I’m obsessed with cooking and baking with apples in the fall, and this crockpot pork loin with apples is how I bring them to the dinner table. It takes about 10 minutes to put together, then the slow cooker does the work.
I love that the apples and onions cook right alongside the pork. They soften into a sweet and savory topping, with apple cider creating a flavorful cooking liquid to spoon over each serving. It’s the kind of easy fall dinner I can start early and feel very happy about when dinnertime rolls around.
Why This Recipe Works
- It practically makes itself. Four main ingredients go into the crockpot with about 10 minutes of prep.
- The apples become part of dinner. They soften with the onion into a sweet and savory topping for the pork.
- There’s no separate sauce to make. Spoon the apples, onions and cider cooking juices over each portion.
Recipe Ingredients
Pork loin: Use a 1½-pound pork loin, sometimes labeled pork loin roast. A little marbling adds flavor. Check the label carefully: pork tenderloin is a different cut and shouldn’t be substituted using the same cook time.
Apples: You’ll need 3 large apples, peeled, cored and chopped. I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples for a little variety in each bite. If you’re cutting them ahead of time, keep them in lemon water until you’re ready to cook; there’s no need for that extra step when they’re going straight into the crockpot.
Apple cider: This adds liquid and brings out the apple flavor. Apple juice works, too. Use drinking cider, not apple cider vinegar.
Onion: One sliced sweet onion is my favorite here, though yellow or white onion will also work.
Salt and pepper: Season the pork to taste before cooking.
How to Make Crockpot Pork Loin with Apples
- Add the pork and onion.
Place the pork loin in the slow cooker and add the sliced onion.
- Add the apples and cider.
Spoon the chopped apples over and around the pork, then pour in the apple cider.
- Season.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slow cook.
Cover and cook on high for 4–5 hours or low for 7–8 hours. Start checking at the early end of the range so the pork loin doesn’t overcook.
- Serve. Cut the pork into portions and spoon the softened apples, onions and cooking juices over the top.
Recipe Notes
- Check the pork with a thermometer. Slow cookers vary, so start checking at the early end of the cook time to avoid drying out the pork loin. The USDA recommends cooking pork roasts to 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest before cutting.
- Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the salt and pepper. For a tangy variation, stir 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into the apple cider before pouring it in.
- Serve with the cooking juices. Spoon the softened apples and onions over each portion of pork, along with some of the liquid from the crockpot.
What to Serve with Crockpot Pork Loin with Apples
The apples and onions are already part of dinner, so I usually add a vegetable and something that can catch the cooking juices. Any of these would round out the plate:
- Roasted broccoli for an easy savory side.
- Microwave sweet potatoes when you want to keep the rest of dinner simple.
- Chopped salad for something fresh alongside the warm apples and pork.
- Cornbread for soaking up the juices.
Best Apples for Cooking with Pork
My favorite combination for this recipe is Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. The Honeycrisp adds sweetness, while the Granny Smith brings a little tartness to balance the pork and onions. Fuji or Gala can stand in for the Honeycrisp if that’s what you have.
The apples will become soft and spoonable in the slow cooker, so choose them for their flavor rather than expecting them to stay crisp.
How to Store and Freeze Leftover Pork Loin
Store leftover pork loin with the apples, onions and some cooking juices to help keep it moist. Divide it among shallow airtight containers and refrigerate within 2 hours. It will keep in the fridge for 3–4 days.
To freeze, transfer the pork and some cooking juices to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 4 months for best quality, then thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. These time frames fall within FoodSafety.gov’s cold storage recommendations for cooked meat.
How to Reheat Pork Loin with Apples
Place the pork, apples and onions in a covered skillet with a splash of the reserved cooking juices or broth. Warm over low heat, turning the pork occasionally, until the leftovers reach 165°F. Gentle heat and a little liquid help keep the pork from drying out.
Can I Use Pork Shoulder Instead of Pork Loin?
I’d stick with pork loin for this recipe. It gives you portions to serve with the softened apples and onions. Pork shoulder is a different cut, often used for pulled pork. It needs a different approach if you want that fall-apart result.
More Apple Recipes to Try
If you’re as eager to cook with apples in the fall as I am, save a few for one of these:
More Easy Pork Recipes
- Baked Pork Tenderloin for a quicker oven dinner.
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork when you want pork for sandwiches.
- My Mom’s Pan-Fried Pork Chops for another family dinner option.
