Tiffany Haney
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender cut of meat on the table in under 30 minutes. The air fryer's circulating air acts like a convection oven, giving the pork an even browning on the outside while keeping the inside moist. The key to a tasty tenderloin is a good spice rub, which can include anything from salt and pepper to brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. After applying the rub, the pork goes into the air fryer for around 20 minutes, depending on its size, and is then left to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Pork Tenderloin in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Total Time | Under 30 minutes |
| Clean-up | Easy |
| Meat Characteristics | Juicy, tender, flavorful |
| Seasoning | Brown sugar, salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, chili, cayenne, oregano, cinnamon, honey, dijon mustard |
| Meat Temperature | 145°F |
| Rest Time | 3-5 minutes |
| Reheating | Microwave for 20-30 seconds or air fryer |
| Storage | Airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork
When selecting a pork tenderloin, look for a cut that is between 1 to 1.5 pounds. This size is ideal for air frying, ensuring even cooking and a juicy outcome. The meat should be a light pink colour, with a thin layer of fat or silver skin that can be trimmed if desired.
It is important to note that pork tenderloin is different from pork loin, which is a thicker and wider cut of meat, similar to pork chops. Pork loin is also lean but takes longer to cook due to its larger size. While pork tenderloin is ideal for quick cooking methods like air frying, pork loin is better suited for oven-roasting or grilling.
When purchasing pork tenderloin, look for meat that is fresh and has a pleasant, light colour. Avoid any cuts with excessive marbling or fat, as this can affect the cooking process and the overall tenderness of the meat. Opt for a piece with a uniform shape to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
Additionally, consider the welfare of the animal and choose pork from a reputable source that adheres to high standards of farming and butchery. This ensures the meat is of good quality and has been properly handled and stored.
By selecting the right cut of pork tenderloin, you can ensure that your air-fried dish turns out juicy, tender, and full of flavour.
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Preparing the meat
Firstly, select the right cut of meat. Pork tenderloin is a boneless, slender, and thin cut of meat, while pork loin is thicker and may have bones attached, requiring longer cooking times. Ensure you purchase a pork tenderloin that is suitable for this cooking method.
Before seasoning the pork tenderloin, use a sharp knife to remove the silver skin, a thin membrane on one side of the meat that becomes tough and unpleasant to eat after cooking. Trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the tenderloin will ensure a more pleasant dining experience.
Pat the meat dry with a paper towel. This step is important as it helps the seasonings adhere better to the meat.
Now, it's time to season the pork tenderloin. You can use a variety of seasonings to create a flavorful rub. A basic combination of salt, pepper, and brown sugar is a great starting point. For added flavour, consider including dried thyme, paprika (smoked or regular), garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, chili powder, oregano, cinnamon, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice. Mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl, and feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. You can also add a drizzle of honey and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the spice mix for extra flavour.
Once your spice mix is ready, coat the tenderloin generously with olive oil and then rub the spice mixture all over the meat. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for an even coating. You can also pat the spices and olive oil onto the tenderloin to create a paste-like coating. This step will ensure a delicious, flavourful crust on your pork tenderloin.
Your pork tenderloin is now ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer and adjust the temperature and timing according to the specific model and size of your tenderloin. As a general guideline, cook the pork tenderloin at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip it over and continue cooking at a slightly lower temperature for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety.
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Making a spice rub
To make a spice rub for your pork tenderloin, you'll want to start with a base of salt and pepper. You can then add brown sugar to promote browning and a touch of sweetness. For a savoury rub, add dried thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and smoked paprika. For a kick of heat, add a dash of cayenne. Alternatively, you can use chilli powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
First, trim the pork tenderloin of any excess fat or silver skin. Then, mix your chosen spices in a small bowl. You can adjust the quantities of each spice according to your taste preferences. Drizzle olive oil over the pork tenderloin and rub it all over. Then, rub the spice mixture onto the pork tenderloin, pressing it in so that it adheres. You can also pat the spice mixture and olive oil onto the tenderloin to form a paste.
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Cooking the tenderloin
First, remove the pork tenderloin from the refrigerator and pat it dry. If your tenderloin is too big to fit in the air fryer, cut it in half. Next, rub the tenderloin with olive oil and a spice mixture. You can make your own spice mixture by combining salt, brown sugar, pepper, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder, and chilli powder.
Then, place the tenderloin in the basket of the air fryer, making sure there is space between the pieces. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the tenderloin and reduce the temperature to 350°F. Continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Once the pork is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicier. You can serve the pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables, salad, potatoes, or rice.
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Resting and serving
Once the pork tenderloin is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. It is important to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier. Depending on the size of the tenderloin, you should let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes, and up to 5 minutes.
The USDA recommends that whole cuts of pork should be allowed to rest until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. You can check this temperature with a meat thermometer. The meat will also continue to cook while resting, rising a few more degrees in temperature.
After resting, slice the pork tenderloin and place the slices on a serving platter. You can drizzle the slices with honey or serve them with the juices that have collected on the cutting board or plate.
Leftover pork tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, place the cooked and cooled tenderloin in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. To reheat, you can use the microwave for 20-30 seconds or put it back in the air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer takes between 15 and 25 minutes, depending on the size of the cut.
You should cook pork tenderloin at 380°F to 400°F.
The pork tenderloin is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer.
Before cooking, you should trim the pork tenderloin of any excess fat or silver skin. Then, rub the pork tenderloin with oil and a spice mixture.
You should let the pork tenderloin rest for at least 3 to 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
