Pork Loin Steaks in the Air Fryer
Pork loin steaks are lean and cook quickly, which makes them easy to dry out in a pan. The air fryer cooks them in about 11 minutes with an even, golden surface, and a quick rub is all the flavour you need. You also get timings for cooking a whole pork loin joint if you want something for Sunday.
- Temperature
- 190°C
- Total time
- 19min
- Prep
- 5min
- Servings
- 4
- Core temp
- 70°C
- Per serving
- 200kcal
Why the air fryer works for pork loin
Pork loin steaks in air fryer baskets suit a lean cut. Loin has little fat to keep it moist, so it needs fast, even heat rather than a long wait. The air fryer browns the surface straight away and shortens the time the inside has to dry out. That is the difference between a juicy steak and a tough one.
Air fryer pork loin is also easy to time. A 2 cm steak is done in around 11 minutes, which is quicker than the oven and cleaner than a frying pan. The same machine can cook a whole pork loin joint, but it takes longer and needs a thermometer.
How to make pork loin steaks in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Prepare the steaks Take the steaks out of the fridge before cooking. Pat them dry with kitchen roll and trim any silver skin, which turns chewy.
- Season Rub the steaks with the oil, then press on the paprika, garlic granules, sage, salt and pepper.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 190 °C for .
- Cook Lay the steaks in a single layer in the basket. Cook for , turning them over after . Steaks 1 cm thick need only .
- Check and rest The FSA says pork must be cooked through with no pink meat and clear juices. Push a thermometer into the thickest part. When it reads 70 °C, take the steaks out and rest them for before serving.
Cooking times and temperatures
| Pork Loin Steaks | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pork loin steaks, 2 cmTurn halfway | 190 °C | 11 min |
| Thin loin steaks, 1 cm | 190 °C | 7–8 min |
| Thick loin steaks, 3 cm | 180 °C | 14–15 min |
| Bone-in loin chops | 190 °C | 12–13 min |
| Pork loin joint, 750 gRolled joints to 75 °C | 180 °C | 35–40 min |
| Loin steaks from frozen | 180 °C | 16–18 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size of the food and the power of your air fryer. Cooked when the centre reaches 70 °C. See also cooking times and temperatures for all dishes.
Tips
- Trim the silver skin. The thin white membrane tightens as it cooks and makes the steak curl. A sharp knife takes it off in seconds.
- Do not skip the rest. Three minutes under loose foil lets the juices settle, so the slices stay moist.
- Try a brine for extra juice. Soak the steaks in the fridge for 30 minutes in 500 ml water with 1 tbsp salt, then pat dry. Skip the salt in the rub if you do.
Serving
Pork loin steaks work with almost any side. Try them with potato wedges and broccoli, or sliced into a salad with a mustard dressing. If you want a thicker cut with more fat, see pork shoulder steaks, and for a bone-in cut, pork chops. Pork loin in the air fryer is also good for Sunday roast with roast potatoes. For a quick boneless alternative, see pork steaks.
Storing and reheating
Leftover pork loin keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container. To reheat, put the steaks in the air fryer at 160 °C for 3–4 minutes, until they are steaming hot all the way through (75 °C). Sliced cold loin is good in sandwiches.
Variations
- Honey mustard: Brush the steaks with 1 tbsp honey mixed with 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard for the last 2 minutes.
- Herb crust: Press chopped rosemary and thyme into the oil for a fragrant roast-style flavour.
- Pork loin joint: Rub a 750 g boneless joint with the same seasoning and cook at 180 °C for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway, until 70 °C (75 °C if rolled).
Troubleshooting
- The pork loin is dry
- Lean loin overcooks in a minute or two. Use a thermometer and take the steaks out at 70 °C. Thin steaks need less time, so check them early.
- The steaks curl up
- Silver skin shrinks and pulls the meat out of shape. Slice off the thin white membrane before seasoning.
- The crust is pale
- The steaks were wet or the basket was crowded. Dry them well, leave a gap between each, and always preheat.
Frequently asked questions
How long do pork loin steaks take in an air fryer?
About 11 minutes at 190 °C for steaks 2 cm thick, turned halfway. Steaks 1 cm thick need 7–8 minutes and 3 cm steaks 14–15 minutes.
How long does a pork loin joint take in the air fryer?
A 750 g boneless loin joint takes 35–40 minutes at 180 °C, turned halfway. A rolled joint should reach 75 °C, and a plain loin 70 °C. Rest it for 10 minutes before slicing.
Can you cook pork loin chops with the bone in?
Yes. Loin chops with the bone take 1–2 minutes longer than boneless steaks. Measure the temperature next to the bone.
Can pork loin steaks go in the air fryer from frozen?
Yes, at 180 °C for 16–18 minutes, turning twice. Add the seasoning after 5 minutes when the surface has thawed.
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