How long to cook pulled pork in air fryer
If you are a fan of pulled pork, you know that it can be a time-consuming process to cook it in the oven or grill. But did you know that you can also make delicious pulled pork in an air fryer? Not only does cooking pulled pork in the air fryer save you time, but it also results in tender and juicy meat that is bursting with flavor.
The cooking time for pulled pork in an air fryer will depend on the size of the pork and the specific model of air fryer that you are using. However, as a general guideline, plan on cooking your pulled pork in the air fryer for around 20-30 minutes per pound. This means that if you have a 3-pound piece of pork, it will take approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook in the air fryer.
When cooking pulled pork in an air fryer, it is important to season the meat well and preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking. You can use a simple rub made of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to season the pork. Once the pork is seasoned, place it in the preheated air fryer and cook at a temperature of 350°F (175°C). To ensure that the pork is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C) for the most tender and flavorful results.
How to Cook Perfect Pulled Pork in an Air Fryer
Are you looking for a quick and delicious way to cook pulled pork? Look no further than your air fryer! With its high heat circulation and quick cooking time, the air fryer is the perfect tool to achieve perfectly tender and juicy pulled pork.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of pork shoulder, boneless
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a dry rub.
- Rub the dry rub all over the pork shoulder, making sure it is evenly coated.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder in the air fryer basket, fat side up.
- Cook the pork shoulder in the air fryer for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove the pork shoulder from the air fryer and generously brush it with BBQ sauce.
- Return the pork shoulder to the air fryer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C).
- Once cooked, remove the pork shoulder from the air fryer and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Use two forks to shred the pork shoulder into pulled pork.
- Serve the pulled pork on a bun or alongside your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your pork shoulder. It’s important to check the internal temperature to ensure that the pork is fully cooked.
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy perfectly tender and flavorful pulled pork in no time using your air fryer. The combination of the dry rub and BBQ sauce creates a delicious smoky and sweet flavor that will satisfy your cravings. Give it a try and see for yourself!
Preparation and Seasoning
Before cooking your pulled pork in the air fryer, it is important to prepare and season your meat properly. Here are the steps to ensure a flavorful and tender pulled pork:
1. Choose the Right Cut: When it comes to pulled pork, the ideal cut of meat is a pork shoulder or pork butt. These cuts have enough fat marbling and connective tissue to create a moist and tender result.
2. Trim and Pat Dry: Remove any excess fat or skin from the pork shoulder, if desired. Then, use paper towels to pat dry the meat. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes browning during cooking.
3. Season Generously: To add flavor to your pulled pork, create a dry rub by combining spices such as paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the meat, covering every inch for maximum flavor.
4. Allow to Marinate (Optional): If you have time, let the seasoned pork shoulder marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or even overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhances its tenderness.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to the temperature specified in your recipe. This ensures that the pork cooks evenly and efficiently.
6. Take Out of the Fridge: Remove the marinated pork shoulder from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This short rest period allows the meat to cook more evenly.
7. Place in the Air Fryer: Gently place the seasoned pork shoulder into the air fryer basket or on the tray. Make sure there is enough space around the meat for proper air circulation.
8. Cook According to Recipe: Follow the recipe instructions for the recommended cooking time and temperature for your pulled pork in the air fryer. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the meat.
9. Check for Doneness: To check if your pulled pork is cooked thoroughly, insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. The internal temperature should read 190-205°F (88-96°C) for perfectly tender and pull-apart pork.
Remember to always read and follow your specific air fryer manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
Timing and Temperature
When it comes to cooking pulled pork in an air fryer, timing and temperature play critical roles in achieving tender and flavorful meat. Here are some general guidelines:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) before placing the pork inside.
- Cooking time for pulled pork in an air fryer can vary depending on the size and thickness of the meat. As a general rule, allow around 20 minutes of cooking time per pound of pork.
- It’s important to monitor the internal temperature of the pork throughout the cooking process to ensure it reaches a safe minimum temperature of 145°F (63°C). To accurately measure the internal temperature, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
- If your air fryer has multiple levels or trays, consider rotating the pork halfway through the cooking time for even browning and cooking.
- For extra tenderness, you can cook the pulled pork at a lower temperature for a longer time, perhaps around 300°F (150°C) for 25-30 minutes per pound. This slow cooking method can help break down the connective tissues in the meat and result in a more melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific air fryer model and adjust the cooking time and temperatures accordingly. Keep in mind that these guidelines are approximate, and factors such as the thickness of the meat, the air fryer’s efficiency, and personal preferences can affect the cooking time.
Cooking Process
When cooking pulled pork in an air fryer, it is important to follow the right cooking process to achieve tender and flavorful results.
1. Prepare the pork
Start by preparing the pork shoulder or pork butt, which are commonly used for pulled pork. Trim excess fat and season the meat with your desired spices or a dry rub. Let the meat marinate in the seasonings for at least an hour, or overnight for better flavor absorption.
2. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit (182 degrees Celsius). This preheating step ensures even cooking and crispy outer edges for the pulled pork.
3. Cook the pork in batches
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pork in batches. Place the seasoned pork shoulder or pork butt into the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between the pieces for proper circulation of hot air.
4. Cook at the right temperature and time
Set the air fryer to cook at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). Cook the pieces of pork for about 20-25 minutes per pound. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat and personal preference for doneness. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.
5. Allow the meat to rest
Once the pulled pork reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a moist and more delicious outcome.
6. Shred the pork
Using two forks or your hands, shred the cooked pork shoulder or pork butt into smaller pieces or strands. Be sure to remove any excess fat or tough connective tissues.
7. Optional: Add sauce or seasoning
If desired, add your favorite barbecue sauce, seasoning, or other flavors to the shredded pork. Toss the meat to evenly coat it with the sauce or seasoning.
Now, your pulled pork cooked in an air fryer is ready to be enjoyed in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or any other dish of your choice!
Resting and Shredding
Once the pulled pork reaches the desired internal temperature of 195°F, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist pulled pork.
After the resting period, use two forks or your hands to shred the pork. It should easily pull apart into strands. Shredding the pork will give it that classic pulled pork texture.
Once the pork is shredded, you can add your favorite BBQ sauce to the meat and mix it well, coating every strand. Alternatively, you can serve the pulled pork without sauce and let each person add their preferred amount of sauce. Serve the pulled pork on buns or alongside coleslaw, pickles, or other desired side dishes.
Enjoy your homemade pulled pork cooked to perfection in the air fryer!
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