Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Recipe Snapshot
PREP + COOK TIME: 55 minutes (including time to rest)
METHOD: Air fryer
OTHER TOOLS: meat thermometer
TOTAL INGREDIENTS: 8
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is a lean but flavorful cut that cooks to perfection in the air fryer. The bold seasoning blend adds plenty of flavor while the meat stays juicy and tender. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner and impressive enough to serve your guests!
What’s To Love About This Recipe
- Pork tenderloin is one of those cuts that needs to be cooked just right for juicy-tender enjoyment. In the air fryer, you can relax knowing it will be ready in under 1 hour, including preparation and rest time, and it turns out amazingly flavorful!
- This air fryer method is much faster than oven-baking and also seals in the flavors of the spices as the meat cooks, creating a golden-brown crust.
- With this recipe, you get bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor from chili powder, cumin, and chipotle powder.
- Tenderloin is a lean, healthy protein that still stays flavorful and easy to slice. It’s a great source of low-calorie protein, and you don’t need many ingredients to turn it into a delicious dish!
- The leftovers slice and reheat well for sandwiches, wraps, or salads. Add this recipe to your meal prep routine as another easy step!
Ingredients Needed
- Pork tenderloin – In the air fryer, a 1-pound tenderloin will usually fit comfortably. Tenderloin is a very lean cut with mild flavor, so it needs a good amount of seasoning and just the right cooking time to stay tender and juicy. Tenderloin will also have a silver skin membrane – trim this before cooking.
- Olive oil – Olive oil will help the seasoning blend adhere to the pork and seal in the moisture during cooking.
- Spices – Grab a few of these spices from your kitchen to create a smoky, earthy dry rub to slather on the tenderloin: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and chipotle chili powder. Together, these form a warm, savory blend that deepens the pork’s flavor.
- Salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the spices.
- Fresh cilantro – Garnish the sliced tenderloin with fresh, chopped cilantro for brightness and contrast.
How To Make Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Mix olive oil, spices, and salt into a paste.
- Rub the paste over the pork and let it rest for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the fridge.
- Place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 400 ℉ for 20 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 ℉.
- Let the pork rest for at least 10 minutes, then slice before serving.
Pro Tips
- Pork tenderloin contains a “silver skin” membrane which is extremely tough when cooked. It is best to trim it off before cooking to prevent chewy bites. Use a sharp knife to slide under and remove it (if you forget to remove it before cooking, some slices may be tough, but the dish is still edible).
- Flipping the tenderloin during cooking is optional. Most air fryers circulate heat evenly, but flipping halfway can promote even browning.
- Be sure to cook to an internal temperature of 145 ℉ (medium). Overcooking will cause dryness and toughness.
- Allow the tenderloin to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
- Always use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, which reduces moisture. Marinating or brining beforehand can add extra juiciness.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- For flavor variation, swap the spice rub in this recipe for a simple marinade of soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Apply the marinade to the tenderloin and let it rest in the fridge for up to 30 minutes before air frying.
- For a crusty exterior, add a teaspoon of brown sugar to the spice mix to help it caramelize.
- Change up the seasoning blend for different platings with Cajun Seasoning, an Italian herb rub, or a lemon-pepper blend.
- For an even spicier version, increase the amount of chipotle chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- To reduce the spice, use less chipotle chili powder or leave it out altogether.
Oven-Baked Pork Tenderloin
- Prepare the pork tenderloin with the olive oil and seasoning paste.
- Add the pork to an oven-safe pan lined with parchment paper, and roast at 425 ℉ for about 25-30 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 ℉.
How To Serve Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Slice and serve juicy tenderloin medallions with sides like Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts, roasted veggies, or Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Add Instant Pot Carrots for a hint of sweetness on your plate!
Tender pork and chopped cilantro make a delicious, simple meal served over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice bowls. Leftover sliced pork also makes excellent sandwiches, wraps, or tacos with a squeeze of lime.
Storing and Reheating
How To Best Store Leftovers
Fridge
Store leftover tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
You won’t get the best texture if you freeze after cooking; however, it is an option to store in a sealed bag or container in the freezer for 2-3 months if needed.
How To Best Reheat Leftovers
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350℉ for 3-4 minutes, or heat in the microwave at 50% power with a splash of broth to prevent dryness.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is a lean but flavorful cut that cooks to perfection in the air fryer. The bold seasoning blend adds plenty of flavor while the meat stays juicy and tender. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner and impressive enough to serve your guests!
Equipment
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Mix olive oil, spices, and salt into a paste
- Rub paste over pork and let rest for at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes in fridge
- Place tenderloin in air fryer basket
- Cook at 400 ℉ for 20 minutes or until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 ℉
- Let pork rest at least 10 minutes, then slice before serving
Notes
- Store leftover tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing isn’t ideal for texture, but you can freeze leftover cooked tenderloin in a sealed container for 2-3 months if needed.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or use the microwave at 50% power with a splash of broth to prevent dryness.
- Trim the silver skin before cooking to avoid tough, chewy areas.
- Flipping the meat is optional, but it can help promote even browning if you turn halfway through cooking.
- Cook to an internal temperature of 145 ℉ to stay tender and prevent overcooking. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- It is essential to let the tenderloin rest for 10 minutes before slicing to preserve the juices.
