Easy, Air Fryer Italian Herb Pork Loin

Easy, Air Fryer Italian Herb Pork Loin is a quick marinated recipe that shows you how to cook a small, boneless pork roast in a Power Air Fryer XL, Phillips, Nuwave, or any branded air fryer. Slice this hot and juicy pork into thick chops and serve with your favorite sides. This post also includes tips for tenderloin.

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FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST. BEFORE YOU SCROLL, THERE’S IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN THIS BLOG POST.

Thanks to the air fryer, I can enjoy this dish year round, instead of just on New Year’s Day. Pork is often seen as a symbol of good luck, so a nice, juicy roast is sometimes used in celebrations.

If you have an Instant Pot you may also enjoy my Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast recipe.

What is Pork Loin?

Pork loin is made from the animal’s back and can be purchased boneless or bone-in.

Is There a Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?

Pork loin and pork tenderloin are not cut from the same part of the animal. Pork loin is larger in size and is typically purchased in 3-5 pounds. It’s also commonly referred to as pork loin roast, center cut pork loin, or pork center rib roast.

Pork tenderloin is usually about an inch and half to two inches thick and is the muscle that runs alongside the backbone. It is only made in boneless.

It is typically purchased in 1-2 pounds. It’s commonly referred to as pork tender or pork filet. You can read more about The Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin here.

How to Cook Pork Loin in Air Fryer 

1. Drizzle and marinate the pork loin with Italian Seasoning, thyme, rosemary, Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper. Marinating the meat is optional, but will yield tender meat.
2. Place the pork loin in the air fryer on the air fryer basket.
3. Air fry.

Air Fryer Temperature

I cook the pork loin on 360 degrees. Since this is a pork loin roast, you want to cook it at a lower heat to ensure the outside does not cook more rapidly than the inside.

How Long to Cook and Cook Time

According to the USDA, you want to cook the pork until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees. If it cooks until 165 degrees, it will be dry and will taste grainy.

I cook the pork loin for 25 minutes, flip and then cook it for an additional 12-15 minutes.

The USDA also recommends that the pork rests for at least 3 minutes. I allow the pork to rest for 10 minutes. You can read more about Minimum Internal Temperatures for Food Safety Here.

How to Keep Pork Loin From Drying Out

How can I assure my pork roast will not be dry? Do not overcook the pork loin. The first sign of dryness is usually due to overcooking the meat. Marinating the meat in a brine will also help keep the pork loin juicy and tender.

Freezer Tips

The pork loin will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. I freeze cooked pork loin in sealable freezer bags, labeled with the date. You can freeze it for 4-6 months.

Pair With These Recipes

Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Air Fryer Asparagus

More Popular Recipes

Southern Smothered Pork Chops
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Dry Rub Chicken Wings

Recipe Tips

• I also added the cream sauce from my Keto Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Alfredo to this dish.
• You can marinate this pork loin a ton of different ways. I also like to use Greek Marinade, Lemon Garlic Marinade, maple glazed, or a homemade marinade using 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.
• If you use the Italian Vinaigrette marinade, as recommended, it includes avocado oil, so you don’t need to oil the pork loin. If you are using something else, consider adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the pork loin. This will help keep it juicy.
• I freeze cooked pork loin in sealable freezer bags, labeled with the date. You can freeze it for 4-6 months.
• A pork tenderloin will need to cook at a higher temperature of 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees.