Easy Pork Shoulder Blade Roast Air Fryer Recipe
An Easy Pork Shoulder Blade Roast Air Fryer Recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a flavorful, tender roast with minimal effort. To start, season a 2-3 pound pork shoulder blade roast with your favorite blend of spices—paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper work well. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the roast in the air fryer basket and cook for about 25 minutes per pound, flipping halfway through for even browning. To ensure the roast is fully cooked, check for an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C) for fork-tender meat. Let the roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain its juices. The air fryer’s even cooking and crispy exterior make this dish a crowd-pleaser, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion without the hassle of traditional roasting. Enjoy this easy, delicious recipe with your favorite sides!
Easy Pork Shoulder Blade Roast Air Fryer Recipe
A tender, juicy roast is the highlight of any meal, and using an air fryer to prepare a pork shoulder blade roast makes the process effortless, with a crispy exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Air fryers have revolutionized cooking, offering faster cooking times and crispier results without the need for excessive oil. The pork shoulder blade roast is perfect for this method, as it cooks evenly, stays moist, and develops a delightful crust that adds both texture and flavor to your meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or cooking for a weeknight dinner, this air fryer recipe is an easy go-to that will quickly become a favorite.
This easy recipe is packed with flavor from a simple seasoning mix, and the air fryer ensures that the pork roast cooks evenly while preserving its natural juiciness. Perfect for a hearty meal, the pork shoulder blade roast is paired with versatile sides and can be served for various occasions. In this recipe, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to cook this flavorful pork roast using your air fryer.
Nutrition
The following nutrition information is based on a typical serving size of 4 ounces of cooked pork shoulder blade roast. The nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
Pork shoulder blade roast is an excellent source of protein and provides healthy fats, especially when prepared with minimal oil in the air fryer. It’s a great option for a filling and satisfying meal, especially for those on a high-protein or low-carb diet.
Ingredients
- 1 (4-5 lb) pork shoulder blade roast (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional, for an extra layer of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tenderizing and flavor)
Prep Time
The prep time for this recipe is approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on how much time you take to apply the seasoning and prep the pork roast.
Active Time
The active cooking time in the air fryer will take about 40-50 minutes, depending on the size of the roast and the specific air fryer model you’re using. A meat thermometer is essential to ensure the pork roast reaches the correct internal temperature.
Resting Time
After cooking the pork shoulder blade roast, it’s essential to let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains moist and tender.
Total Time
Including both prep and cooking times, the total time to prepare the Easy Pork Shoulder Blade Roast in an air fryer will be around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Cuisines
- American
- Comfort Food
- Barbecue (if using smoky or tangy rubs)
Course
- Main Course
- Dinner
- Family Meal
Servings
This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings. The serving size can vary based on the amount of pork you use and how much you slice after cooking.
Calories
Each serving (approximately 4 ounces) contains 250 calories, which makes it a nutritious and filling option for any meal.
Equipment
To prepare the Easy Pork Shoulder Blade Roast in an air fryer, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Air fryer (preferably a large-capacity one for even cooking)
- Meat thermometer (to check the internal temperature)
- Basting brush (optional, for applying olive oil and seasoning)
- Sharp knife (for carving the roast)
- Cutting board (for resting and carving the roast)
Instructions
- Prep the Pork Shoulder Blade Roast:
- Start by patting the pork shoulder blade roast dry with paper towels. This helps ensure that the seasoning sticks to the meat and promotes a crispy, golden crust.
- If using mustard and apple cider vinegar, rub the roast with a thin layer of mustard and drizzle with apple cider vinegar. This step is optional but adds flavor and tenderness.
- Season the Roast:
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, brown sugar, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the olive oil evenly over the entire surface of the roast. Then, generously coat the roast with the seasoning mixture, making sure all sides are covered.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Pork Shoulder Blade Roast:
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder blade roast into the air fryer basket or tray. Ensure it fits comfortably, with space around the roast for proper air circulation.
- Cook the roast for 40-50 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. The roast should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Rest the Roast:
- Once the pork roast reaches the desired internal temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful roast.
- Slice and Serve:
- After resting, slice the roast against the grain and serve with your favorite sides. Some great side dish options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pork Shoulder Blade Roast
- Marinate overnight: For even more flavor, you can marinate the pork shoulder blade roast in the seasoning mix for several hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your personal preferences. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat or extra brown sugar for a sweeter roast.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures that the roast is cooked perfectly every time. Pork shoulder is a forgiving cut, but a thermometer helps avoid overcooking.
- Serve with sides: Pair your roast with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or a green vegetable for a balanced meal.
Conclusion
This Easy Pork Shoulder Blade Roast Air Fryer Recipe is perfect for anyone looking to create a flavorful, juicy, and crispy roast with minimal effort. The air fryer provides a faster cooking time, while still giving the roast that crispy exterior and tender interior that makes it a showstopper at any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress with its ease and delicious results.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.