Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe [Video] (2024)

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is a juicy and savory pork recipe that you can make in less than 30 minutes for the perfect weekday meal. Although many people have issues with pork tenderloin being dry, cooking it in the air fryer will solve that problem using this easy recipe.

Air Fryer recipes are a huge hit on the blog. We enjoy cooking breakfast, dinner, and dessert in our air fryer, and the results are always excellent. If you are in a hurry and you forgot to take the meat out of the freezer, try this juicy recipe for Frozen Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot for a fabulous dinner in an hour.

Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe [Video] (1)

Air fryer pork tenderloin

This is guaranteed to be one of your favorite air fryer recipes. While we are using a lean cut of meat, you will end up with juicy pork tenderloin thanks to this cooking method. This is the easiest way with the best results to cook pork.

The high heat cooks the outside to brown and crispy perfection with a moist and juicy inside. And all you have to do is rub it with some seasoning and oil before putting it in the fryer to cook.

The unique blend of ranch seasoning with Italian seasoning mixed with brown sugar, paprika, and a few other spices gives the meat a sweet and savory flavor that the whole family will love. And it is so quick and easy, you will never want to roast your tenderloin again.

Serve this main dish with your favorite sides for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

For a different kind of pork meal, make these smoky Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions or use the instant pot to make mouthwatering Balsamic Pork Tenderloin.

Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe [Video] (3)

Ingredients needed:

You are only going to need some spices, seasonings, and a few other ingredients to prepare this mouthwatering meal in less than 30 minutes. Scroll down for the exact amounts but here are the ingredients you will need:

  • Pork tenderloin: Approximately 1.25 to 1.75 pounds. This is a lean cut of pork that is very tender when cooked properly.
  • Brown sugar: Light or dark are both fine.
  • Smoked paprika: You can use regular but smoked gives it that delicious smoky flavor.
  • Ranch and Italian seasonings: Store-bought or make your own.
  • Spices: We used cinnamon, salt, pepper, ground mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, and cayenne powder.
  • Olive oil: To rub on the meat.
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper

How to make air fryer pork tenderloin from scratch?

  1. Mix: First, mix all of the dry ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Trim: Next, cut the silver skin and extra fat off the meat.
  3. Oil it up: Then, coat the whole tenderloin with olive oil.
  4. Rub: Immediately, rub the dry ingredients onto the meat.
  5. Preheat: Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for five minutes.
  6. Cook: Finally, place the meat in the fryer and air fry it for 20 minutes to 30 minutes depending on the size of the meat and the size of your air fryer. Hence, keep in mind that the cooking time may depend on the size of the pork roast.
  7. Check the temperature: Using a digital meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the meat in the thickest part. It is safe to consume when the temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The pork can be a little pink in the middle.
  8. Rest: Last, remove the tenderloin and place it on a cutting board for at least five minutes before slicing and be sure to save the juice and serve it over the meat.

Recipe variations:

  • Spice it down: If you do not like it spicy, leave out the cayenne pepper.
  • Marinate: Marinate the pieces of pork in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, soy sauce, and honey. After that, pat it dry with paper towels and coat in the dry rub.
  • Leave it out: Similarly, you can leave out the ranch or Italian dressing if you do not like one of those.
  • Add other spices: Alternatively, there is nothing wrong with adding your own favorites like thyme, cumin, rosemary, and whatever else you like.Also, add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Make it fruity: In addition, sprinkling some lemon or orange zest in the rub would be fantastic too.
  • Make it meatier: Try some bacon bits or ground bacon in the rub for a meatier flavor.
  • BBQ Sauce: As an alternative, brush it with BBQ sauce five minutes before the cooking time ends.
Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe [Video] (4)

How to serve:

The air-fried pork tenderloin goes well with many side dishes. Serve it with mashed potatoes and a veggie like peas or carrots and chopped parsley for a wholesome and delicious dinner.

