So you want a roast pork dinner without slaving over the oven for hours? Same. This Air Fryer Roast Pork comes out golden, crispy on the outside, and juicy on the inside—all in under an hour. Perfect for busy moms, grandmas, and anyone who loves a show-stopping pork roast without the hassle.
Honestly, if my grandma knew you could make roast pork this good in an air fryer, she’d probably faint from shock—but also probably hug you.
Why This Air Fryer Roast Pork Recipe is Awesome
- Juicy and tender – the air fryer locks in all those flavorful juices.
- Crispy crackling – yes, you can have perfect pork skin without frying a whole day.
- Quick & easy – ready faster than a traditional oven roast.
- Minimal cleanup – no messy roasting pans, just your trusty air fryer.
- Kid-approved – your family will happily devour every bite.
This is your new go-to air fryer pork roast recipe for Sunday dinners, weeknights, or any day you want a fancy meal without the fuss.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Roast Pork
- Pork shoulder or pork belly – about 2–3 pounds.
- Olive oil – light drizzle for crispiness.
- Salt – for seasoning and crispy crackling.
- Black pepper – freshly ground works best.
- Garlic cloves – 3–4, minced or crushed.
- Rosemary or thyme – fresh sprigs for aroma.
- Optional: paprika or Chinese five-spice powder for extra flavor.
Pro tip: Score the skin before cooking to get that perfect, crunchy crackling.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Roast Pork
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the pork by patting it dry. Dry skin = crispier crackling.
- Score the skin lightly with a sharp knife in a crisscross pattern.
- Season the pork generously with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. Add paprika or five-spice if you like a little flair.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil and rub everything together.
- Air fry the pork at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes to start crisping the skin.
- Lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 25–35 minutes more, depending on size. Check with a meat thermometer—pork is perfect at 145°F (63°C) internally.
- Rest the pork for 10 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
- Slice and serve with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or steamed rice.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Roast Pork
- Pat the skin completely dry before scoring for crispiness.
- Use fresh herbs for extra aroma and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; air needs to circulate for even cooking.
- Check halfway through and rotate if your air fryer has hot spots.
- Let the pork rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
For more pork cooking tips, don’t miss my Ultimate Air Fryer Pork Recipes Guide.
Common Air Fryer Roast Pork Mistakes
- Skipping preheat – your crackling won’t crisp.
- Not drying the skin – soggy skin alert!
- Overcrowding the basket – uneven cooking.
- Under-seasoning – pork needs a little love to shine.
- Cutting too soon – juices will escape, leaving dry meat.
Substitutions & Alternatives
- Pork cut: pork belly, pork shoulder, or even a small pork loin.
- Herbs: rosemary, thyme, sage, or a mix.
- Spices: Chinese five-spice, smoked paprika, or garlic powder.
- Oil: olive oil works best, but avocado or vegetable oil are fine.
Pork is forgiving—try different spice blends until you find your favorite combo.
FAQ – Air Fryer Roast Pork
Q: Can I use frozen pork?
Yes, but thaw fully first for even cooking.
Q: My crackling isn’t crispy. What went wrong?
Skin probably wasn’t dry, or the air fryer didn’t preheat. Score and season well.
Q: How do I know when pork is done?
Use a meat thermometer. Aim for 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
Q: Can I add vegetables in the air fryer?
Yes! Carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts can roast alongside pork, just keep them small.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
3–4 days in the fridge, or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to keep skin crisp.
Q: Can I make smaller portions for kids?
Absolutely! Smaller cuts cook faster and are perfect for little hands.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned Air Fryer Roast Pork without the oven drama. Slice it, serve it, and maybe sneak a piece when no one’s looking.
From one busy cook to another: you’ve got this. Your air fryer just became your new kitchen MVP.
