Cody Casey
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy and tender piece of meat on the table in under 30 minutes. The key to getting the perfect result is to ensure the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, creating a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the meat moist on the inside.
The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the tenderloin and the specific air fryer being used, but on average, it will take around 15-25 minutes to cook two pork tenderloins in an air fryer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 370°F to 400°F |
| Cooking temperature | 350°F to 400°F |
| Cooking time | 15 to 25 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145°F to 160°F |
| Resting time | 3 to 10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your pork tenderloin gets a nice seared crust and gives the meat the longest time at the highest temperature. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F-400°F for 5 minutes.
If you are cooking a larger piece of meat, you may need to preheat your air fryer for longer than 5 minutes. This will ensure that the outside of the pork tenderloin gets crispy and the inside stays juicy. You can also use this time to prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with your meal.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your pork tenderloin by trimming any excess fat or silver skin and coating it with olive oil and your chosen seasonings. This will ensure that the meat is ready to go as soon as the air fryer reaches the desired temperature.
Once the air fryer is preheated, you can place the pork tenderloin inside and set the timer for the desired cooking time. Depending on the size of your meat, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure that your pork tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
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Prepare the pork tenderloin
Preparing the pork tenderloin is a simple process. First, remove the tenderloin from the refrigerator and pat it dry with a paper towel. Next, trim any excess fat or silver skin from the tenderloin using a sharp knife. This step ensures that the meat cooks evenly and helps create a crispy exterior.
Now it's time to season the pork. In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and herbs. A classic combination includes salt, brown sugar, pepper, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder. You can also add a dash of cayenne for some heat. Mix these dry ingredients well. Then, brush or rub olive oil over the entire surface of the tenderloin. This step helps the spices adhere to the meat.
Once the tenderloin is coated in oil, it's time to apply the spice mixture. Generously sprinkle the spice mixture over the tenderloin, ensuring it covers all surfaces. Gently press or rub the spices into the meat to ensure they stick.
At this point, your pork tenderloin is almost ready for the air fryer. If your tenderloin is too large to fit comfortably in the air fryer basket, cut it into halves or slices that will fit with some space between them. This step ensures even cooking.
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Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes
To cook two pork tenderloins in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the pork tenderloins by coating them with olive oil and a spice rub. You can make your own spice rub by mixing salt, brown sugar, pepper, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought spice rub.
Once the air fryer has preheated, place the two tenderloins in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between them. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the pork tenderloins for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the pork tenderloins and reduce the temperature to 350°F. Continue cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of each tenderloin reaches at least 145°F.
When the pork tenderloins are cooked to the desired temperature, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a cutting board. Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps trap the juices inside, resulting in juicy and tender pork tenderloins.
Cooking two pork tenderloins in an air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes, followed by an additional 10 to 15 minutes at 350°F, will ensure they are cooked thoroughly while remaining juicy and tender. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the tenderloins, so it is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed.
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Flip and cook for another 10-15 minutes
So, you've prepped your pork tenderloin, trimmed the fat, and rubbed it with a delicious spice mix. You've preheated your air fryer to 400°F and placed the tenderloin inside. Now, you're ready to start cooking.
Depending on the size of your tenderloin, you'll want to cook it for a total of 20-25 minutes. For smaller tenderloins, 20 minutes should be enough, while larger ones may need the full 25 minutes. But don't just set it and forget it! After the first 10 minutes, you'll want to flip your tenderloin. This ensures even cooking and browning.
Now, flip your tenderloin and adjust the temperature to 350°F. You'll want to cook it at this temperature for another 10-15 minutes. This is the key step to getting that perfect, juicy, tender pork tenderloin. You're looking for an internal temperature of 145°F, which you can check with a meat thermometer. This is the temperature at which your pork will be cooked safely while still remaining juicy.
Once your tenderloin has reached this temperature, it's time to take it out of the air fryer and let it rest. Don't skip this step! Letting the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.
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Rest for 5 minutes
Resting your pork tenderloin for 5 minutes after air frying is a crucial step in the cooking process. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy piece of pork. It is important to note that the pork will continue to cook even after being removed from the air fryer, so it is crucial to take this into account when determining the ideal cooking time.
During the resting period, the pork tenderloin should be removed from the air fryer and placed on a plate or cutting board. This allows the meat to cool down slightly before slicing. Leaving the meat to rest for a few minutes ensures that the juices, which have been drawn to the centre of the meat during cooking, have time to flow back towards the exterior, keeping the pork moist and flavourful.
The resting period also provides an opportunity to check the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin. It is important to ensure that the meat has reached a safe-to-eat temperature of 145°F. A meat thermometer can be used to accurately measure the internal temperature, ensuring that the pork is fully cooked and safe to consume.
Additionally, the resting period allows time for the air fryer to cool down slightly before any leftover juices or drippings are collected. These juices can be used to create a delicious gravy or sauce to accompany the pork tenderloin. By resting the meat, you can take advantage of these natural juices, enhancing the overall flavour and presentation of the dish.
Finally, the resting period gives you time to prepare any side dishes or finalise the plating of the meal. Pork tenderloin is often served with roasted vegetables, potatoes, or salads, and the resting time ensures that all components of the meal are ready simultaneously, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time depends on the weight of the tenderloin. For a 1.5-pound tenderloin, cooking time is 22 minutes at 400°F. For a 2-pound tenderloin, cooking time is 24 to 36 minutes at 370°F.
The air fryer temperature should be set to 400°F.
The pork tenderloin is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
