Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin: How Long To Fry?

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. With a simple seasoning rub and a short cook time, you can have a mouth-watering meal that the whole family will love.

Seasoning and prep

The prep time for air fryer pork tenderloin is minimal, taking only 5–10 minutes. The seasoning and prep process is straightforward and simple.

Firstly, trim any 'silver skin' from the tenderloin. This is a thin membrane found on the surface of the meat. You can use a sharp knife to carefully peel it away.

Next, rub the tenderloin with a small amount of olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick to the meat and also helps to keep the juices in.

Now, it's time to add the seasoning. You can use a pre-made spice blend or make your own. A simple combination of salt and pepper will work, but you can also add dried thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, brown sugar, or dried oregano for extra flavour. Mix your chosen seasonings in a bowl, then rub the spice mixture generously over the tenderloin, making sure it is well coated.

Some recipes suggest creating a paste by mixing the olive oil with the spices and then coating the tenderloin with this mixture. This helps the seasoning stick to the meat and creates a delicious, crispy crust during cooking.

Once the tenderloin is seasoned, it's ready to be placed in the air fryer.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for pork tenderloin in an air fryer will depend on the weight of the meat and the temperature you want it cooked to.

The ideal temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F. To achieve this, you should cook the tenderloin for 16 to 22 minutes at 400°F. If your tenderloin is on the smaller side, 20 minutes should be enough. For larger cuts of meat, you might need the full 22 minutes, or perhaps a little longer.

If you want to get the best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. This is the most accurate way to tell if your meat is cooked to perfection.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and shape of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of the tenderloin. If your tenderloin is particularly thick, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Some recipes suggest cooking the tenderloin in two stages: first at 400°F for 10 minutes, and then at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes. This two-stage approach ensures that the meat is cooked evenly throughout.

Before cooking, you should trim the silver skin from the tenderloin and rub it with olive oil and seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne powder.

Once the tenderloin is cooked, it's important to let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender meat.

Resting the meat

After removing the pork tenderloin from the air fryer, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat, ensuring that it stays moist and flavourful. If you cut into the meat too soon, the juices will run out, and you will be left with dry meat.

The recommended resting time for pork tenderloin cooked in an air fryer is between three and ten minutes. This short period ensures that the meat stays warm, while giving the juices time to settle.

During the resting period, it is best to transfer the meat to a cutting board or plate. This allows the juices to collect, and they can then be poured over the sliced meat before serving for extra flavour and moisture.

The internal temperature of the pork tenderloin will also continue to rise while it rests. This is called "carryover cooking". It is important to take this into account when checking the doneness of the meat with a meat thermometer. The meat will continue to cook for a few minutes after being removed from the air fryer, so it is best to remove it from the heat source just before it reaches the desired internal temperature.

Storing and reheating

Storing

First, let the cooked pork tenderloin rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Then, place any leftover pork in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the cooked and cooled tenderloin in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Reheating

When you're ready to enjoy your tenderloin again, there are a few ways to reheat it. You can use a microwave, an air fryer, or even the oven.

Microwave

Place the tenderloin slices in the microwave and heat them for 20-30 seconds.

Air Fryer

If you want to use an air fryer, preheat it to 380ºF (193ºC). While it's preheating, prepare your leftover pork tenderloin by slicing it into medallions and placing them on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle a dash of chicken or vegetable stock over the slices to add moisture and flavour, then gently fold the foil to create a packet.

Place the foil-wrapped pork tenderloin packet into the air fryer and reheat at 380ºF (193ºC) for 5-10 minutes. If you want a crispy exterior, remove the medallions from the foil and air fry them uncovered at 400ºF (204ºC) for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF and place the seasoned pork on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, flipping the pork halfway through, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145ºF.

No matter which reheating method you choose, always make sure your pork tenderloin is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145ºF. Enjoy your juicy and tender pork tenderloin!

Customisation and serving suggestions

The beauty of pork tenderloin is that it's a versatile cut of meat that can be customised in a variety of ways.

Seasoning

When it comes to seasoning, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with a range of spices and herbs. Some popular options include smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, parsley, chilli powder, and cayenne for a little heat. You can also use pre-made spice blends or a Fajita or Chili seasoning mix for an extra kick. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combination!

Rubs and marinades

For a more intense flavour, try using a dry rub or marinade. A simple mixture of salt, pepper, and brown sugar will help promote browning and create a delicious crust. For something more complex, try a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. If you have time, you can even marinate the pork tenderloin in the refrigerator overnight to really enhance the flavour.

Sides and accompaniments

Pork tenderloin is a versatile main course that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Roasted or mashed potatoes (regular, sweet, or baby)
• Vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, green beans, or sautéed Brussels sprouts or broccolini
• Salads like a Mediterranean-inspired cucumber salad, avocado salsa, or a Caesar salad
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
• Applesauce—the perfect pairing with pork
• Glazed carrots for a sweet and buttery side

Storage and reheating

If you have any leftovers, pork tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months. To reheat, simply pop it back in the air fryer or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions