Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin: The Perfect Timing

Air fryers are a great way to cook pork tenderloin, a lean and versatile cut of meat. The intense heat of an air fryer is the perfect environment for cooking juicy pork tenderloin. The high-speed circulating heat keeps the meat tender and juicy on the inside, while the outside develops a crispy, golden-brown crust.

There are many different ways to season pork tenderloin, but most recipes agree that a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper is a great place to start.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your tenderloin, but most recipes recommend cooking at 400°F for 16-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

How to cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer:

• 1 pork tenderloin (1-1.5 lbs)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• Cayenne powder (optional)
• Ground mustard
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Cinnamon
• Fine sea salt

Steps to Cook

• Preparation: Cut off any "silver skin", a thin membrane usually found on part of the meat, using a sharp knife. Then, coat the pork tenderloin with olive oil and rub in the seasoning mix.
• Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 5 minutes.
• Air Fry: Once preheated, keep the temperature at 400°F, select the air fry setting, and set the time for 20-22 minutes for a medium-sized tenderloin. The key is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F at the center of the meat.
• Let it Rest: After cooking, carefully remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. Let it rest for 3-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• Bring the meat to room temperature before cooking for more even results.
• Always let the meat rest after cooking to retain moisture and juiciness.
• You can store leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or freeze it for 2-3 months.

How long to cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer

Preparation

Before cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer, it is important to prepare the meat. Firstly, trim the silver skin, a thin membrane from the tenderloin. Then, coat the meat with olive oil and rub in the seasoning.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. The cooking time will depend on the size of your tenderloin. For a 1-pound tenderloin, cook for 16-17 minutes. For a larger tenderloin, between 1 and 1.5 pounds, cook for 20-22 minutes. If your tenderloin is 2 pounds, you will need to cook it for 18-22 minutes.

Checking it's cooked

The best way to check if your pork tenderloin is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The FDA recommends that pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F. However, the temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests, so some recommend removing the pork from the air fryer when it reaches 135°F and letting it rest until it hits 145°F.

Resting

Resting the meat is critical to it tasting moist. While the meat rests, the juices reincorporate, so if you cut the meat too soon, it will be dry. Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to store leftover pork tenderloin

To store leftover pork tenderloin, use shallow, airtight containers. Place the tenderloin in the refrigerator immediately and consume it within three to four days. Alternatively, you can freeze leftover pork tenderloin for two to three months.

Refrigerating Leftover Pork Tenderloin

Leftover pork tenderloin should be stored in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within three to four days. Here are the steps to properly store it:

• Place the leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container. Shallow containers are preferable as they help the meat cool faster, inhibiting bacterial growth.
• Put the container in the refrigerator immediately.
• Consume the refrigerated pork within three to four days.
• Reheat the leftover pork to an internal temperature of at least 165°Fahrenheit before consuming.

Freezing Leftover Pork Tenderloin

If you don't plan to consume the leftover pork tenderloin within three to four days, it's best to freeze it. Here's how:

• Cut the leftover pork tenderloin into slices or discs if necessary to fit into containers.
• Place the slices in a tightly sealed, airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Label the package with the type of meat, date, and any other relevant information.
• Freeze the leftover pork tenderloin. It will last indefinitely in the freezer, but the flavor is best preserved for four to six months.
• To reheat frozen pork tenderloin, thaw it in the refrigerator, then warm it in the air fryer at 350°Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°Fahrenheit.

How to reheat pork tenderloin in an air fryer

Reheating pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Pork Tenderloin

Firstly, ensure that your air fryer is preheated to the appropriate temperature. Set it to around 350-400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare your leftover pork tenderloin. Cut the tenderloin into slices or pieces that will fit comfortably in the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Reheat the Pork Tenderloin

Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the sliced pork tenderloin into the basket. Reheat the pork for a few minutes at a time, starting with around 3 minutes. Check the temperature and doneness of the pork after each interval, adding another minute or two as needed. Be careful not to overheat or overcook the pork, as this can lead to dryness.

Step 3: Rest and Serve

Once the pork tenderloin has reached your desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and settle, ensuring that your pork stays moist and juicy. After resting, your pork tenderloin is ready to be served and enjoyed!

Tips for Optimal Results:

• It is recommended to reheat the pork tenderloin at a lower temperature than the initial cooking temperature. This helps prevent overcooking and ensures the meat stays juicy.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Space out the slices of pork tenderloin to allow for even heating.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. This will help you gauge how much additional time is needed for reheating.
• For best results, aim for an internal temperature of around 145°F.

How to prepare pork tenderloin for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to prepare pork tenderloin for the air fryer:

• Pork tenderloin (1 pound is ideal, but you can use a larger tenderloin and cut it in half if needed)
• Olive oil
• Spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, seasoning salt, black pepper, etc.)
• Cooking spray (optional)

Steps

• Trim any silver skin or excess fat from the tenderloin. This is a thin membrane that can be peeled away with a sharp knife.
• Pat the pork dry with paper towels. This will ensure a good sear on the meat.
• Mix your chosen spices and seasonings in a bowl. You can use a premade blend or create your own combination.
• Rub the tenderloin with olive oil. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat.
• Generously coat the tenderloin with the spice mixture. Make sure to rub it in well and pack on the seasonings.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. It's important for the air fryer to be hot before adding the meat to get that crispy crust.
• Lightly grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil. This will prevent the pork from sticking.
• Place the tenderloin in the basket, ensuring it lays flat and straight. You may need to cut it in half if it's too large.
• Cook the pork tenderloin for 16-22 minutes, depending on its size. For smaller tenderloins, aim for 16-17 minutes, and for larger ones, go for 20-22 minutes.
• Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer. It should reach 145°F when measured at the center.
• Remove the tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier meat.

Tips

• Bring the pork to room temperature about 30 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.
• Avoid overcooking the pork tenderloin, as it is a lean cut of meat and can dry out easily.
• Let the meat rest after air frying to ensure it stays juicy and moist.
• You can pair air fryer pork tenderloin with various side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, salads, grains, or potatoes.

Frequently asked questions