Perfectly Roasted Pork Loin Joint with Crispy Crackling in the Air Fryer

Prepare to wow your family and friends with this air fryer pork loin joint, complete with tender, juicy meat and an irresistible crispy crackling. This method ensures a fail-proof roast with minimal fuss while delivering restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) pork loin joint
  • 1–2 tbsp coarse sea salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes. A hot air fryer ensures the crackling starts crisping right away.

2. Prepare the Pork Loin

  • Score the skin: Using a sharp knife, score the pork loin skin in parallel lines, being careful not to cut into the meat. The cuts should be about 1 cm apart.
  • Salt the skin: Generously rub coarse salt into the scored skin, working it into the cuts. This step is key for creating the perfect crackling.
  • Season the meat: Flip the pork loin and rub the meat side with olive oil, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt.

3. Start Roasting

  • Place the pork loin in the air fryer basket, skin side down, to allow the meat to cook through first.
  • Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 30 minutes.

4. Crisp the Crackling

  • After the first 30 minutes, carefully flip the pork loin so it is skin side up.
  • Continue cooking at the same temperature for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 63°C (145°F) and the crackling is golden and crisp.

5. Rest the Pork

  • Remove the pork loin from the air fryer and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, tender meat.
  • Meanwhile, if the crackling isn’t as crispy as desired, you can return just the skin to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Serve

Slice the pork loin into portions, ensuring you cut through the crispy crackling for a satisfying crunch. Pair with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

  • Dry the pork: Before seasoning, pat the pork skin dry with a paper towel to help achieve a crispy texture.
  • Salt generously: Coarse sea salt is crucial for drawing out moisture from the skin and creating crisp crackling.
  • Monitor cooking times: Air fryer models vary, so keep an eye on the pork and use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
  • Experiment with flavors: For a twist, rub the meat side with garlic, rosemary, or smoked paprika for additional depth of flavor.

Storage and Reheating

  • Store leftovers: Keep any remaining pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: For crispy crackling, reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes.

Conclusion

This air fryer pork loin joint recipe delivers everything you want in a roast: tender, juicy meat complemented by perfectly crisp crackling. It’s a testament to the magic of air frying, creating maximum flavor with minimum effort. Whether it’s for a Sunday dinner or a special occasion, this dish will undoubtedly become a favorite in your household!