Air Fryer Pork Roast

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

1. Remove from Fridge:

   • Take the pork joint out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to come to room temperature, promoting even cooking throughout.

2. Dry the Skin:

   • Use paper towels to pat the skin thoroughly dry. Moisture on the skin can hinder the crackling process, so ensure it’s completely dry.

3. Score the Skin:

   • With a sharp knife, carefully score the skin in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1-2 cm apart. Avoid cutting into the meat to prevent moisture loss. Scoring allows the fat to render out and helps achieve crispy crackling.

4. Season:

   • Rub ½ tablespoon of vegetable or sunflower oil all over the scored skin, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This helps in crisping the skin.
   • Generously season with salt, pressing it into the scores for maximum flavor. A good amount of salt is essential for enhancing the crackling.

Step 2: Air Fry the Joint

1. Preheat Air Fryer:

   • Set your air fryer to 210°C to preheat. This high temperature is key to starting the crackling process.

2. Initial Cooking:

   • Carefully place the pork joint in the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s not overcrowded for even cooking. Cook at 210°C for 20 minutes.

3. Reduce Temperature:

   • After the initial cooking time, lower the temperature to 160°C.
   • Cooking times:
     • For a 1 kg joint, cook for 40-50 minutes.
     • For a 1.5 kg joint, cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes.
   • Check the doneness using a digital meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 70°C.

4. Check Juices:

   • If you don’t have a thermometer, pierce the thickest part of the meat with a knife; the juices should run clear. This indicates that the pork is fully cooked.

Step 3: Crisp the Crackling (if necessary)

1. Evaluate the Crackling:

   • After cooking, check if the crackling is crispy. It should be golden and bubbly.

2. Crisp Up (if needed):

   • If the crackling is not to your liking:
     • Carefully remove the skin from the meat, taking care not to damage the pork.
     • Cover the pork with foil to keep it warm and prevent it from drying out.
     • Return the skin to the air fryer and increase the temperature to 220°C. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the skin is crispy and bubbly.

3. Rest the Meat:

   • If the crackling is satisfactory, let the pork joint rest uncovered for 10-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.

Step 4: Serve

1. Slice the Pork:

   • After resting, use a sharp knife to slice the pork into portions. Aim for even, thick slices to showcase the juicy interior.

2. Garnish and Serve:

   • Serve the sliced pork with optional apple sauce for a sweet contrast. This pairing enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
   • Consider serving alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Additional Tips for Success

• Choose Quality Pork:
  Select a well-marbled pork joint for better flavor and tenderness. Bone-in cuts may enhance the flavor further.

• Monitor Cooking Time:
  Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the pork joint and your specific air fryer model. It’s always best to check for doneness a little earlier than suggested.

• Adjust Seasoning:
  Feel free to experiment with herbs and spices. Adding crushed garlic, thyme, or rosemary can enhance the flavor profile of the pork.

• Store Leftovers Properly:
  If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the air fryer to retain crispiness.

• Experiment with Sauces:
  Besides apple sauce, consider serving with mustard, gravy, or a tangy barbecue sauce for added flavor.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked Air Fryer Pork Roast, and feel free to reach out if you need any more guidance!