A 2-pound pork loin in an air fryer usually cooks in 25–30 minutes at 360°F, as long as it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
If you are wondering how long to cook pork loin in air fryer, you are asking about time and temperature working together. Air fryers move hot air fast, so pork cooks quicker than in a standard oven, but you still need enough time for the center to reach a safe temperature without drying out the lean meat. That balance is what you want.
This guide breaks down cook times by weight, shows you how to use a thermometer, and outlines a simple method for tender pork with crisp edges. You will see simple rules you can adjust for your own air fryer, backed by current food safety advice.
How Long To Cook Pork Loin In Air Fryer Time And Temperature Basics
Most boneless pork loin roasts cook well in an air fryer basket at 360–370°F. As a starting point, plan on about 12–15 minutes per pound for a roast that starts at fridge temperature. That window gives you a juicy center while still building a browned surface.
Because every air fryer runs a little differently and pork loins vary in shape, you should treat time as a guide and internal temperature as the real finish line. For safety, fresh pork roasts should reach at least 145°F (63°C) measured in the thickest part, followed by a short rest so the juices settle.
| Pork Loin Weight | Air Fryer Temperature | Approximate Cook Time* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb (450 g) | 370°F (188°C) | 12–14 minutes |
| 1.5 lb (680 g) | 370°F (188°C) | 18–22 minutes |
| 2 lb (900 g) | 370°F (188°C) | 24–30 minutes |
| 2.5 lb (1.1 kg) | 370°F (188°C) | 30–36 minutes |
| 3 lb (1.4 kg) | 370°F (188°C) | 36–42 minutes |
| 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) | 370°F (188°C) | 42–50 minutes |
| 4 lb (1.8 kg) | 370°F (188°C) | 48–56 minutes |
*Times are estimates for boneless pork loin. Always confirm doneness with a thermometer, not by time alone.
Factors That Change Pork Loin Air Fryer Cook Time
The timing chart gives you a quick starting point, yet real cook time still shifts from roast to roast. A few details have a big effect on how long your pork sits in the basket.
Thickness And Weight
Weight gives a rough idea, but thickness matters even more. A short, thick roast takes longer than a long, thinner one at the same weight because heat needs more time to reach the center. When you buy pork loin, glance at both the number on the label and the shape in the package.
If your roast is thick and chunky, stay near the upper end of the time range. A thinner piece hits temperature faster, so start checking sooner.
Bone-In Vs Boneless Pork Loin
Most air fryer pork loin recipes use boneless roasts. If yours has a bone, the dense bone can slow heat movement and stretch cook time. Plan to add a few extra minutes per pound for bone-in pork and make sure you check temperature in the meat, not along the bone.
Starting Temperature Of The Meat
Meat that goes into the basket straight from the fridge cooks slower than meat that rests on the counter for 20–30 minutes. Take the roast out while you mix a spice rub so it can warm slightly without sitting out for too long.
Air Fryer Size And Basket Crowding
Cook time for pork loin in an air fryer also depends on how easily air flows around the roast. In a small basket, a large roast can sit close to the heating element and brown faster on top while the center lags behind.
Choose a roast that leaves space around the sides so air can move freely. A raised rack keeps the pork off the base and promotes even browning.
Cooking Pork Loin In Air Fryer Time Chart By Weight
To use the time chart well, start by weighing your pork loin after trimming excess fat or silverskin. Round to the nearest half pound and match that number to the line in the chart. That gives you a first estimate, not a promise.
Set your air fryer to 360–370°F. Lower heat takes longer but can feel safer for your first attempt with a new model. Higher heat speeds things along and builds a darker crust, though you need to watch the surface closely to prevent burning while the center finishes.
Once the roast has cooked for the lower end of the time range, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest point. If it reads under 140°F, close the basket and cook in short bursts of 3–5 minutes, checking again after each burst until the roast reaches at least 145°F.
Step-By-Step Method For Juicy Air Fryer Pork Loin
The method below keeps the process simple while leaning on a thermometer instead of guesswork. It works for plain pork loin or seasoned versions with dry rubs and glazes. In your own kitchen.
1. Trim And Season The Pork Loin
Pat the pork dry so the surface browns instead of steaming. Trim loose flaps of fat and any thick silverskin, leaving a thin fat cap if you like a richer bite. Season the roast generously with salt, pepper, and dry spices.