  • For a lower-carb meal, substitute the mashed potatoes with this tasty mashed cauliflower recipe.
  • This would also go well with these grilled vegetables.Also, it pairs well with sweet potatoes and green beans.
  • For a Thanksgiving or fall flavor, pair this meal with this instant pot butternut squash.
  • You could also serve this dish with a side of cheesy and creamy macaroni and cheese.
  • Alternatively, use this gluten-free mac and cheese recipe for those who are allergic.

How to store leftovers:

  1. Store:First, let the leftovers cool to room temperature. After that, you can store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days.
  2. Freeze:Also, you can freeze the leftovers after letting them cool completely. Then wrap it in plastic wrap and foil or put it in a freezer bag for up to three months.
  3. Thaw:Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
  4. Reheat:The best way to reheat is to put it in the oven for 10 minutes.
Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe [Video] (5)

Frequently asked questions

How do you cook pork tenderloin without drying it out?

Nobody likes dry meat unless they are eating jerky, so having your pork tenderloin come out dry after taking so much time and care in making it is aggravating. One of the main mistakes is cooking pork tenderloin too long so use the shortest cooking times and take it out when your meat thermometer reads 145 degrees F. And it should be cooked at 400 degrees F.

But there are also some tricks in making a mouthwatering tenderloin.

Removing the silver skin before cooking will help a lot because it does not dissolve when you cook it, making it chewy. Next, brining your meat before cooking is also important. Last, sear the pork before roasting it to keep the juices locked inside.

Why is pork tenderloin so dry?

Pork tenderloin is one of the leanest cuts of meat there are. It does not have the marbled fat in it that beef does to help it stay juicy. And it is more difficult to tell when it is done by looking at it.

Also, you should use a meat thermometer and take it out of the oven when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. And make sure you use one of my easy pork tenderloin recipes.

What is the difference between pork loin and tenderloin?

While they may sound similar, they are very different. Tenderloin is the long and narrow meat that is cut from the muscle on the backbone. It is boneless and has almost no fat. A pork loin is a wide and flat piece of meat that has fat marbling and less muscle.

More Air Fryer Recipes:

Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe [Video] (10)

Recipe tips:

  • Use an internal meat thermometer to make sure the pork is cooked all the way but not overcooked. Insert the probe into the center of the meat about halfway through.
  • As an alternative, you could try using avocado oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil instead of olive oil.
  • Also, season with salt and pepper after the meat is cooked, rested, and sliced.
  • Add some Dijon mustard to the leftover juices and baste the meat before serving.

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

  • Prep Time10 MIN
  • Cook Time20 MIN
  • Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.75 lbs pork tenderloin you can use two
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil more if using two pieces of tenderloin

Dry Rub:

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Ranch seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1.1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder optional

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Instructions

  • Mix all dry rub ingredients in a medium bowl.

  • Using a sharp knife, trim the pork tenderloin of any excess fat.

  • After that, coat it with a tablespoon of olive oil, and using your hands, rub it all over the meat.

  • Next, add the Dry Rub mixture to the entire pork tenderloin and use your hands to rub it into the pork.

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400° F for 5 minutes.

  • Add the pork tenderloin to the fryer basket and air fry for 20-22 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temp of 145 – 165 degrees F.

  • When done cooking, carefully remove the pork tenderloin to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

  • Serve on top of mashed potatoes with chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe [Video] (11)
Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe [Video] (2024)

FAQs

Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe [Video]? ›

Using oil

Using oil in an air fryer is perfectly fine and helps the meat to remain moist and come out looking golden brown. However, a little oil in an air fryer does go a long way. With most cuts of pork, simply rubbing some oil into the meat will be all you need. You can use either regular olive oil or a spray oil.

How do you keep pork from drying out in an air fryer? ›

Using oil

Using oil in an air fryer is perfectly fine and helps the meat to remain moist and come out looking golden brown. However, a little oil in an air fryer does go a long way. With most cuts of pork, simply rubbing some oil into the meat will be all you need. You can use either regular olive oil or a spray oil.

