Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

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Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin will become your new go-to recipe for pork! It’s juicy and tender, faster than using the oven, and it turns out perfect every time!

Pork tenderloin is a lean, flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for the air fryer. Just like my air fryer chicken breast and air fryer turkey breast recipes, air fryer pork tenderloin turns out tender, juicy, and flavorful with minimal effort—and you only need a small amount of oil to cook it to perfection. In this way, it's a lot like this pan fried pork chop recipe.

You can air fry one to two pork tenderloins at once, depending on your air fryer size, and because it’s an easy hands-off cooking method, you’ll have time to put together some homemade sides! Plus, since the air fryer cooks so quickly, you can even make your sides in the air fryer too — try air fryer asparagus or air fryer mushrooms.

This air fryer pork tenderloin is perfectly seasoned, so it's delicious all on its own. But, I love to take mine to the next level with a simple Dijonnaise sauce. It's so delicious with the paprika and onion seasoning.

Is pork tenderloin healthy?

Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of pork, so it’s often considered one of the healthiest cuts. It’s a good source of protein, along with niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, iron, and zinc. (Source)

What you’ll need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

• pork tenderloin(s) – Be sure to buy pork tenderloin! Pork loin has a similar name, but it’s a very different cut of meat.
• extra virgin olive oil - or any cooking oil or cooking spray.
• sea salt and black pepper – the most basic, must-have seasoning for any cooked meat in my book.
• seasonings - My go-to seasoning is paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, but you can use any spices you have on hand to create your favorite flavors.

How to make air fryer pork tenderloin

Here’s what you’ll need to do to make pork tenderloin in an air fryer.

Season the pork. Combine the paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Coat the pork tenderloin with oil, salt, and pepper, then rub it with the blend of seasonings.

Air fry. Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket or tray. Set your air fryer temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 minutes.

Flip and continue cooking. Use clean tongs to flip the tenderloin over, then cook it for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until a quick-read thermometer registers a minimum internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rest pork for carryover cooking. Use clean tongs to transfer the pork to a plate. Cover and rest for 5 minutes. During this time, carryover cooking will bring the tenderloin to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serve. You can serve the whole pork tenderloin on a platter or cutting board and slice as needed. Or pre-slice it into medallions

How do you keep pork tenderloin from drying out?

A short cooking time is key to keeping pork tenderloin from drying out, which is why the air fryer is a great method for cooking this cut. Air fryer pork tenderloin is always juicy and tender, and you don’t even need to cover it with foil while it cooks!

Tips for success

Here are some hints and tips for making this air fryer pork tenderloin recipe.

• Getting the temperature right. It might seem common to cook pork tenderloin at 400 degrees Fahrenheit in the air fryer, but I recommend sticking closer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. I find this temperature cooks pork perfectly—it’s never over-cooked or under-cooked.
• Use clean tongs. Use clean tongs between transferring and rotating pork to prevent cross-contamination.
• Don’t crowd the air fryer. The air fryer works by circulating air around food; if food is too crowded, it won’t cook properly. Leave space between tenderloins if cooking more than one.

What is a good side for pork?

This pork tenderloin is quite versatile, as it’s made with a seasoning blend that goes with a variety of different flavors and cuisines. Some of my favorite recipes for pairing with it include:

• Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream
• Sauteed Green Beans with Garlic
• Smashed Baby Potatoes
• Creamy Macaroni Salad
• Instant Pot Green Beans
• Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

How to store and reheat leftovers

To store, allow the pork to cool at room temperature and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Leftovers are best reheated in the air fryer at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.

Can you freeze and reheat cooked pork?

Yes, cooked pork can be frozen up to 3 months and reheated. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently asked questions

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