2. Preheat The Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 370°F for about 5 minutes. Preheating brings the basket and air up to temperature so the roast starts cooking right away, building a nice crust without a long lag phase.
3. Cook Using Time As A Guide
Place the pork loin in the basket with the fat side facing up so the fat renders over the meat. Cook using the time chart range for your roast weight. Turn the roast once about halfway through to even out browning, especially if your air fryer heats more on one side.
When you reach the lower end of the time range, start temperature checks. Slide the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast from the side, stopping near the center.
4. Check Internal Temperature For Doneness
Food safety agencies agree that whole cuts of pork are safe to eat at 145°F as long as the meat rests for a short period afterward. The center can still look faintly pink at this temperature, yet it is safe when measured correctly.
If you prefer pork without any pink, you can let the roast climb to around 150–155°F. Go much hotter and the meat can dry out, especially near the ends.
5. Rest, Slice, And Serve
Once the roast hits your target temperature, move it to a cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 5–10 minutes so juices redistribute through the meat.
Slice across the grain into even pieces, about ½ inch thick for dinner plates or slightly thinner for sandwiches. Spoon any collected juices over the slices before serving.
Safe Internal Temperature And Food Safety For Pork Loin
Safety matters just as much as flavor when you cook pork loin in an air fryer. Fresh pork roasts should reach at least 145°F and then rest for three minutes or more. This guideline comes from the United States Department of Agriculture and reflects current research on killing harmful bacteria in pork.
The USDA offers clear pork temperature guidance on its website, and the joint safe minimum internal temperature chart from FoodSafety.gov lists 145°F with a brief rest for pork steaks, roasts, and chops.
| Target Doneness | Internal Temperature | Texture And Color |
|---|---|---|
| Juicy Medium | 145–150°F (63–66°C) | Slight blush of pink, moist slices |
| Medium-Well | 150–155°F (66–68°C) | No visible pink in most slices, still tender |
| Well Done | 160°F+ (71°C+) | Completely opaque, firmer texture, more risk of dryness |
No matter which temperature you choose within this range, a thermometer is your best tool. Visual cues alone can mislead you because lean pork can look done on the outside long before the center reaches a safe temperature.
Common Mistakes When Air Frying Pork Loin
Even an easy recipe can go wrong in small ways. Avoiding a few typical mistakes makes your pork loin much more predictable.
Skipping The Thermometer
Guessing by time alone is the fastest way to miss the sweet spot between undercooked and dry. Instant-read thermometers are inexpensive and change the way you cook meat. Use one every time you make pork loin until you know exactly how your air fryer behaves.
Starting With Cold Or Frozen Pork
Cooking directly from a hard-chilled state stretches time and can leave you with an overcooked surface before the center is safe. When you can, let the roast sit out for a short spell while you prep. If you must cook from frozen, expect longer cook times and check temperature often near the end.
Crowding The Basket With Vegetables
It is tempting to tuck potatoes or carrots beside the pork to make a full meal in one go. Too many vegetables can block airflow and trap steam around the meat, slowing browning and changing the timing. If you add vegetables, keep them in a shallow layer and be ready to adjust time on both the veg and the pork.
Slicing Too Soon
Cutting into the roast the moment it comes out of the air fryer lets hot juices rush out. Resting is a small step that protects all the work you did seasoning and monitoring the roast. That short pause pays off in moist slices.
Reheating And Storing Leftover Air Fryer Pork Loin
Leftover pork loin makes handy sandwiches, grain bowls, and salads, so it helps to store it well. Once dinner is finished, cool the meat within two hours and transfer slices to an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge for three to four days.
For reheating, many cooks like to return slices to the air fryer at around 350–370°F for a few minutes until warm. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep the meat from drying out.
If you have a large amount of leftover pork, freezing works well. Wrap slices tightly, label the package, and use within two to three months for best texture.
Final Tips For Air Fryer Pork Loin
You now have a clear sense of how long pork loin spends in the air fryer and why time is only half the story. Weight, thickness, and the way your own machine heats all shift the clock, which is why a meat thermometer stays on the counter every time you cook this cut.
If you follow the time chart, aim for an internal temperature around 145°F with a short rest, and avoid blocking the basket with extra food, you will land on juicy slices far more often than dry ones. The simple habit of checking temperature turns how long to cook pork loin in air fryer from a guess into a reliable pattern meal after meal.