Tillie Doyle
Cooking tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender cut of meat. The air fryer's convection-like cooking method ensures even browning on the outside, while the inside reaches the perfect temperature. Depending on the type of tenderloin and your desired level of doneness, cooking times can vary from 7 to 25 minutes. This guide will help you understand how long to cook your chosen tenderloin in an air fryer.
Cooking Tenderloin in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat Type | Chicken, Pork, Beef |
| Cooking Time | 7-15 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Resting Time | 5 minutes |
| Seasoning | Salt, Pepper, Brown Sugar, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Olive Oil, Honey, Mustard |
| Internal Temperature | 135-160°F |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 5 days, Freeze for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking times for chicken, beef, and pork tenderloin
The cooking time for tenderloin in an air fryer varies depending on the type of meat and the thickness of the cut. Here is a detailed guide to cooking chicken, beef, and pork tenderloin in an air fryer:
Chicken Tenderloin
Chicken tenderloin is a quick and easy option for a weeknight dinner. The cooking time in an air fryer is typically between 7 to 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). It is important to note that the chicken tenders should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket and flipped halfway through the cooking process. The ideal cooking temperature for chicken is 165°F. To ensure juicy and moist tenderloins, allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin can be cooked to your desired doneness in an air fryer. For a medium-rare beef tenderloin, cook at 360°F for about 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of the meat. Seasoning the beef tenderloin before cooking can enhance the flavor.
Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a convenient option for a quick and tasty dinner. The cooking time in an air fryer can range from 18 to 26 minutes at 380°F. It is important to flip the tenderloin halfway through the cooking process. The ideal internal temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F. To ensure juicy pork, allow the meat to rest for at least 3 to 5 minutes before serving.
It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the tenderloin and the specific air fryer model. Adjustments may be needed for different levels of doneness for beef tenderloin.
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How to get a tenderloin with a juicy texture
To get a tenderloin with a juicy texture, there are several steps you can follow. Firstly, choose the right cut of meat. For pork tenderloin, opt for a fresh piece of meat that is pinkish-red in colour with a small amount of marbling. Avoid those that have been injected with a saltwater solution, as this can affect the texture and flavour. If you're cooking chicken tenderloin, you can expect a cooking time of around 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. For beef tenderloin, cooking times vary depending on your desired level of doneness, but generally, it takes around 22 minutes for medium doneness.
Before cooking, trim any excess fat or silver skin from the tenderloin. Then, coat the meat with a light layer of olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice. This helps with the crispiness of the meat, but be careful not to use too much, as it can make the meat greasy. Next, apply your chosen seasonings or marinade. For pork, you can try a dry rub with brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Chicken tenderloin also benefits from a variety of seasonings like cayenne pepper, chilli pepper, or red pepper flakes.
Now, it's time to cook the tenderloin. Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and that desirable crispy crust. The temperature and cooking time will depend on the type of tenderloin and your desired doneness. For pork tenderloin, cook at around 370°F-400°F/190°C for 15-22 minutes. For chicken tenderloin, cook at 375°F/190°C for 7-8 minutes. Remember to flip the meat halfway through cooking and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
Once the cooking time is up, remove the tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy texture. Rest the pork tenderloin for 3-10 minutes before slicing and serving. For chicken, 5 minutes of rest is sufficient. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheat them in the air fryer or oven to retain moisture and texture.
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The ideal temperature for cooking tenderloin
The ideal temperature and cooking time for tenderloin in an air fryer depend on the type of meat being cooked.
Chicken Tenderloin
Chicken tenderloin typically takes 7-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C). This can be adjusted based on the thickness of the chicken. For thicker cuts, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If it is at least 165°F (74°C), the chicken is cooked.
Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is typically cooked in the air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin. The ideal internal temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F (63°C).
Beef Tenderloin
Beef tenderloin is cooked in the air fryer at a similar temperature to pork tenderloin. First, the air fryer should be preheated to 400°F (200°C). Then, the temperature should be reduced to 390°F (198°C) and cooked for 22 minutes. Finally, the temperature should be reduced again to 360°F (182°C) and cooked for a further 10 minutes. The ideal internal temperature for beef tenderloin is 135°F (57°C) for medium doneness, or 140°F (60°C) for medium-rare.
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How to prepare the tenderloin before cooking
Preparing a tenderloin for cooking in an air fryer is a simple process. Firstly, remove the tenderloin from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels. Place the tenderloin on a cutting board and trim any excess fat or silver skin. Then, coat the tenderloin with a thin layer of olive oil or another cooking oil of your choice.
Next, prepare your spice rub. A simple combination of salt and pepper will work, but you can also add dried spices like thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, or chilli powder for extra flavour. Mix your chosen spices with salt and pepper in a small bowl, and then rub the mixture generously over the tenderloin until it is evenly coated.
If you have time, you can leave the tenderloin to sit with the spice rub for up to an hour before cooking, or you can place it straight into the air fryer basket. If you are cooking pork, it is best to cook it immediately after coating it with the spice rub, as the circulating air from the air fryer will give the pork an even browning, creating a flavorful "crust" without the need for searing the meat first.
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Reheating and storing cooked tenderloin
Leftover pork tenderloin can be reheated and stored in several ways. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your tenderloin stays moist and juicy:
Stovetop Method:
The stovetop method is a quick and easy way to reheat sliced tenderloin. Using a skillet or frying pan, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Place the pork tenderloin in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F. After removing the tenderloin from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Microwave Method:
When using a microwave to reheat pork tenderloin, it is best to use a microwave-safe cover, such as a lid or wrap, to trap steam and moisture. Reheat at a lower power setting (around 50-70%) to avoid drying out the meat. If you are in a rush, you can reheat at the lowest power setting for 8-10 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overcooking.
Air Fryer, Oven, or Skillet:
You can also reheat your tenderloin in the air fryer, a preheated oven, or a hot skillet. However, keep in mind that reheating in an uncovered pan can result in dried-out meat. Using a lid helps retain moisture and steam, keeping the pork juicy.
Storing:
To store leftover pork tenderloin, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you wish to freeze it, use an airtight container or freezer-safe bags, and it will last for up to 3 months.
To ensure your reheated pork tenderloin is not only delicious but also safe to eat, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The safe temperature for pork is 145°F (63°C).
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking times vary depending on the type of tenderloin. Chicken tenderloin typically takes 7-10 minutes in the air fryer, while pork tenderloin takes 15-25 minutes. For beef tenderloin, cook for 30 minutes at different temperatures.
For chicken tenderloin, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). For pork tenderloin, set the temperature to 400°F. When cooking beef tenderloin, start by preheating the air fryer to 390°F (198°C) and then reduce the temperature to 360°F (182°C) for the last 10 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tenderloin. Chicken tenderloin is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Pork tenderloin should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, while beef tenderloin should be cooked to 135°F (57°C) for medium doneness.
Yes, here are some tips:
- If your tenderloin is too big for the air fryer, slice it in half and cook in batches.
- For chicken tenderloin, lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- For pork tenderloin, pat the meat dry before cooking and trim any excess fat or silver skin.
- Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture and ensure even cooking.
