear, it’s done. If they’re still pink, give it more time.
Sample Roasting Timetable
Here is a handy roasting timetable you can reference for common pork roast sizes. Simply pick your roast weight and desired doneness level.
![Roasting Timetable for Pork Roast][]
As you can see, cooking times can vary significantly. Use the times as a loose guide and always rely on a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness.
Step-by-Step Roasting Method
Follow these simple steps for perfect pork roast every time:
1. Prepare the Roast
Rinse the pork and pat dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat or skin. Rub the roast all over with olive oil or seasoning. Bring to room temperature before roasting.
2. Preheat Electric Roaster
Preheat your roaster to 325°F. Allow 15-20 mins for it to fully preheat. This promotes even cooking.
3. Brown the Roast
Place roast in preheated roaster fat-side up. Cook for 30 mins, uncovered. This helps brown and develop flavor.
4. Flip and Cook Covered
Flip roast fat-side down. Cover roaster, leaving vent open. Cook until desired internal temp is reached.
5. Rest and Carve
Remove roast and let rest 10-15 mins before slicing. The temperature will rise 5-10°F as it rests.
6. Make Gravy
Pour drippings into a saucepan. Add broth and flour to make an easy gravy for serving.
And that’s all there is to it! Follow this simple roasting method and refer to the time estimates above for perfect results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about roasting pork in an electric roaster:
Should I Cook Pork at High or Low Temp?
Cook pork roast at a steady 325°F. High heat can cause dry, tough meat. Low temps increase risk of bacteria. 325°F is ideal.
Do I Need to Baste or Add Liquid?
Basting isn’t necessary. Pork self-bastes as the fat renders. Adding liquid isn’t required either. Just use a covered roaster.
Can I Speed Up Cooking Time at Higher Temp?
It’s not recommended. Higher heat dries out the pork. Just allow plenty of time for slow roasting at 325°F.
Do I Need to Rest Pork Roast Before Carving?
Yes, resting for 10-15 mins after cooking allows juices to redistribute so they don’t spill out when sliced.
What’s the Best Way to Cook a Boneless Pork Roast?
Boneless roasts take a bit less time. Follow the same methods but reduce cooking times by about 15-30 mins.
Get Perfectly Cooked Pork Every Time
Cooking pork roast in an electric roaster couldn’t be easier. Simply determine the size of your roast, decide on your desired degree of doneness, and allow plenty of time for slow roasting at 325°F.
Refer to the roasting time estimates and temperature guidelines above to remove the guesswork. With this handy guide, you’ll get tender, juicy pork roast every single time.
Pulled Pork in Roaster
The way you prepare the meat may be the same whether you’re cooking the pork in the oven in a roasting pan or in an electric roaster. The cut of meat, the spice rub, and the final sauce are all important parts of making a tasty pulled pork.
Consider this pulled-pork recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 5 to 7-pound pork roast (preferably Boston butt)
- Your favorite barbecue sauce recipe or bottled sauce
Directions:
- Put paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and Kosher salt in a small bowl. Mix them together. Cover the pork roast with the mixture and let it sit for at least one hour or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spoon the pork roast with the marinade into a roasting pan. Cook for 6 hours, or until the meat is so soft it falls apart.
- Take the meat out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Shred your meat with two forks.
- Put the barbecue sauce and shredded pork in a bowl and mix them together.
To find out what temperature and time to use when cooking with this tool, look at the user guide for a pork roast in electric roaster oven recipe.
The cooking time may give a general idea of when your roast will be tender and juicy. But, whether its pulled pork in roasting pan or pulled pork in roaster, the USDA recommends you cook the pork until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s All in the Cut
Pulled pork is always a winning meal, whether youre making it in your barbecue pit or roaster. The tender, flavorful shredded meat can be served by itself or stuffed into a bun. The spices and sauces you use to make pulled pork affect how good it tastes and how tender the meat is, but the cut of pork that is usually used is what makes the dish stand out.
Commonly referred to as the Boston butt, the meat that fills your pulled pork sandwiches comes from the shoulder of the pig. The shoulder is a heavily worked muscle, which generally means a tough cut of meat that needs to be cooked slowly to help break up the tough muscle fibers.
Boston butt is the best cut of meat for your pulled pork in roaster recipe, and it’s not just because of how it’s cooked. The piece of meat is marbled with connective tissue and fat that melts when you roast it slowly. This makes the flavor and juices even stronger.