Fall-Apart Tender Instant Pot Apple Cider Pork Loin
The first time I made this apple cider pork loin was a complete accident. I had planned an elaborate dinner for friends coming over, but life happened—a work call ran late, and I found myself with just 60 minutes to prepare a meal that should have taken hours. Desperate, I threw a pork loin into my Instant Pot with some apple cider in the fridge, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best.
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What emerged wasn’t just a decent last-minute save—it was quite possibly the most tender, flavorful pork loin I’d ever made. The meat practically fell apart at the touch of a fork, infused with sweet apple notes and savory aromatics. My usually reserved friend Mark, who rarely comments on food, asked for seconds… and then the recipe.
Since that happy accident, this Instant Pot pork loin has become my reliable, entertaining hero. Whether it’s a planned dinner party or an impromptu gathering, this dish never fails to impress. The best part? It takes minimal hands-on time, leaving you free to socialize with your guests or put the finishing touches on your tablescape while dinner practically makes itself.
What Makes Apple Cider Pork Loin in the Instant Pot So Good?
- A foolproof method for consistently tender pork
- Sweet and savory flavor profile that appeals to everyone
- A budget-friendly meal that feels special enough for company
- Works with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic apple cider
- Can be adapted for a slow cooker if you don’t have an Instant Pot
Pork Loin Instant Pot Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a list of what you need:
- Pork Loin – The star of the show that becomes fork-tender after pressure cooking, absorbing all the delicious flavors
- Vegetable Oil – Creates a proper sear on the pork and helps develop rich flavor through the Maillard reaction
- White Onion – Adds aromatic depth and sweetness that complements the pork, while also creating a flavorful bed for the meat.
- Salt – Enhances all flavors and helps tenderize the meat when applied before cooking
- Ground Black Pepper – Adds gentle heat and complexity that balances the sweetness of the cider
- Garlic – Provides aromatic pungency that pairs perfectly with pork and apples
- Hard Cider or Apple Cider – Tenderizes the meat while infusing it with sweet-tart apple flavor; the liquid is necessary for pressure cooking.
How to Cook Pork Loin in an Instant Pot
This pork loin is so flavorful and so easy to make. It’s so tender and moist, and the browning of the sides of the loin before you pressure cook it in the Instant Pot gives it a nice flavor.
Here are the steps:
- If you are using hard cider, set it out and allow it to go flat.
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté.
- Add oil to the pot and heat it until it’s hot.
- Add sliced onion, garlic, and salt.
- Saute until the onions are slightly translucent.
- Season the pork loin with salt and pepper.
- Place the pork loin in the pot.
- Sauté the pork on all sides and sear until lightly browned on all sides.
- Add the flat hard cider.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot.
- Cook on high pressure for 55 minutes.
- Perform a quick release at the end of the cooking time.
- Slice and serve with the onions and juices from the meat.
Instant Pot Pork Loin
Tender pork loin roast is perfectly cooked and flavored with apple cider and onions in an Instant Pot.
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Servings: 12
Calories: 289kcal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups hard cider or apple cider
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large white onion sliced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- salt and pepper to season the pork loin
- 1 5-pound pork loin
Instructions
If you are using hard cider, allow it to go flat while you prepare the remaining part of the recipe.
Set the Instant Pot to sauté.
Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the pot.
When the oil is hot, add the sliced onion, garlic, and salt.
Sauté until the onions are almost translucent.
Season the pork loin with salt and pepper.
Place the pork loin in the Instant Pot and sauté on all sides until it just begins to brown.
Add the flat cider and secure the lid on the Instant Pot.
Pressure cook for 55 minutes on the manual setting.
Once the roast has finished cooking, perform a quick release.
Video
Notes
- When buying a pork loin, choose one with pinkish-red color with some marbling in the meat. Do not pick up a loin with meat that is pale in color or has dark spots in the fat.
- How much pork loin do I need per person? The rule of thumb is to plan on 1/2 pound per person when serving pork, a roast, steak or chicken.
- It’s always best to cook the loin right away but it can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking. Make sure you let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Pork is ready when it measures 145°F with your meat thermometer.
Nutrition
Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 142mg | Potassium: 738mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin C: 1.3mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1.1mg
How Long Do You Cook Pork in the Instant Pot?
According to the Instant Pot website, you should cook a pork loin for around 20 minutes per pound, but cooking times may vary depending on how long it will take for your Instant Pot to reach pressure.
What if my roast is slightly smaller or bigger? Do I need to change the time listed?
No. Leave the time as listed. Pressure cooking requires the dish to be under pressure for the listed time.
How Do I Know My Pork Loin Is Cooked?
The best way to guarantee that the pork loin is cooked long enough is to check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer.
If you like your pork more well-done, you can remove the pork loin once it reaches 145 degrees or let it cook until 160 degrees.
Remember that when you let the pork rest, carryover cooking will raise the temperature by about five degrees.
Can You Overcook Pork in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Despite some online articles claiming you can’t overcook meat in the Instant Pot, you absolutely can. Follow the Instant Pot pork loin recipe and use a thermometer to check for doneness.
Tips for Buying, Cooking, and Serving Pork Loin
- When buying a pork loin, choose a pinkish-red color with some marbling in the meat. Do not pick up a loin with meat that is pale in color or has dark spots in the fat.
- How much pork loin do I need per person? The rule of thumb is to plan on 1/2 pound per person when serving pork, a roast, steak, or chicken.
- It’s always best to cook the loin right away, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking. Ensure you let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Pork is ready when it measures 145°F with your meat thermometer.
Can You Cook a Frozen Pork Loin?
Cooking meat from frozen is one of the best benefits of using an Instant Pot pressure cooker. However, you have to think about a few things if you choose not to thaw the pork loin:
- You should increase the cooking time by about 50 percent.
- It is much more challenging to season frozen meat compared with thawed meat.
- You may need more liquid to compensate for a longer cooking time, which may throw off the recipe.
How to Thicken the Pork Loin Roast Instant Pot Juice
One of the best ways to thicken the liquid and turn it into a mouthwatering, glistening gravy is to use a beurre manie. It sounds fancy, but it is a mixture of equal amounts of flour and softened butter.
To thicken this recipe:
- Knead together a tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of flour to make the beurre manie.
- Strain the pan juices into a small saucepan.
- Simmer the liquid over medium heat and whisk half of the beurre manie into the liquid.
- Continue to whisk for about a minute until the liquid thickens. Add the rest of the beurre manie if you want a thicker sauce.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Instant Pot Pork Loin Roast
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to six months.
To reheat the pork loin on the stovetop:
- Slice the pork loin into individual servings. Preslicing the pork loin reduces the time it will take to reheat and helps prevent the meat from drying out.
- Place a single layer of pork slices in a large pan. Sprinkle a few tablespoons of cooking liquid on top of the meat. Use stock or water if you have no extra cooking liquid.
- Cover the pan and warm over medium heat.
To reheat the pork loin in the microwave:
- Place the slices in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a little chicken broth.
- Brush the meat lightly with melted butter or oil.
- Loosely cover the dish with a lid.
- Microwave in 30-second increments until it’s warmed through.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Apple Cider Pork Loin
There are so many excellent side dishes to serve with this dish. Try one of these delicious recipes:
Check Out These Great Instant Pot Recipes
Find many easy pork recipes and the best Instant Pot recipes here on CopyKat!
This Instant Pot Apple Cider Pork Loin proves that impressive meals don’t require complicated techniques or endless hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty pressure cooker, you can transform an affordable cut of meat into something truly special. The sweet-savory combination of pork and apple cider creates a dish that feels comforting and elevated—perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to special gatherings.