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 piece of meat. The high-speed circulating heat of the air fryer means that the pork stays juicy on the inside, while the outside gets nice and crispy.

There are many different seasoning mixtures that work well with pork tenderloin, but they usually include olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Some recipes also include brown sugar, which caramelizes to create a flavour explosion.

To cook a pork tenderloin in an air fryer, first trim the silver skin and coat the meat in olive oil and seasoning. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and then cook the pork for 20-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Once it's cooked, let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 pound pork tenderloin
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Brown sugar
• Cayenne powder (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Remove the silver skin from the tenderloin.
• Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl.
• Rub the tenderloin with olive oil and then rub the seasoning mixture all over.
• Place the tenderloin in the air fryer and cook for 16-22 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• Remove the tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• You can use a larger tenderloin but you may need to cut it in half to fit in the air fryer or cook it for a little longer.
• If you want to add some extra flavour, try marinating the tenderloin before cooking.
• Always let the meat rest before slicing to ensure it stays juicy.

How long to cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer depends on the weight of the meat and the temperature of the air fryer.

Preparation

Before cooking, trim the silver skin from the tenderloin. You can also cut the tenderloin in half to ensure it fits in the air fryer. Some recipes also suggest coating the tenderloin in oil and/or a spice rub.

Cooking Time

Most sources recommend cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer for 16 to 22 minutes. However, this depends on the weight of the tenderloin. One source suggests that pork tenderloin only needs 11 to 14 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400 °F. If your tenderloin is larger than 1.5 pounds, you'll need to add time to the recipe. Estimate between 18 and 22 minutes to air fry a 2-pound tenderloin.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is 400 °F.

Resting

It is important to let the meat rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender piece. Let the cooked tenderloin rest for 3 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

What temperature to cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer

To cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloin. For a small tenderloin, cook for 20 minutes. For a larger tenderloin, cook for 22 minutes. The key is to get an internal temperature of 145°F when measured at the centre of the meat with an instant-read thermometer.

Let the cooked pork tenderloin rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing.

How to store leftover pork tenderloin

To store leftover pork tenderloin, it is important to act quickly to prevent the growth of bacteria. The USDA advises that pork be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any bacteria. After cooking, you should store the pork within one to two hours, or within an hour if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the leftover pork in a airtight container and put it in the refrigerator immediately.

Leftover pork tenderloin will stay fresh in the refrigerator for around three to four days. If you don't plan to eat the leftovers within this time, you can freeze it. Cut the meat into slices and place them in a tightly sealed, airtight container or a freezer bag. Make sure to press out any excess air from the bag before sealing. Properly stored, the pork tenderloin will maintain its best quality in the freezer for about two to three months, but it can be kept safely beyond this time.

When you're ready to eat your frozen leftover pork tenderloin, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or consuming it. Reheat the slices in the air fryer for a few minutes at a time, starting with three minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and adding a minute or two at a time as needed.

It is important to note that bacteria can develop on pork if it is left out at room temperature, so always store leftovers promptly and never leave leftover pork to cool on the counter. Additionally, be sure to label the package of leftover pork with the type of meat, date, and any other relevant information before refrigerating or freezing.

How to reheat pork tenderloin

Reheating pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a great way to preserve the flavor and texture of your meat. The rapid hot air circulation ensures even reheating, while the crispy exterior is a delightful bonus. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat pork tenderloin in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer

Set your air fryer to 380ºF (193ºC). If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, set it to 380°F (193°C) and let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food. If you're using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller, reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) as they run hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.

Step 2: Prepare the leftover pork tenderloin

Slice the leftover pork tenderloin into medallions or cut it into your desired size. Place the slices on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle a dash of chicken or vegetable stock over the pork to add moisture and flavor. You can also use any remaining juices from when you initially cooked the pork. Gently fold the foil to create a packet, sealing in the juices and flavor.

Step 3: Reheat the pork tenderloin

Place the foil-wrapped pork tenderloin packet into the air fryer basket. Reheat at 380ºF (193ºC) for 5-10 minutes. If you're reheating multiple slices, you may need to do this in batches.

Step 4: Unwrap and crisp the pork (optional)

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.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy!

Once your pork tenderloin slices are heated to your liking, plate them up and drizzle any remaining juices from the foil packet over the meat for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your tender and flavorful pork tenderloin!

Tips for reheating pork tenderloin in an air fryer:

• Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions before reheating to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.
• Experiment with different sauces or marinades to enhance the flavor of your reheated pork tenderloin.
• Always use tongs or heat-resistant gloves when handling the hot foil packet and pork medallions.

Frequently asked questions