There are so many methods to cook a juicy pork loin. People usually cook their pork loin in the oven. By the way, it doesn’t matter which cooking method you are using to cook a pork loin. The thing matters is the perfect cooking time and the temperature using different cooking methods. Here, we are going to explain how long to cook pork loin in an oven, crockpot, instant pot, and air fryer? Keep reading this article till the end for a better understanding and for some cooking tips.
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How Long to Cook Pork Loin in Oven?
Pork loin cooks perfectly in the oven when it’s baked at a high temperature. We don’t recommend cooking pork loin at less than 350˚F. Generally, we use to cook it at 375˚F. First, you have to preheat the oven to 375˚F before going ahead. Pour and spread 2 tablespoons of oil over the pork loin evenly. Mix some spices in a bowl and give it a good rub with this mixture.
Now, cook a pork loin of 3lb for about 45-60 mins. Check the doneness of pork loin using a meat thermometer which should be 145˚F. Let the pork loin rest for about 15 mins. before serving.
How Long to Cook Pork Loin in Oven at 400?
If you are cooking pork loin in the oven at 400˚F, you have to preheat it at the same temperature. Rub the mixture all over the meat evenly you have already prepared. Cook for about 35-45 mins. You can flip the pork loin halfway and check the doneness using a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the meat. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 145˚F.
Brush the mixture of melted butter and brown sugar on the top of the pork loin and broil for 2 mins. to caramelize. Let it rest for about 15 mins. before serving.
How Long to Cook Pork Loin in Oven at 350?
If you are cooking pork loin at a low temperature which is 350˚F, you have to preheat the oven first. Mix all the spices in a bowl and rub evenly on the pork loin. Now, put the pork loin on a rack in a roasting pan and cook for about 20-25 mins or until the internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 145˚F. It will be moist and slightly pink in the center. If you are expecting white meat from the center then cook until the internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 160˚F. Cover the roasting pan with foil and let it rest for 30 mins. before serving.
Tips to Cook Pork Loin in Oven:
- Don’t skip searing the pork loin for that extra added layer of flavor. It also seasons the drippings.
- It’s better to pat dry using a paper towel to remove extra moisture from the exterior so it browns better.
- Don’t overcook pork loin, it starts to dry.
- Don’t cook pork straight from the refrigerator. It’s important to remove it from the fridge for 30 mins. before cooking so that it reaches room temperature.
How Long to Cook Pork Loin in Crock-Pot?
Pork Loin cooks differently in the crockpot. First, you have to spray the bottom of the crockpot with cooking spray. Slice your onions into round circle slices. Now, place your pork loin on top of the onions and make sure the thicker side should be up. Drizzle some olive oil over the pork loin. Sprinkle some garlic, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika over the pork loin evenly on the meat. Add two cups of broth to the bottom of the crock pot. Close the lid and cook for about 6 hours on low heat or on high heat for 4 hours.
Once it’s done, check the doneness of the pork using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of meat should be 145˚F. If the temperature is under 145˚F, you should cook it for some extra mins.
How Long to Smoke a Pork Loin?
Smoking is a new method of cooking meat. You can smoke your meat with your choice of woods. Personally, I used to cook in maple woods. You have to heat the smoker first at 225°F. Trim the fat on your pork while the smoker heats up. Apply already prepared rub all over the pork loin. Place the pork in the smoker and smoke for 2.5-3 hours or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145˚F.
Apply BBQ sauce to the meat for 30 mins. prior to finishing the timer or completely cooking. Finish the cooking process and remove it from the smoker. Let it sit for about 15-20 mins. before slicing and enjoying.
How Long to Smoke a Pork Loin at 250?
The smoking time of a pork loin depends on how much quantity of pork loin you want to cook. The general rate of smoking pork loin at a high temperature of 250℉ is 30 mins. per pound. You can add 5 mins. extra if you are cooking pork loin at 225°F.
How Long to Smoke a 5lb Pork Loin?
If you are smoking a 5lb pork loin in a smoker, you should smoke from 225℉/107℃ to 250℉/121℃. The expected rate of cooking pork loin in a smoker is 30 mins. per pound. So, you can expect the total time taken by 5lb pork loin will be 2.5 hours.
Tips for Smoking a Pork Loin:
- When cooking pork loin, keeping the fat side up helps the loin be juicy and adds flavors. You don’t need to flip loin when cooking.
- We recommend smoking pork loin from 225℉/107℃ to 250℉/121℃. If you are in hurry, you can smoke it at a high temperature which is 275℉/135℃. Smoking a pork loin at a high temperature makes it dry out.
- The pork loin should be covered in foil during the cooking process.
How Long to Cook Pork Loin in Instant Pot?
If you are cooking pork loin in an instant pot, you have to sear it from all sides. The total cooking time depends on the quantity of pork loin. If you are trying to cook 3lb of pork loin, it will take about 35-45 mins. to cook completely. When it’s done, let the released steam naturally for about 10 mins. Open the lid and instant release the remaining steam.
Tips to Cook Pork Loin in Instant Pot:
- Sear the meat from all sides before cooking in an instant pot.
- Take out pork loin from the refrigerator for 20-30 mins. before cooking it.
- Trim visible silverskin or loose pieces of fat.
How Long to Cook Pork Loin in Air Fryer?
First, you have to preheat the air fryer to 370℉. Whisk spices and seasoning in a bowl and rub all over the pork loin. Make sure you have trimmed the excess fat before applying the mixture. Sprinkle some cooking spray at the bottom of the air fryer basket and place pork tenderloins without overlapping or overloading the basket.
Now, cook it for about 35-45 mins. or until the internal temperature of Pork Loin reaches 145˚F. Flip it once halfway through the cooking. When it’s done let it rest for about 5 mins. before slicing.
How Long to Cook Pork Loin on Grill?
If you are cooking a 3lb of pork loin on the grill, you have to preheat the grill first. Make sure to preheat the grill to 350℉ for two-zone cooking(one for direct heat and another one for indirect heat). Trim the excess silver skin from the surface of the pork loin. Drizzle some olive oil and season with already prepared seasoning or mixture. Place the pork loin directly on the grill grates over indirect heat.
Cook the meat for about 1-1.5 hours or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145˚F. Remove the pork from the grill and allow to rest for about 15 mins. before slicing and serving.
Tips to Cook Pork Loin on Grill:
- Always check the doneness of pork loin using a meat thermometer.
- Don’t cook it on direct heat at a high temperature because the heat doesn’t spread inside the meat and doesn’t cook meat properly. It’s better to cook pork loin on indirect heat at a low temperature.
- If you’d like to add the smoky flavor infused from the charcoal grill, add some smoking elements to the gas grill.
FAQ:
Do You Flip a Pork Loin in the Oven?
Once you set the pork loin in the roasting pan, you don’t need to flip or turn the pork roast.
How to Keep Baked Pork Loin Juicy When Serving?
The trick to keep your baked pork loin juicy is really worth it. Once you take it out from the oven, cover the pan of pork loin with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 10-15 mins. to retain its juices.
