Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is the best way to cook it with minimal effort and hassle. There’s no need to sear the pork because the air fryer locks in the juices and flavors of the tenderloin while producing a crispy exterior that is impossible to achieve in the oven. Say goodbye to dry and flavorless pork and hello to the juicy and succulent Air-fried Pork Tenderloin!
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For years, I was never much of a pork fan. It just never seemed to excite my taste buds. That all changed when I decided to make Pork Chops in the air fryer. It was a game-changer. I dipped them in Mayo and rolled them in Panko, and the result was amazing. The Pork Chops turned out crispy on the outside, while the meat itself was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. I couldn’t believe how delicious they tasted, and now I can’t get enough! So I decided to try Pork tenderloin in the air fryer.
What is Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a long, thin cut of meat that comes from the backbone of the pig. It is lean and cooks quickly in the air fryer. Don’t confuse tenderloin with pork loin, which is a larger, fattier cut of meat that can be cut into chops.
How to Make Pork Tenderloin in Air Fryer
- Choose the right cut. When browsing your grocery store’s meat section, look for a pork tenderloin that is firm and pink in color. Preferably uniform in thickness for even cooking. I usually get my boneless pork tenderloin from Trader Joe’s which weighs one to 1½ pounds (Picture 1 above).
- Marinate the Pork. I like a simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, paprika, and herbs. It adds depth and complexity without overwhelming the natural flavor of the meat. Sometimes I sprinkle chili powder. It brings an extra kick to pork meat and also helps to tenderize the pork by breaking down its muscle fibers and adding a unique smoky taste. Coat the pork tenderloin well with the marinade and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Air Fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 °C) for 5 minutes. While it is heating up, remove the pork tenderloin from the marinade. Brush the pork with a light coat of olive oil (or use spray oil) to help prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Air Fry Pork Tenderloin for 20 minutes. Place the pork in the air fryer basket, (or middle position tray if you’re using an air fryer oven), and cook for 20 minutes flipping the tenderloin on the other side halfway. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The pork is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Picture 4.
- Serve. Remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for five minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and keep it tender and juicy.
Seasoning and Gravy Variation
Switch up the Seasoning. Try a sweet and spicy rub with honey and chili powder or a smoky blend with cumin and chipotle. The air fryer is also excellent for applying wet rubs—like a tangy mustard glaze or a barbecue sauce—for caramelized, flavorful results.
Pork Tenderloin with Gravy. You can make the gravy while the pork is cooking in the air fryer. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and stir for a minute to make a roux. Slowly pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, and stir until the mixture thickens. Add salt, pepper, and any other herb you like to taste. If you want a thicker gravy, add more flour, and If you’d like a thinner gravy, add more broth. Stir well, lower the heat, and allow the gravy to simmer till the flavors meld and the pork is done.
Side Dished to Compliment Your Meal
Pork Tenderloin pairs well with many side dishes. May I recommend some of my favorites:
- Air fryer roasted vegetables
- Mashed or Air-fried Baked Potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Air fryer Grilled Corn
- Quinoa Salad or a refreshing Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad
Leftovers
Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2 minutes until warmed through.
Turn your leftover pork tenderloin into a Grilled pork melt. Assemble your favorite toppings, sliced tenderloin, and cheese on a piece of bread and air fry it for 5-6 minutes at 350F, these melts become a meal to remember.
Slice it up and use it as a protein in your favorite salad or wrap.
You can freeze your pork tenderloin for up to three months, providing you with a convenient option for future meals. To make things even easier, I recommend pre-slicing your tenderloin before freezing. This will help speed up the reheating process when you’re ready to cook.
Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
- The Air Fryer Baby Back Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with smoky flavor.
- The Crispy Air fryer drumsticks are a delicious homage to the fast-food chain’s iconic recipe.
- If you’re looking for something to spice things up, the Air Fryer Jalapeno Melt brings the heat with its combination of cheesy goodness and fiery jalapenos.
- And if you’re craving some garlicky chicken, the Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings are sure to satisfy. These recipes are just a small sample of the many must-try dishes on Daily Yum.
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Juicy and Crispy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin about 1.3 to 1 1/2 lb
Pork Tenderloin seasoning rub
- 2 tbsp Oil Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tbsp garlic powder or 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Pork. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the meat and rub it in gently.Rub the spice mixture over the pork tenderloin and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 °C) for 5 minutes. While it is heating up, remove the pork tenderloin from the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel. Brush the pork with a light coat of olive oil (or use spray oil) to help prevent it from sticking to the air fryer basket.
- Air Fry Pork Tenderloin for 20 minutes. Place the pork in the air fryer basket, (or middle position tray if you’re using an air fryer oven), and cook for 20 minutes flipping the tenderloin on the other side halfway. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The pork is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for five minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and keep it tender and juicy. Serve with your favorite sides, such as Air fryer roasted vegetables mashed potatoes, Air-fried Corn on the Cob, or a refreshing cucumber salad.
