Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to cook pork tenderloin, yielding juicy and tender meat in a short amount of time. But how long do you air fry pork tenderloin at 400°F? Well, it depends on the weight of the tenderloin and your desired level of doneness.

For a medium-rare pork tenderloin, you should air fry at 400°F for around 20-22 minutes. This will give you a tenderloin with an internal temperature of 145°F. If you prefer your pork to be more well-done, you can air fry for a few minutes longer, but be careful not to overcook it as pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat and can dry out easily.

It's also important to let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes after air frying to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and tender final product.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your pork tenderloin cooks evenly and helps to create a crispy, golden-brown crust on the outside.

To preheat your air fryer to 400°F, start by turning the dial to the desired temperature. Many air fryers will have a preheat setting, so you can select this and set a timer for 5 minutes. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, simply set the timer for 5 minutes and allow the air fryer to heat up.

Once the 5 minutes are up, your air fryer should be preheated and ready to cook your pork tenderloin. You can now set the timer for the duration of the cooking time, which will vary depending on the size of your tenderloin. For a small tenderloin, set the timer for 20 minutes. For a larger tenderloin, set the timer for 22 minutes.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the make and model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to check the progress of your tenderloin halfway through the cooking process. The key is to ensure that the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F when measured with an instant-read thermometer.

By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you are creating the perfect environment for cooking juicy and tender pork tenderloin with a delicious crispy crust.

Cooking time: 15-22 minutes

Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer at 400°F for 15-22 minutes will yield a juicy and tender cut of meat. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloin, with smaller tenderloins requiring less time and larger tenderloins needing closer to 22 minutes.

Before cooking, the tenderloin should be prepared by removing any silver skin and coating the meat with olive oil and seasonings. The air fryer should also be preheated for 5 minutes.

During cooking, the tenderloin should be flipped halfway through to ensure even cooking. It is important to note that the internal temperature of the meat should reach 145°F to be considered safe to eat. This can be checked using a meat thermometer.

After cooking, the tenderloin should be removed from the air fryer and allowed to rest for 3-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps to retain moisture and ensures the meat is juicy and tender.

Some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F for 10 minutes, and then lowering the temperature to 350°F for the remaining cooking time. This two-stage approach helps to create a flavorful crust and moist interior.

Additionally, it is important to note that the weight of the tenderloin and the power of the air fryer may affect the cooking time, so it is advisable to check the meat early to prevent overcooking.

Rest the meat for 5 minutes before serving

Resting meat is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the meat to relax and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy cut. This is true for all types of meat, including pork.

When you remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer, place it on a plate or cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps prevent them from pooling on the plate, keeping the meat moist and flavourful.

The reason for resting meat is that if you cut into it immediately after cooking, the juices inside will run out, leaving the meat dry and less flavourful. By allowing the meat to rest, you give the juices a chance to be reabsorbed, resulting in a more evenly moist and tasty dish.

The length of time you should rest meat depends on its size and thickness. As a general rule, thinner cuts of meat should be rested for a minimum of 5-7 minutes, while thicker cuts should be rested for 10-20 minutes. For thicker cuts of meat, such as pork tenderloin, it is generally recommended to rest the meat for 10-15 minutes. This allows the meat to cool slightly and gives the juices time to redistribute, resulting in a more flavourful and juicy dish.

While resting the meat, it is important to keep it in a warm area, such as the top of the stove. Smaller cuts should not be covered with aluminium foil, as this will trap the heat and continue the cooking process. However, larger cuts, such as roasts, should be covered with foil to keep them warm.

Use an instant-read meat thermometer

An instant-read meat thermometer is an essential tool when cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer. Here's why:

Pork tenderloin is a very lean cut of meat, and if it's overcooked, it will dry out. An instant-read meat thermometer helps you avoid this by allowing you to monitor the internal temperature of the meat. This way, you can ensure the tenderloin is cooked to perfection—juicy and tender.

How to Use an Instant-Read Meat Thermometer

When cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat to get an accurate reading. For food safety and optimal doneness, you'll want to cook the tenderloin until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

When to Check the Temperature

Depending on the size of your tenderloin, you'll want to start checking the temperature around the 12-minute mark. For smaller cuts, you may reach the target temperature sooner, while larger cuts may take a couple of minutes longer. Remember, you can always remove the tenderloin from the air fryer if it needs a little longer to rest and reach the desired temperature.

Resting the Meat

Once your tenderloin reaches 145°F, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This is a crucial step, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy piece of pork.

Final Thoughts

Using an instant-read meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer. By monitoring the internal temperature, you can ensure the meat is cooked safely and perfectly every time. So, invest in a good thermometer, follow these simple steps, and enjoy delicious, juicy pork tenderloin!

Seasoning options

Seasoning a pork tenderloin is a great way to add flavour to your meal. There are many different seasoning options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for seasoning mixtures to use on your pork tenderloin:

• Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and a dash of cayenne for heat.
• Smoked paprika, ground mustard, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne powder.
• Olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
• Smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Chili powder, brown sugar or coconut sugar, dried oregano, paprika, ground cinnamon, garlic powder, and fine sea salt.
• Garlic powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, dried thyme, olive oil, and minced garlic.

You can also experiment with different combinations of these spices or add your own twist to create a unique flavour profile. Remember to properly coat the tenderloin with the seasoning mixture and cook it evenly in the air fryer for the best results.

Frequently asked questions