Air-Fried Pork Medallions: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Yes, you can cook pork medallions in an air fryer. Pork medallions are a lean, tenderloin cut of meat, sometimes called the filet mignon of pork. They are a great option for a quick and easy meal, as they require minimal prep and cook time. The air fryer gives the pork medallions a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. You can cook pork medallions from frozen or fresh, and they can be adapted to suit your preferred seasoning and flavour profile.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for pork medallions in an air fryer depend on a few factors, such as the thickness of the medallions, the power of the air fryer, and whether the medallions are fresh or frozen.

Firstly, it is important to ensure that the pork medallions are cut into even slices. This helps to avoid overcooking or undercooking. The recommended thickness for each medallion is around 2 cm or 1 inch. If you end up with thicker medallions, you can let them air fry for a minute or two by themselves before adding the rest of the batch.

For fresh pork medallions, the cooking temperature should be set between 200°C/390°F and 400°F. The cooking time can vary depending on the source, but a range of 10-13 minutes is recommended. It is important to flip the medallions halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

For frozen pork medallions, the same temperature and time settings can be used as for fresh medallions. However, it is important to check the medallions after the initial cooking time and adjust as needed.

When reheating cooked pork medallions, it is recommended to cook them at the same temperature for around one-third of the original cooking time. For example, if the original cooking time was 10 minutes, reheat them for around 3-4 minutes.

To check if the pork medallions are cooked through, make a cut in the centre of the thickest part and ensure that the meat is nearly white. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 145°F. For a more medium cook, you can increase the temperature to 150-160°F.

Marinades and seasonings

The key to a successful marinade is keeping the ingredients list short and letting the pork absorb the flavours. A simple marinade can be made with just olive oil, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. For a more complex flavour profile, you can add ingredients like garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, or a splash of citrus juice. If you're short on time, a basic combination of salt and oil will also do the trick. Just remember that salt is the one ingredient that you must include.

When it comes to seasoning, the possibilities are endless. You can experiment with different spices, dried or fresh herbs, and seasoning mixes to find your perfect flavour. For a classic French twist, rosemary and thyme are excellent choices. If you're feeling adventurous, try a teriyaki marinade or wrap your pork medallions in bacon for a crispy exterior and juicy centre.

Don't be afraid to get creative and adapt the seasonings to your taste preferences. You can also add sauces or incorporate the cooked pork into other flavoured dishes. Marinating the pork medallions for 20-30 minutes before air frying will enhance the flavours and make your dish even more delectable.

Reheating and storing

You can store cooked pork medallions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can also be well wrapped and frozen. To reheat in the air fryer, set the temperature to 200°C/390°F and cook for around a third of the original cooking time, checking that the meat is piping hot all the way through. This should take around 5 minutes, but you can cook for longer if needed.

Alternatively, you can reheat the pork medallions in the microwave with a drop of water to create steam and prevent the meat from drying out. This should take around 4-5 minutes. You can also reheat the pork medallions in a pan on the stove over low-medium heat for 2 minutes, adding a splash of water or stock for moisture.

Cutting and preparing

To prepare pork medallions for cooking in an air fryer, you'll need to cut, season, and marinate the meat.

First, use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat from the pork medallions. This will make your dish healthier and prevent the fat from splattering in the air fryer. Then, cut the medallions into slices of roughly the same size, about 2 cm or 1 inch thick. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the medallions, so keep in mind that thicker cuts will require a longer cooking time, while thinner cuts will need less time in the air fryer.

Next, season the pork medallions with your preferred blend of spices. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, rosemary, thyme, or black pepper. After seasoning, pat the medallions dry with a paper towel and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance their flavour. You can also coat the pork medallions with bread crumbs, which will give them a crispy exterior when cooked.

If you're using frozen pork medallions, run them under the tap to remove any surface ice crystals, then dry and season them as you would with fresh medallions. It's recommended to cut the pork tenderloin into medallions before freezing, as this will make it easier to cook them evenly in the air fryer.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve pork medallions cooked in an air fryer. You can eat them hot or cold, sliced on top of a bowl of ramen, or stuffed into a soft buttered baguette.

Pork medallions can be served with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad. They also go well with sweet potatoes, rice, and roasted vegetables. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, try serving them with mac & cheese or instant pot cinnamon applesauce.

For a date night, bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin medallions cooked in an air fryer can be a great option. They can be served with any potato side dish, or with a sauce like gravy, honey mustard, or tangy barbecue sauce.

Leftover pork medallions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days and can be reheated in the air fryer, microwave, or on the stove.

Frequently asked questions