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Home » Recipes » Air Fryer

Published: Apr 24, 2022 · Updated: Apr 25, 2022 by The Kitchen Girl

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

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5 from 3 votes
Jump To Recipe

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!

Sliced air fryer pork tenderloin on square plate with parsley and sauce

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.

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 my 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.

Table of Contents hide
1) Is pork tenderloin healthy?
2) What you’ll need
3) How to make air fryer pork tenderloin
4) How do you keep pork tenderloin from drying out?
5) Tips for success
6) What is a good side for pork?
7) How to store and reheat leftovers
8) Can you freeze and reheat cooked pork?
9) FAQs
10) Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

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.
air fryer pork tenderloin ingredients measured into bowls

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.

Uncooked pork tenderloin in air fryer
Brushing pork tenderloin in air fryer

Air fry. Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket or tray. Set your air fryer temperature to 380°F 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°F.

Tongs flipping pork tenderloin in air fryer
Using thermometer to test air fryer pork tenderloin for doneness

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°F.

Whole pork tenderloin on cutting board

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

Sliced air fryer pork tenderloin on square plate with parsley and sauce

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!

Sliced pork tenderloin on wood cutting board

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 400ºF in the air fryer, but I recommend sticking closer to 380ºF. 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 With Fennel
  • Smashed Potatoes
  • Creamy Healthy 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 250ºF for 5 to 10 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.

Slices of pork tenderloin on wooden cutting board with knife

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.

FAQs

Is there a difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless cut of meat taken from along the backbone. Pork loin is wide and flat, and unlike tenderloin, it can be boneless or bone-in.

At what temperature is pork tenderloin done?

Pork tenderloin is done cooking when it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145ºF.

Aside from temp, how can you tell if a pork tenderloin is done?

When you pierce the pork tenderloin with a knife or fork, the juices should run clear. The meat should be tender and juicy; a bit of pink is fine.

Slices of pork tenderloin on square black plate, with sauce in small bowl

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

This air fryer pork tenderloin turns out tender, juicy, and perfect every time!
5 from 3 votes
Print Pin
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 18 minutes
Rest Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4
Author: Traci The Kitchen Girl

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. Pork Tenderloin, or as many as space allows
  • 1 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder

Equipment

  • 5.7 quart basket air fryer (Cosori XL) or other air fryer
  • tongs
  • cutting board
  • knife

Instructions
 

  • Coat PORK TENDERLOIN with OLIVE OIL, SALT, and PEPPER.
  • Combine PAPRIKA, GARLIC POWDER, and ONION POWDER in a small mixing bowl and rub evenly over the surface to coat lightly.
  • Place pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket or tray.
  • Air fry at 380°F for 10 minutes.
  • Use clean tongs to flip the tenderloin over, and cook another 5-8 minutes, or until a quick-read thermometer registers a minimum of 140°F.
  • Transfer pork to a plate, cover, and allow to rest 5 minutes. During this time, carryover cooking will bring it 145°F.
  • Serve warm.
  • To store, allow to cool at room temperature and refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days or freeze up to 90 days.
    Leftover tenderloin can be reheated in the air fryer at 250°F (time will vary based on size).
Tried this recipe? I'd love your review!Visit the comments below and tell me how it went.

Nutrition

Serving: 4oz | Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 205mg | Potassium: 459mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 126IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
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Comments

  1. Jeff says

    April 24, 2022 at 8:50 am

    5 stars
    Oh man, I already love your pan fried pork chops, but this is next level efficiency and pork tenderloin is my favorite cut! Air fryer pork is getting made on the regular. Thanks KG!

    Reply

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