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

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook pork tenderloin, then an air fryer could be your new best friend. Air fryers are compact, energy-efficient, and can give your pork that crispy texture with very little oil. You can season your pork tenderloin with a variety of spices and herbs, such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and mustard, and have it ready to eat in as little as 15 minutes.

Air fryer pork tenderloin seasoning

Preparing pork tenderloin for air frying is simple. Start by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the meat. This helps ensure that the final dish is leaner and allows for better seasoning penetration. After trimming, pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which aids in achieving a nice sear during cooking.

Once dried, you can season the pork tenderloin as desired. A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs can enhance the flavor significantly. You can also use a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne for a little heat. This seasoning mix will create a flavor explosion as the brown sugar caramelizes in the air fryer.

Another option is to marinate the tenderloin for a few hours or overnight to deepen the flavor. A tasty marinade can be made by combining olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, honey, black pepper, and rosemary in a bowl. Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring an even coating.

Experimenting with different marinades or seasonings, such as barbecue sauce, teriyaki, or a spice rub, can also customize the flavor to your taste.

How to get a crispy crust

To get a crispy crust on your pork tenderloin, you'll want to follow a few key steps. Firstly, ensure your air fryer is preheated to the right temperature—most recipes recommend around 400°F. You'll also want to trim any silver skin or excess fat from the tenderloin, and pat it dry with paper towels. This will ensure a good sear and help the seasoning stick.

Next, it's time to rub your tenderloin with oil and a seasoning mixture. You can use a simple mixture of salt and pepper, or try a combination of brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried parsley. You could also add mustard and honey to your spice rub for a honey garlic sauce. If you're feeling adventurous, add a dash of cayenne for some heat. Make sure to coat the tenderloin well, and don't be afraid to really pack on the seasoning.

Once your tenderloin is prepared and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook. Place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket, making sure there's a little space between the meat and the basket to allow air to circulate. Cook times will vary depending on the size of your tenderloin, but for a 1-pound tenderloin, start with around 8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 7-10 minutes. For larger tenderloins, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. Keep in mind that you want the heat to be high enough to form a crust, but not so high that the outside burns before the inside is cooked. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked, juicy pork.

Finally, let your tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy piece of meat.

How to reheat pork tenderloin

Yes, you can cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer. It is a convenient, energy-efficient way to cook juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin with a crispy texture.

Reheating Pork Tenderloin in an Air Fryer:

Reheating pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a great way to preserve the flavor and texture of the meat. The rapid hot air circulation ensures even reheating, and the crispy exterior is a bonus.

• Preheat your air fryer to 380ºF (193ºC) for 5 minutes.
• While preheating, prepare the leftover pork tenderloin slices by placing them on a piece of aluminum foil.
• Drizzle some stock or leftover cooking juices over the pork slices to add moisture and enhance flavor.
• Cover the pork slices with another piece of aluminum foil, creating a well-sealed packet to trap steam and moisture.
• Place the foil-wrapped pork tenderloin packet into the air fryer basket.
• Reheat at 380ºF (193ºC) for 5-10 minutes, depending on the number of slices and your desired level of doneness.
• For a crispy exterior, carefully remove the pork medallions from the foil and place them back into the air fryer uncovered.
• Increase the temperature to 400ºF (204ºC) and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Plate the reheated pork tenderloin slices and drizzle any remaining juices from the foil packet over them for an extra burst of flavor.

Other Reheating Methods:

In addition to using an air fryer, you can also reheat pork tenderloin using other methods such as a skillet, oven, or microwave:

• Skillet method: Reheat the pork tenderloin slices in a skillet with a bit of cooking liquid or broth. This helps retain the meat's tenderness and juiciness.
• Oven method: Preheat your oven to a suitable temperature. Place the pork tenderloin slices in an oven-safe dish and cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Reheat for a few minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave method: Slice the pork tenderloin into thin medallions and lay them flat on a microwave-safe plate. Pour a small amount of leftover cooking juices, chicken stock, or water over the meat to retain moisture. Microwave in 20 to 30-second intervals on medium power until warmed through.

Remember, the key to successful reheating is to ensure the pork tenderloin remains moist and doesn't dry out. Always let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

How to store pork tenderloin

It is best to cook pork tenderloin soon after buying it, although it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to keep it for longer than three days, it is best to store it in the freezer, where it will stay good for up to six months.

When storing pork tenderloin in the refrigerator, ensure it is kept at a temperature of 40° F or below. For freezing, place the pork tenderloin in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Frozen pork tenderloin should be thawed in the refrigerator, which can take up to 12 to 14 hours. It is important to never defrost food at room temperature.

If you want to prepare the pork tenderloin for cooking and slicing before storing it, you can do so. Unwrap the pork tenderloin and place it in the freezer for 30 to 60 minutes to firm it up. Then, remove it from the freezer and slice it thinly. You can then season the slices with a spice rub of your choice and store them in the freezer. This way, you will have pre-cooked, seasoned pork tenderloin slices ready to be cooked at a moment's notice.

How to serve pork tenderloin

Air fryer pork tenderloin is a quick, tasty, and juicy meal that can be served with a variety of side dishes. It is a versatile dish that can be easily customized with different seasonings and flavours.

Firstly, it is important to prepare the pork tenderloin by trimming any silver skin or excess fat. Then, pat the meat dry with a paper towel and rub olive oil over it to help the seasoning stick. Next, you can add your choice of seasoning. A simple combination of salt, pepper, and brown sugar can be used as base seasonings, with dried thyme, paprika, and garlic powder for added flavour. Alternatively, you can use a rub of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. For a kick of heat, add a dash of cayenne.

Once the pork tenderloin is seasoned, let it cook in the air fryer for about 20-25 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The internal temperature of the meat should reach 145°F to be safe to eat and maintain its juiciness. After removing the pork from the air fryer, it is important to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and juicy piece of meat.

Now, for the sides! You can serve the pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, green beans, or broccoli. For potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or mashed potatoes are excellent options. If you're looking for something low-carb and keto-friendly, cauliflower rice is a great choice. Salads like a kale salad or a lentil salad also pair well with the dish. During the holidays, you might want to go for more hearty sides, such as butternut squash casserole or mashed cauliflower.

Frequently asked questions