How to Make Perfect Roast Pork with Crispy Crackling in the Ninja Air Fryer
If you’re searching for the ultimate way to cook roast pork with crispy crackling, look no further than your Ninja air fryer! As someone who tried this for the first time, I was blown away by the results. The crackling was absolutely amazing—crispy, golden, and full of flavor. Even my family, who can be tough critics, couldn’t get enough. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through my step-by-step process, share tips for success, and answer common questions about air fryer pork roast. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find everything you need to make your own mouthwatering roast pork in the air fryer.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Roast Pork?
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for good reason. They cook food quickly, use less oil, and deliver crispy results that rival traditional ovens. When it comes to roast pork, the air fryer excels at creating that coveted crackling—crispy pork skin that shatters with every bite. Plus, the Ninja air fryer is easy to use and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
1.6 kg pork joint (shoulder or loin with skin on)
Sea salt (liberally for the skin)
Cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
Equipment:
Ninja air fryer (or similar air fryer model)
Sharp knife for scoring
Kitchen paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork Skin
The secret to perfect crackling is in the preparation. Start by patting the pork skin dry with kitchen paper towels. Use a sharp knife to score the skin and fat, being careful not to cut into the meat itself. Scoring helps the fat render and the skin crisp up beautifully.
2. Salt and Rest
Next, salt the skin liberally. Don’t be shy—salt draws out moisture and is essential for crispy crackling. Rub the salt into the scores and let the pork sit while you prep your vegetables (about 10–15 minutes). This resting time allows the salt to work its magic.
3. Dry and Oil
After resting, use kitchen paper to dry the skin again. Moisture is the enemy of crackling! Once dry, drizzle a little oil over the skin and rub it in, followed by another sprinkle of salt. The oil helps the skin blister and crisp in the air fryer.
4. Air Fry at 180°C
Place the pork joint in the air fryer basket, skin side up. Set your Ninja air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and cook for 50 minutes. This initial cook will render the fat and start crisping the skin.
5. Check and Adjust
If you have a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature (aim for at least 70°C/160°F for cooked pork). I didn’t have one, so I cut the joint in half to check doneness. If the pork isn’t fully cooked, don’t worry! Simply return both halves to the air fryer.
6. Finish at 190°C
Increase the air fryer temperature to 190°C (374°F) and cook for an additional 15 minutes. This step ensures the pork is cooked through and the skin continues to crisp.
7. Max Crisp for Crackling
For the final touch, set your air fryer to the “Max Crisp” setting (or the highest temperature available) and cook for 5 more minutes. This blast of heat transforms the skin into golden, crunchy crackling.
8. Rest and Serve
Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Slice and serve with your favorite sides—roast potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Success
Score Carefully: Only cut through the skin and fat, not into the meat. This helps the fat render and the skin crisp.
Dry Skin is Key: Moisture prevents crackling, so pat the skin dry before and after salting.
Salt Generously: Salt is essential for drawing out moisture and creating crispy skin.
Use Oil: A little oil helps the skin blister and brown.
Check Doneness: If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part to check if the juices run clear.
Rest Before Slicing: Resting keeps the pork juicy and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes! Pork shoulder and pork loin both work well. Just make sure the skin is left on for crackling.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating isn’t always necessary, but it can help the skin start crisping right away.
What if my crackling isn’t crispy enough?
Try increasing the temperature for the last few minutes, or use the “Max Crisp” setting if your air fryer has one.
Can I add herbs or spices?
Absolutely! Try rubbing the meat (not the skin) with garlic, rosemary, or fennel for extra flavor.
My Honest Review
I have to admit, I’m usually the type to “wing it” in the kitchen, and this roast pork was no exception. I didn’t have a meat thermometer, so I relied on visual cues and a bit of luck. The result? Incredibly tender pork that didn’t even need a knife to cut, and crackling that was out of this world. My family devoured it, and even my mother-in-law, who hardly eats anything these days, went back for seconds!
Final Thoughts
Cooking roast pork in the Ninja air fryer is easier than you might think, and the results are truly impressive. With a few simple steps and some patience, you can achieve juicy, flavorful pork with the crispiest crackling ever. Don’t be afraid to experiment and trust your instincts—sometimes the best meals come from a little bit of “winging it”!
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out. Good luck, and happy cooking!