Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Name: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pound pork tenderloin (two pound); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon pepper

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is a simple and quick way to perfect pork. The high heat of the air fryer means the tenderloin gets a beautiful brown sear and the inside stays juicy and tender.

Slices of air fried pork tenderloin on a wooden cutting board. — Pork Tenderloin sliced into medallions.

Pork tenderloin is a very lean and tender, boneless cut of meat. It has a long slender shape and often comes in a package of two.

I often like to grill pork tenderloin, like with this Grilled Pork Tenderloin, and you can also roast it in the oven. This time, I'm using the air fryer and it might just be my new favourite way.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love It
What You'll Need To Make this Recipe
How To Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Air Fryer
Tips For Perfect Pork Tenderloin
Serving Suggestions
FAQ's
Recipe
Comments

Why You'll Love It

Because pork tenderloin is very lean, it can easily end up dry and tough if overcooked. The quick cooking with high heat in the air fryer means the pork will be juicy, tender and nicely browned.
No marinade is required. Just a simple seasoning rub is all that's needed.
Pork tenderloin in the air fryer is quick and easy, just 20 minutes cooking time.
Leftovers are great for sandwiches, stir fries, fried rice and more.

What You'll Need To Make this Recipe

It's a short and simple ingredient list!

The ingredients for making this recipe. — The Recipe Ingredients

Pork Tenderloin, of course, and the following to make a simple seasoning rub:
Brown sugar The sugar helps give the exterior a nice crust, trapping the juices inside.
Smoked Paprika Paprika adds a subtle chargrilled flavour and a great colour.
Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper.

How To Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Air Fryer

1) Remove the "Silver Skin", which is a thin membrane on the underside of the tenderloin. To remove it, slide a butter knife under the membrane to loosen it and then peel it back. It helps to use a paper towel to get a better grip.

Removing the membrane from the meat. — Removing the membrane

2) Whisk together the ingredients for the seasoning rub.

The seasoning rub ingredients being whisked together in a bowl. — The seasoning rub

3) Cover the entire surface of the meat with the seasoning mixture, rubbing it in well.

A raw pork tenderloin coated in seasoning rub. — All seasoned and ready to air fry.

4) Put the tenderloin in the preheated air fryer basket. Air fry for 20 minutes

Pork Tenderloin in the air fryer basket — Into the air fryer basket.

5) Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes

The cooked pork tenderloin resting on a cutting board. — Resting the cooked pork tenderloin

6) Slice into medallions and serve

Sliced pork tenderloin on a cutting board. — Sliced and ready to serve.

Tips For Perfect Pork Tenderloin

Allow the pork to come to room temperature before cooking by taking it out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking. This will ensure more even cooking.
Pork tenderloin should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145° Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the meat (usually the center).
I use this air fryer: Gourmia GAF698, which is 6 quarts. If your air fryer is smaller, you can cut the tenderloin in half before cooking. Leave space between the pieces.
Spray or brush the air fryer basket lightly with oil (Use an oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil) Then lightly spray the top of the meat after placing it in the air fryer.
Always allow meat to rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute so they are not lost when the meat is sliced.

Serving Suggestions

Pork tenderloin is perfect with all kinds of sauces. Try Honey Teriyaki Sauce, or Chimichurri Sauce. Pork and Applesauce are always a tasty classic, too. Ideal side dishes for air fried pork tenderloin include vegetables like Air Fryer Carrots, Sautéed Green Beans With Garlic & Lemon or Mashed Potatoes. Or keep it simple with a salad, especially one with apples, like this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Apples.

FAQ's

What temperature should I cook pork tenderloin to?

The ideal temperature for juicy pork tenderloin is 145°.

How will I know when the pork is at the correct temperature?

A meat thermometer is the only safe way to know that foods are cooked to the correct temperature. It's an inexpensive tool that enables you to cook those expensive cuts of meat perfectly every time.

Should I wrap the pork tenderloin in foil before cooking it?

There is no need to wrap the meat in foil. The high heat will sear it quickly, locking the juices inside. Also, many air fryer models advise against using foil.

Is it ok for cooked pork to have some pink?

Yes, pork tenderloin cooked to 145° will still be slightly pink and that's ok, according to pork.org.

I don't have an air fryer, can I cook this in the oven?

Yes, cook it in the oven at 400° for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 145° on a thermometer. And if you are thinking of getting an air fryer, I recommend this one: Gourmia GAF698

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. Did you make any changes? We would love for you to share and your feedback is important!

Recipe