Fall-Apart Tender Instant Pot Apple Cider Pork Loin

Pork loin can be tricky to cook without drying it out, but pressure cooking changes everything. This Instant Pot apple cider pork loin delivers fork-tender, juicy pork infused with sweet apple flavor and savory garlic and onion in under an hour. The pressurized environment locks in moisture while the cider works into every fiber of the meat, producing results that taste like a slow-roasted Sunday dinner. It works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a dinner party centerpiece.

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Apple cider pork loin in the Instant Pot takes an affordable, lean cut of meat and transforms it through pressure and moisture into something genuinely tender. The pork sears first to develop a browned crust, then finishes under pressure with cider and aromatics doing all the work.

The combination of sweet cider and savory garlic and onion creates a cooking liquid that doubles as a natural pan sauce. Once the pork is done, you can serve those juices right over the sliced meat, or take an extra five minutes to thicken them into a proper gravy.

Six ingredients are all you need. No complicated marinades, no overnight prep, and no special technique beyond knowing how to use your Instant Pot’s sauté function.

Ingredients and their roles

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 tenderloin in the 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 adds a nice flavor.

Here are the steps: 

1. If you are using hard cider, set it out and allow it to go flat.
2. Set the Instant Pot to sauté.
3. Add oil to the pot and heat it until it’s hot.
4. Add sliced onion, garlic, and salt.
5. Sauté until the onions are slightly translucent.

6. Season the pork loin with salt and pepper.
7. Place the seasoned pork loin in the pot.
8. Sauté the pork on all sides until lightly browned.

9. Add the flat hard cider.

10. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot.
11. Cook on high pressure for 55 minutes.
12. Perform a quick release at the end of the cooking time.
13. Slice and serve with the onions and the meat juices.

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 one with a pinkish-red color and some marbling. Do not pick up a loin with pale meat or 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 in the 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:

1. Knead together a tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of flour to make the beurre manie.
2. Strain the pan juices into a small saucepan.
3. Simmer the liquid over medium heat and whisk half of the beurre manie into the liquid. 
4. Continue to whisk for about a minute until the liquid thickens. Add the rest of the beurre manie if you want a thicker sauce. 

Storing and reheating instructions

• Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the pork slices with some of the cooking liquid to help prevent them from drying out between servings.
• Reheating Method (stovetop): Slice the pork loin into individual portions before reheating to reduce warming time and prevent drying out. Place a single layer of slices in a covered pan with a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid, stock, or water. Warm over medium heat until heated through.
• Reheating Method (microwave): Place slices in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth, brush lightly with melted butter or oil, and cover loosely. Microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.
• Freezer Storage: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat.

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:

• Baked Cauliflower with Cheese
• Buttery Mashed Potatoes
• Cooked Carrots
• Creamed Corn Casserole
• Roasted Red Potatoes Recipe
• Stouffer’s Mac and Cheese

Check Out These Great Instant Pot Recipes

• Chicken Tortellini Soup
• Instant Pot Beef Stew
• Instant Pot Stick of Butter Rice
• Parmesan Risotto
• Spaghetti and Sausage
• Thai Yellow Chicken Curry

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.