How do you cook a pork tenderloin without drying out? ›

Brine the pork to maintain moisture by soaking it in a mixture of salt and water, baking soda, vinegar or even milk. You can also pour hot water over the loin to shrink the rind, which can enable better absorption of brine, milk, oil or marinade.

What is the secret to tender pork loin? ›

If you're not confident in your cooking skills, there is one foolproof way to guarantee your pork ends up on the tender side, even if you cook it too long: Soak it in a brine or a marinade. According to Hazel, these kinds of preparations always produce the most tender outcomes.

Is it better to cook pork tenderloin covered or uncovered? ›

Cooking Pork Tenderloin in the Oven

Rub the exterior with olive oil and then add your preferred seasonings, whether that's simple salt and pepper or a blend of orange zest and rosemary. Once your tenderloin is seasoned, place it on a baking dish and pop it into your preheated oven, uncovered.

How do I keep moisture in my air fryer? ›

Adding a little bit of water can help to hydrate the food in your air fryer and prevent it from becoming too dry.

Does air fryer dry out pork? ›

Of all the ways I've tried making them, the air fryer is the best way to cook pork chops. Because it circulates air so effectively, the air fryer crisps the outsides beautifully and leaves the inside of the pork chops moist.

How do you add moisture to dry pork loin? ›

Slice the pork into 1/2 cm or less slices, it doesn't really matter if the meat is still hot or if it has cooled. If you have leftover gravy pour it into a frying pan and add water just enough to cover the meat. Otherwise, you can use vegetable stock. Bring to a simmer add the sliced meat and cover.

Is it better to cook a pork loin at 350 or 400? ›

This is the cardinal rule for lean cuts of meat like pork tenderloin. At 400 degrees F, a 1-pound pork tenderloin will cook in 8 to 10 minutes after being seared on the stove.

Is it better to cook pork tenderloin fast or slow? ›

The size and structure of a tenderloin make it perfect for cooking quickly on high heat. You want to be able to brown the outside while still keeping it a little pink on the inside.

How do Chinese make pork so tender? ›

How do you tenderise pork for stir fry? Velveting is a Chinese technique that helps keep meat tender during stir frying. Adding cornstarch and bicarb to your meat during the marinating process helps to coat your meat, giving it a velvety feel that makes the meat feel extra soft.

Should you rinse pork tenderloin before cooking? ›

Washing beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination.

Should pork tenderloin sit out before cooking? ›

Meat juices inside can not react when we cook cold meat. We need room temperature for a juicy and tender steak. If you want to cook a tasty, delicious pork tenderloin in your oven, keeping all the flavors, you need to take it out of the refrigerator one hour before.

How long to cook pork tenderloins at 400? ›

Bake at 400 degrees F until pork registers between 145- and 150-degrees F (63 and 65 degrees C) at the thickest part of the tenderloin, 15-25 minutes depending on thickness. This means the pork will be juicy and slightly pink in the middle.

How do you keep cooked pork moist? ›

Salt will help your meat retain moisture. You can add salt directly, or use a salty liquid like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. And aromatics like garlic, shallots, herbs, and spices will impart flavor. When your marinade is ready, place your pork chops in a zipper bag and pour the marinade over top.

How do you add moisture to pork? ›

Slicing and Heating: One of the easiest ways is to slice the pork thinly and then reheat it slowly on a low setting, ideally in some kind of sauce or broth. This introduces some extra moisture and can help to tenderize the meat.

How do you heat up pork so it doesn't dry out? ›

To do that, place the pork roast in a oven safe dish, add 1/8 cup of water or broth/stock to the pan, and cover with foil. Reheat at 300 degrees F until warmed through. You will maintain moisture and the doneness of the roast without overcooking, by generating steam/convection within the pan.

How do you remove moisture from pork? ›

Salt gives flavour and helps absorb any remaining moisture. 5 minutes before roasting, rub the piece of pork very generously with salt, ensuring it goes right into the scoring. You can use a mix of regular table salt (which will penetrate the skin) and salt flakes (for a crisp crust).

References

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