Why I Love This Recipe
This Air Fryer Pork Roast is a super juicy and crispy crackling roast that’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. Cooking the pork in the air fryer creates a delicious golden, crispy skin while keeping the meat inside tender and juicy. The method is far quicker and less hands-on than roasting it in the oven, and the results are just as amazing. Plus, with the air fryer, you don’t have to worry about heating up the whole kitchen—just set it and forget it. This recipe is an absolute favorite, especially for those who love crispy pork crackling!
Air Fryer Pork Roast with Crispy Crackling
A succulent, flavorful pork roast with a perfectly crispy crackling crust is easy to achieve with the air fryer. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or a special occasion, this recipe ensures juicy meat with golden, crunchy skin.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 430 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 1.7 kg Boneless Pork Leg (or size suited to your air fryer)
- 1 tbsp Table Salt
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (more if needed)
- 2 tbsp Sea Salt (more if needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Dry and Score the Pork
- Pat the pork dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This helps the skin crisp up during cooking.
- Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the pork, making shallow cuts in a criss-cross pattern. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the skin and helps the crackling crisp up evenly.
- Rub 1 tablespoon of table salt all over the scored skin, making sure the salt gets into the score marks.
- Cover the pork with a tea towel and place it in the refrigerator overnight. This step helps dry out the skin, which is crucial for creating crispy crackling.
Step 2: Bring to Room Temperature
- When ready to cook, remove the pork from the fridge and let it come up to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking and helps the pork roast more efficiently.
Step 3: Prepare the Pork for Cooking
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 2 minutes.
- Rub the pork with olive oil, ensuring that the oil covers the skin and the underside of the roast.
- Rub sea salt all over the skin, ensuring it goes into the score marks as well. If needed, apply more oil over the skin and rub a light amount of sea salt on top of the roast.
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then place the pork roast in the air fryer basket, skin-side up.
Step 4: Air Fry the Pork
- Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) on the roast setting and cook for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, reduce the heat to 180°C (355°F) and continue cooking for 25 minutes per 500g (1 lb). For a 1.7 kg roast, this will take about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When the pork reaches 68°C (155°F), remove it from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes. The temperature will rise slightly while resting, reaching about 71°C (160°F), which is perfect for carving.
Step 5: Carve and Serve
- Once the pork has rested and reached the desired internal temperature, carve it into slices and serve. The crispy crackling should be golden and crunchy, with tender and juicy meat inside.
- Enjoy with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Recipe Tips
- Scoring the Skin: Be careful when scoring the skin of the pork. The cuts should be shallow to allow the fat to render but not too deep, as this could make the meat dry. The idea is to create a nice pattern for the seasoning and crackling.
- Salt Amount: Don’t skip the step of salting the pork overnight. This helps dry out the skin, which is key for getting crispy crackling. Be sure to use table salt for the first rub and sea salt for the second to enhance the texture of the crackling.
- Air Fryer Size: Make sure your pork roast fits comfortably in the air fryer basket. If it’s too large, consider cutting it into smaller pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Resting Time: Allow the pork to rest after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, making the pork more tender and flavorful.
Notes
- Cooking Time Adjustments: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of air fryer you use. Always check the internal temperature of the pork to ensure it’s cooked to your liking.
- Alternative Cut: If you prefer, you can use bone-in pork leg for extra flavor, though boneless is often easier to handle.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this pork roast with a side of roasted vegetables, apple sauce, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. The crispy crackling is a great complement to the rich, tender meat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I cook the pork roast without salting it overnight?
While you can skip the overnight salting, it’s highly recommended as it helps dry out the skin, leading to crispier crackling. If you’re in a rush, try salting it for at least an hour before cooking.
Q: What’s the best way to check if the pork is done?
The best way to ensure the pork is perfectly cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The pork is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 68°C (155°F), and you should let it rest until it reaches 71°C (160°F).
Q: How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftover pork, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the slices in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F) for a few minutes to maintain the crispiness.
Q: Can I freeze the cooked pork?
Yes, you can freeze leftover pork for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the air fryer or oven for the best texture.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the pork in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 180°C (355°F) for about 5-10 minutes or until heated through. The skin may lose some of its crispiness during reheating, but the meat will stay tender.
This Air Fryer Pork Roast with Crispy Crackling is a game-changer for anyone who loves a tender, flavorful pork roast with a crunchy, golden skin. It’s a deliciously easy method that creates restaurant-quality results without the long cooking time. Try this recipe and enjoy a meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends
