Air Fryer Frozen Tenderloin Sandwich: Quick And Easy!

The breaded pork tenderloin sandwich is a beloved staple in the Midwest, and it can be made in an air fryer! The process is simple: pound the pork chop thin, dredge it in flour, egg, and panko, spritz with cooking spray, and place it in the air fryer. You can also freeze cooked tenderloin in a ziplock bag and reheat it in the air fryer when you're ready to eat. While the pork is cooking, butter the buns and cook them on a hot skillet until toasted. Top with your favorite condiments, such as mustard, pickles, and onions, and enjoy!

How to prepare the tenderloin for the air fryer

Preparing a tenderloin for the air fryer is a simple process. First, you'll want to trim any excess fat or 'silver skin' from the tenderloin using a sharp knife. This membrane-like layer is not poisonous but can make the meat harder to eat. Next, cut the tenderloin into four equal chunks and place each chunk, one at a time, into a large plastic bag. Using a mallet, flatten the meat inside the bag until it is about a quarter of an inch thick. Be careful not to pound any holes into the meat.

Once the tenderloin is prepared, you can season it with a dry rub or a wet marinade. For a dry rub, mix your chosen spices with a small amount of olive oil in a bowl and rub the mixture all over the meat. For a wet marinade, coat the tenderloin in your chosen sauce or seasoning blend. You can also dredge the tenderloin in flour, egg, and panko for a crispy coating.

If you are cooking from frozen, be sure to thaw the meat completely before seasoning and cooking.

The ideal temperature and time to cook the tenderloin

The ideal temperature and time to cook a tenderloin depend on whether you are cooking from frozen or not. If you are cooking from fresh, you should cook your tenderloin at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, flipping it halfway through. You can check if the tenderloin is cooked by seeing if the exterior is sticky and glistening and checking that the internal temperature reaches at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. After cooking, let the tenderloin rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the meat juicy.

If you are cooking from frozen, you should first completely thaw the tenderloin overnight in the fridge. Then, follow the cooking instructions above. If you are reheating a leftover tenderloin, you can place it in the air fryer for 1 minute at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to prepare the buns

To prepare the buns for a tenderloin sandwich, you can follow these steps:

First, select your buns of choice. Soft buns or rolls are a popular choice, and you can opt for a hamburger bun, which is a common choice for tenderloin sandwiches. If you want to be more authentic, go for an undersized bun compared to the size of the pork patty.

Next, slice the buns or rolls in half. You can then spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on each bun. You can also add other condiments like mustard if you prefer.

If you want to toast the buns, you can do so before spreading the mayonnaise. Alternatively, you can toast them after adding the condiments and toppings, creating a warm sandwich.

Finally, assemble your sandwich by placing the pork cutlet on the bottom bun. You can then add toppings like pickles, sliced onions, lettuce, and tomato slices. Press the top bun over the sandwich, and your tenderloin sandwich is ready to serve!

Condiments and toppings to add to the sandwich

There are many condiments and toppings you can add to your tenderloin sandwich to elevate its flavour and texture. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Condiments:

• Mustard: A classic choice that adds a tangy zing to your sandwich. Try regular yellow mustard or go for a spicy brown variety.
• Ketchup: The sweetness of ketchup can help balance the savouriness of the tenderloin.
• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to your sandwich.
• BBQ Sauce: A sweet and smoky BBQ sauce can add a delicious flavour to your sandwich.
• Ranch Dressing: Cool and creamy ranch dressing can help balance the sandwich's flavours and provide a refreshing taste.
• Honey Mustard: For a sweet and tangy twist, honey mustard can be a great choice.
• Chipotle Sauce: If you prefer a spicier option, chipotle sauce adds a smoky kick to your sandwich.

Toppings:

• Avocado: Adding sliced avocado to your sandwich can provide a creamy texture and a unique flavour profile. It also helps prevent the sandwich fillings from sticking to the bread.
• Cheese: A slice of cheese, such as Swiss, cheddar, or brie, adds a gooey and delicious dimension to your sandwich.
• Caramelized Onions: Try caramelized onions instead of raw ones for a sweeter and more complex flavour.
• Lettuce and Tomato: These classic toppings add freshness and crunch to your sandwich.
• Pickles: Pickles, such as dill or bread and butter pickles, can add a crunchy and tangy element to your sandwich.
• Sliced Onions: Raw red onions can provide a sharp and pungent flavour to your sandwich.
• Arugula: This leafy green adds a peppery bite and a nutritious boost to your sandwich.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of condiments and toppings to create your perfect tenderloin sandwich!

Reheating and storing the tenderloin sandwich

The air fryer is a great appliance for reheating sandwiches. It can bring back the melted cheese goodness and the crispiness of the bread. If your sandwich has lettuce, it is recommended to remove it before reheating. If your bread is very light, you can use toothpicks to secure the sandwich together.

To reheat your tenderloin sandwich in an air fryer, first place a parchment paper liner in the air fryer basket. Then, place the leftover sandwiches in the basket in a single layer. Air fry at 250º for 5 minutes. Check to be sure the internal temperature of the sandwich registers at least 110º using an instant-read food thermometer. If it's not up to temperature, add 1-2 minutes. Finally, remove the sandwiches from the air fryer with tongs and serve.

You can also reheat your sandwich in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, open the sandwich and place the filling on a microwave-safe plate. Reheat for 1 minute. Then, place the filling back on the bread and microwave for another 20-30 seconds. For the stovetop method, place a pat of butter in a skillet and melt over medium heat. Then, add your sandwich and re-grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

Leftover sandwiches can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. It is recommended to store them in aluminum foil or a shallow airtight container.

Frequently asked questions