Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Published 7/16/2023
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This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin recipe is super moist on the inside with a crispy outside and is ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes Season it with savory spices and then air fry it at 400ºF. for20-22 minutes.
Love pork tenderloin? Try our Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, or Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin.
This truly is the best air fryer pork tenderloin on the internet! We set out to create an air fryer pork tenderloin recipe that is super moist and juicy on the inside and crisped to perfection on the outside.
The unique combination of spices in the dry rub enhances the pork’s natural taste, while the air fryer ensures a juicy interior and a crispy exterior.
What is in Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin?
- Pork Tenderloin: pork tenderloin either comes in a pack of 1 or 2. So feel free to cook both if it comes in a 2 pack.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps to create a caramelized crust on the pork.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These provide a savory depth of flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives a smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the pork.
- Kosher Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Dried Thyme & Mustard Powder: These add a subtle earthy and tangy flavor, respectively.
- Olive Oil: Helps the dry rub adhere to the pork and promotes a crispy exterior when air frying.
FAQ
Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF for the best results. This high temperature ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
It typically takes about 20-22 minutes to cook pork tenderloin in the air fryer. However, cooking times can vary based on the size of the tenderloin and the specific air fryer model.
The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145ºF for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Absolutely! A marinade can infuse the pork with even more flavor. Just be sure to pat the pork dry before air frying to ensure a crispy exterior.
Cuts of Pork
Not sure where all the different cuts of pork come from on the pig? We made it easy. Check out more details on everything pork in our pork recipes round up!
Variations
Feel free to experiment with other spices like cumin, chili powder, or our homemade pork rub for a different flavor profile. You can replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness. Lastly, If you prefer, you can use other oils like avocado oil or canola oil instead of olive oil.
Pork Tenderloin Internal Temperature
Check the internal temperature of the pork and when it reaches an internal temperature of 145ºF remove it from the air fryer.
For a more rare tenderloin: take the pork tenderloin out of the air fryer when it reaches 138-140ºF and it will continue to cook while resting and produce a slightly pink, juicy center.
For a more well done tenderloin: take the pork tenderloin out of the air fryer when it reaches 148-150ºF and it will continue to cook while resting.
Try it!
Thermoworks Thermapen
We swear by using a meat thermometer when cooking any cut of meat. The Thermapen ONE is our go-to meat thermometer that works every time.
Storage
Let your air fryer pork tenderloin cool completely. Then, transfer it into a large, glass container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
Freezer Instructions
To freeze leftover pork tenderloin, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it into a gallon-size freezer-safe plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Microwave: Place a serving of pork tenderloin on a microwave-safe plate. Then, top it with leftover gravy. Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Then, spray a baking dish with cooking spray. Add cooked pork tenderloin and then add 1/4 cup of broth or water to the bottom of the baking dish . Bake, uncovered, for around 20 minutes or until the center is warm.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your air fryer pork tenderloin with your favorite veggie sides such as green bean casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, or grilled asparagus in foil.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400ºF. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
- Make the dry rub. Add the brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, thyme, mustard, and pepper into a bowl and mix until well combined.
- Pat the pork tenderloin with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and then season the pork with the dry rub.
- Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil onto the air fryer basket.
- Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket. Drizzle the pork with the remaining olive oil.
- Cook the pork for 10 minutes at 400ºF, flip the pork, and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature of the pork and when it reaches an internal temperature of 145ºF remove it from the air fryer. Cook the pork tenderloin longer if a more well done pork tenderloin is desired.
- Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Notes
- Many pork tenderloins come in 2 packs (two, 1.5-lb. tenderloins). If that is the case, you can use one tenderloin for this recipe and freeze the another tenderloin. Or? You can double this recipe and end up with 2 pork tenderloins.
- If you prefer a more rare tenderloin, take the pork tenderloin out of the air fryer when it reaches 138-140ºF and it will continue to cook while resting and produce a slightly pink, juicy center.
- Feel free to use 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite dry rub or of our pork dry rub for a bit of a different flavor.
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Photography: photos taken in this post are by Erin from The Wooden Skillet.
