🍖 Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin develops a beautifully seasoned crust while staying moist inside. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
7
⏱️ Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Rest Time: 5–10 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin (1–1½ pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning Rub
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for caramelization)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork
- Remove any silver skin from the pork tenderloin if needed.
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
2. Season
- Rub the pork with olive oil.
- Mix all the seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.
- Coat the pork evenly with the seasoning rub.
3. Preheat
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Air Fry
- Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket, leaving space around it for air circulation.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The thickest part should reach 145°F (63°C).
5. Rest
- Transfer the pork to a cutting board.
- Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
6. Serve
- Slice into ½-inch medallions and serve with your favorite sides.
🍯 Optional Honey Garlic Glaze
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Whisk together all the glaze ingredients.
Brush over the pork during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, or brush on immediately after removing it from the air fryer.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed green beans
- Air fryer Brussels sprouts
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Buttered rice
- Garden salad
💡 Tips
- Pork tenderloin is not the same cut as pork loin; they require different cooking times.
- Use an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate results.
- Avoid overcooking—145°F (63°C) yields juicy, tender pork.
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork for 2–8 hours before cooking.
- Letting the meat rest is essential to keep the juices inside.
🧊 Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze sliced or whole for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the air fryer at 325°F (163°C) for 3–5 minutes, or microwave with a splash of broth to help retain moisture.
🍴 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is a quick, flavorful, and foolproof recipe with a perfectly seasoned crust and juicy, tender center—ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.