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4 Ingredient Crockpot Pork Loin With Apples
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb pork loin
- 3 large apples peeled, cored and chopped
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 1 cup apple cider
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the pork loin in the slow cooker. Add the sliced onion and chopped apples, then pour the apple cider over the top. Season with salt and pepper.1 1/2 lb pork loin, 3 large apples, 1 yellow onion, 1 cup apple cider, salt and pepper
- Cover and cook on high for 4–5 hours or low for 7–8 hours. Check the pork with a meat thermometer; it should reach 145°F in the thickest part.
- Let the pork rest for 3 minutes, then cut it into portions. Spoon the apples, onions and cooking juices over each serving.
Notes
- Use pork loin, not pork tenderloin; the same cook times should not be used for both cuts.
- Apple juice can replace the cider. Use drinking cider, not apple cider vinegar.
- For a variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into the cider.Use pork loin, not pork tenderloin, for these cook times. Serve each portion with the softened apples, onions and cooking juices.
Nutrition
Megan Porta is a comfort food recipe creator who specializes in easy family meals and Instant Pot desserts, and the founder of Pip and Ebby. She has been cooking for three decades and developing recipes for over fifteen years, helping home cooks make reliable, cozy recipes for real life.
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Could you add any vegetables to the crockpot with other ingredients to have as a side?
Good question, Michelle. I haven’t experimented with it but I could see that you could easily throw in veggies. Depending on which ones you choose will help you decide how long they should be in there. There shouldn’t be any issue cooking them together as long as you like them!
Also, check out this recipe on cooking a side of veggies in the crock pot.
https://pipandebby.com/pip-ebby/slow-cooker-vegetables-how-to-cook-veggies-in-a-crockpot/
I, typically, brown the pork tenderloin & onions beforehand. I think it adds flavor and looks more appealing. This is delicious. Thank you so much.
Yes, I agree that’s a great tip. Sometimes I do it, sometimes for time, I do not. But thank you for sharing!
Have this in my crock pot right now for dinner but I accidently put apple cider vinegar will it ruin it?!?!?!?
No, it should still be great!
We have this in the crockpot now!! We decide to mix in a bowl: applewood rub, smokehouse maple seasoning, a little brown sugar and apple cider and rubbed it on the tenderloin really well before placing in the crockpot then the apples onion and a little more apple cider. Smelling amazing!!
That sounds like a wonderful concoction – thanks for sharing it with us. I’m sure someone else would love that addition!
I like this recipe but I thought it lacked a bit of flavor. I used apple cider and a Yellow onion. Aside from salt and pepper and other tricks?
Hi Kristen,
You could use a good spice blend – I love Weber’s Chicago steak seasoning and we also use McCormick’s Cajun seasoning a lot. These are two flavorful seasonings you could easily use! I love garlic on everything but not everyone does.
Ive made this dozens of times. My family and I love it! I was just reading through the comments and realized that the recipe actually calls for apple cider. I’ve always used apple cider vinegar. Oops! What a wonderful mistake though. It make the pork taste like a sweet and sour pork, but clean.
Thanks for the comment, Nicole! Ok, I LOVE your "happy oops" and I just might have to give apple cider vinegar a try! Thanks for sharing!
Megan
Is it really 7-8hrs on high and 4-5hrs on low???
GREAT catch, Monica. No, that isn’t right! 7-8 hrs on Low or 4-5 hrs on High. Thank you for pointing it out!
Megan
I add some bourbon to this recipe and it’s delicious.
Marcia…NICE! Bourbon!! Something I’ve never thought of! I’ll be trying this within the next week. Thanks for sharing!
Megan
Im taking part in the Whole 30 challenge, what I can substitute the apple cider with? Thanks!
Just made this for dinner it was awesome. Will definitely make again .
Hi! I'm planning on cooking this tomorrow for Christmas Eve dinner. I have 2 pork loins of about 1.5 lbs each. My slow cooker is a big one.. If I do them both and add more apples should I also double de amount of Apple cider or will it be too much liquid? Thanks!
Hi Elizabeth! I use a yellow onion for this recipe!
Megan
Hi! What kind of onion do you use?
This looks delicious! I have all that I need except the apple cider. Is there a substitution you could suggest?
Hi Nancy! I'd suggest using sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala. A great side would be greens or broccoli or asparagus. Brussels sprouts, even! I hope this helps!
Megan
I was looking for something easy for x-mas eve gathering with family. This sounds delicious (probably will need to make two). What kind of apples and onions do you prefer? Also, what sides would you suggest?
HI AB! Just plain old apple cider, or apple juice would work great, too.
Megan
Apple cider or apple cider vinegar?
Cooking now and my whole house smells deliciously like fall.