Cooking pork loin in an instant pot is a quick and easy way to get tender, juicy pork on the dinner table fast. But nailing the cook time can be tricky. Undercook it and the pork will be tough and dry. Overcook it and you’ll end up with mushy, stringy meat.
So how long should you cook a pork loin roast in an instant pot? The answer depends on a few key factors
Pork Loin Size Matters
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The size and thickness of your pork loin is the biggest determinant of cook time.
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For a 2-3 pound pork loin, cook for 15-20 minutes on high pressure.
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For a 3-5 pound pork loin, cook for 20-25 minutes on high pressure.
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For pork loins over 5 pounds, cook for 25-30 minutes on high pressure.
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Thicker roasts need a little more time than long, thinner ones. Add 5 minutes for roasts over 2-inches thick.
Quick Tips
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Always allow a 10 minute natural pressure release after cooking. This helps ensure the pork cooks gently all the way through.
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Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Pork loin is safely cooked between 145°F – 160°F.
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Add 5-10 minutes of cook time if cooking frozen pork loin.
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Cut larger roasts in half to reduce cook time.
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Browning the loin first adds flavor and helps it cook more evenly.
Step-by-Step Method
Follow these simple steps for perfect instant pot pork loin every time:
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Trim and season the pork loin. Remove excess fat and season all over with salt, pepper and herbs or spices.
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Brown the pork loin (optional). Select Sauté on the instant pot and brown the pork loin on all sides, 3-5 minutes per side. This adds flavor.
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Deglaze the pot. Add 1-2 cups of broth, wine or water and use a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
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Add aromatics (optional). Add sliced onions, garlic, fresh herbs for extra flavor.
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Place pork on a trivet. Add a cup more liquid if needed.
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Pressure cook. Lock the lid and pressure cook on high for the recommended time based on size.
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Natural release. Allow the pressure to come down naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing.
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Check for doneness. Pork should reach 145-160°F. If under, replace lid and let rest 5 more minutes.
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Rest and slice. Let pork rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.
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Make gravy. Sauté pan juices to reduce into a delicious gravy.
Common Questions
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can cook two similarly sized pork loins stacked on separate trivets. Add a minute or two to the cook time.
Should I cook bone-in or boneless?
Boneless is easiest but bone-in works too. The bone conducts heat so bone-in roasts may cook 5-10 minutes faster.
What liquid should I use?
Broth, wine, beer, apple cider all add great flavor. Water works fine too. Have 1-2 cups on hand.
What if my pork loin is frozen?
No problem! Add 5-10 minutes to the cook time for frozen pork.
What if my pork loin is over 8 pounds?
Roasts over 8 pounds will likely need to be cut in half to cook evenly. Cook each half separately.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Place chopped vegetables in the cooking liquid under the trivet.
Tips for Juicy, Tender Pork Loin
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Always use a natural pressure release method. A quick release can cause meat close to the bone to overcook.
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Let the pork rest at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute.
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Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Do not overcook!
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Add liquid like broth or wine to the pot. This keeps the pork moist and yields delicious pan juices for gravy.
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Browning the pork first gives you a flavorful crust.
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Use fresh herbs and spices for maximum flavor.
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For the juiciest results, remove pork right at 145°F for medium doneness.
Sample Cook Times
To recap, here are sample instant pot cook times for various pork loin sizes:
- 1-2 pound pork loin – 12-15 minutes
- 2-3 pound pork loin – 15-18 minutes
- 3-4 pound pork loin – 18-22 minutes
- 4-5 pound pork loin – 20-25 minutes
- 5-6 pound pork loin – 25-30 minutes
- 6-7 pound pork loin – 25-35 minutes
- 7-8 pound pork loin – 30-35 minutes
Always use a meat thermometer and natural pressure release method for best results. With the right timing, you’ll have tender, juicy pork loin ready to slice and serve in under an hour!