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Home » Recipes » Main Dish Recipes

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Published: Sep 24, 2021 · Modified: Jun 6, 2022 by Colleen 42 Comments

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Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is a simple and quick way to perfect pork. The high temperature cooking 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
  • Helpful Tips
  • Serving Suggestions
  • FAQ's
  • Recipe
  • Comments

Why You'll Love It

  • Delicious pork tenderloin in the air fryer is an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
  • This air fryer pork tenderloin recipe may become one of your favorite ways to cook this lean cut of pork.
  • Because pork tenderloin is very lean, it can easily end up dry and tough if it's overcooked. The quick cooking with high heat in the air fryer results in tender pork tenderloin with a perfect brown crust.
  • No marinade is required. Just a simple spice 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 This lean cut of meat is usually sold in grocery stores in packages of two. You can freeze one for later or cook them both.
  • 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. The easiest way 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.

Helpful Tips

  • 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, but I have used regular olive oil without a problem) Then lightly spray the top of the meat after placing it in the air fryer.
  • Let the pork tenderloin rest before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute so they are not lost when the meat is sliced.
Slices of air fried pork tenderloin on a wooden cutting board.
Juicy and tender pork tenderloin

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. Any of your favorite side dishes will compliment this easy dinner.

Some ideas include vegetables like Air Fryer Carrots, Sautéed Green Beans With Garlic & Lemon Miso Baked Sweet Potatoes, or Mashed Potatoes. Find your favorite air fryer side dish: 21 Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes.

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 a little 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 of the meat reads 145° on a thermometer. And if you are thinking of getting an air fryer, I recommend this one: Gourmia GAF698

Recipe

Sliced pork tenderloin on a wooden cutting board.

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Pork Tenderloin in air fryer comes out tender and juicy with a beautiful brown sear. A delicious, quick and easy dinner that goes with anything.
5 from 30 votes
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Canadian
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 231kcal
Author: Colleen Milne

Ingredients

  • 2 pound pork tenderloin two pound
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Preheat air fryer to 400°
  • Remove the membrane from the pork tenderloin (see post for how to do this)
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
  • Rub the seasoning mixture evenly into the entire surface of the pork tenderloin
  • Air Fry for 20 minutes
  • Allow the pork loin to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • 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.
  • If you don't have an air fryer, you can cook pork tenderloin in the oven at 400° for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 145° on a thermometer. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 472mg | Potassium: 719mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2221IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 3mg
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  1. Makhaya

    October 01, 2021 at 5:25 pm

    Just got an air fryer! I’m so excited to add this recipe to my bucket list. Looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      October 02, 2021 at 11:58 am

      Congrats on your new air fryer, Makhaya! You will love it, and this recipe won't disappoint. Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Jean

    October 01, 2021 at 5:24 pm

    glad that I have all the seasoning to try this recipe adding to our next meal plan

    Reply
    • Colleen

      October 02, 2021 at 11:57 am

      Hi Jean. Pork tenderloin is ideal for meal planning. Enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Shobee

    October 01, 2021 at 11:09 am

    Looks tender and juicy and simple to make too. Love some pork soon.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      October 01, 2021 at 11:22 am

      Hi Shobee, Enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Leslie

    September 30, 2021 at 10:03 am

    I'm loving your seasoning mixture for this pork tenderloin recipe! Gonna have to give this a try soon!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 30, 2021 at 11:50 am

      Hi Leslie, it's simple, but tasty. Enjoy!

      Reply
  5. Healing Tomato

    September 30, 2021 at 8:28 am

    Everything about this recipe is perfect! From the ease of preparing it to cooking it easily in the air fryer! This is so good to make on a busy weeknight.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 30, 2021 at 11:49 am

      I'm so happy that you like this easy recipe!

      Reply
  6. Liz

    September 30, 2021 at 3:09 am

    Delicious! I love how you can cook just about anything in the air fryer!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 30, 2021 at 8:15 am

      Hi Liz, the air fryer is a pretty wonderful appliance, right?

      Reply
    • Geetanjali Tung

      October 01, 2021 at 6:27 pm

      So simple and easy! Will make it this weekend for sure. Saving it.

      Reply
      • Colleen

        October 02, 2021 at 12:00 pm

        Hi Geetanjali, You will love cooking pork tenderloin in the air fryer! Enjoy.

  7. Heather

    September 29, 2021 at 10:45 am

    I am in love with my air fryer and will be making this recipe often! Thanks for all of the great tips 🙂

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 30, 2021 at 8:14 am

      Hi Heather, I know what you mean, I love my air fryer, too. Enjoy this pork tenderloin recipe!

      Reply
  8. Allyssa

    September 29, 2021 at 3:42 am

    This is really tasty and super easy to make! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 30, 2021 at 8:13 am

      Hi Allyssa, I'm so happy that you loved this pork tenderloin. Thanks for letting me know!

      Reply
  9. Vanessa

    September 28, 2021 at 10:01 pm

    I love pork tenderloin and this simple spice mix is both easy and delicious! Great for weeknight dinnners.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 30, 2021 at 8:12 am

      Hi Vanessa. I love this for weeknight dinners, too!

      Reply
  10. Megan Ellam

    September 28, 2021 at 3:28 pm

    Thanks for another great recipe to use in my air fryer.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 30, 2021 at 8:11 am

      You're welcome, Megan! Enjoy!

      Reply
  11. Denay DeGuzman

    September 24, 2021 at 5:45 pm

    What a delicious recipe! I had no idea it was possible to make such fabulous pork tenderloin in the air fryer. This is a game changer for sure! We enjoyed ours with rice, baby carrots and a crisp green salad.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 24, 2021 at 5:53 pm

      Hey, Denay! I'm super excited to hear that you loved your air fryer pork tenderloin! And I love all of your sides recipe suggestions. Thanks so much for coming back to comment!

      Reply
  12. Kristen Wood

    September 24, 2021 at 4:26 pm

    My family loved this! Thank you for the great recipe!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 24, 2021 at 5:23 pm

      You're so welcome, Kristen! I'm super happy that your family loved it, and thanks so much for letting me know.

      Reply
  13. Lauren

    September 24, 2021 at 4:18 pm

    Such a delicious recipe and I love how speedy it is. I'm not a huge pork fan but this is perfectly tender 🙂

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 24, 2021 at 5:22 pm

      Lauren, I'm so glad that you found it delicious even though you aren't a fan of pork. Thanks for your comment!

      Reply
  14. Mirlene

    September 24, 2021 at 3:54 pm

    Love the easiness of using the air fryer! Your tenderloins looks so juicy and cooked to its perfection.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 24, 2021 at 5:22 pm

      Hi Mirlene, it really is so easy, and the tenderloin comes out perfect. I hope you give it a try!

      Reply
  15. Mahy

    September 24, 2021 at 3:01 pm

    This is a fantastic recipe! I love how detailed the instructions are, too!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 24, 2021 at 3:23 pm

      Hi Mahy! I'm so happy that you loved it and found the instructions helpful. Thanks for your comment!

      Reply
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