Emilie Meyer
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious, inexpensive meal for the whole family. The high heat of the air fryer coupled with its quick cooking time makes for a tasty, juicy tenderloin with very little effort. This lean cut of meat is best cooked for a short time at a high temperature, making it perfect for the air fryer.
There are a few different ways to cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer, depending on the weight of the meat and the temperature setting. Some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F for 20 minutes, while others recommend 350°F for 30 minutes. It is also important to note that pork tenderloin should not be confused with pork loin, which is a different cut of meat and requires a different cooking method.
One of the most important things to consider when cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is to ensure that the meat is not overcooked. It should be removed from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and allowed to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will ensure that the meat is juicy and tender.
Cooking Hatfield Pork Tenderloin in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 330°F to 400°F |
| Time | 12-14 minutes per pound, 16-25 minutes, or 33-38 minutes for frozen tenderloin |
| Internal Temperature | 145°F-150°F |
| Resting Time | 3-10 minutes |
| Marinade | Olive oil, dijon mustard-glazed oil, or a dry rub with brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne |
| Sides | Roasted vegetables, roasted baby potatoes, or a side salad |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your pork tenderloin cooks evenly and efficiently. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you create the ideal environment for cooking juicy and tender pork tenderloin. This temperature is perfect for achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining a moist and flavourful interior.
To preheat your air fryer to 400°F, start by turning on your appliance and setting the desired temperature. Allow it to heat up for a few minutes until it reaches the set temperature. Most modern air fryers will have a preheat setting, making this process straightforward and convenient. This step is crucial, as it ensures your pork tenderloin cooks evenly and efficiently.
The preheating process is especially important when cooking pork tenderloin, as it is a lean cut of meat. Lean meats like pork tenderloin benefit from the high heat and even cooking environment of an air fryer. By preheating to 400°F, you create the ideal conditions for cooking juicy and tender pork. This temperature range ensures that the exterior of the meat develops a delicious crust while the interior remains moist and tender.
Additionally, preheating your air fryer helps to reduce the overall cooking time. Once the desired temperature is reached, you can immediately place your seasoned pork tenderloin into the air fryer basket and begin the cooking process. This saves time and ensures that your pork tenderloin is cooked efficiently and safely. Remember to always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your pork tenderloin, aiming for a reading of 145°F to ensure food safety.
By following these simple steps and preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you'll be well on your way to cooking delicious and juicy pork tenderloin that your family and friends will surely enjoy.
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Marinate the pork for up to 5 days
Marinating your pork is a great way to add flavour and moisture to the meat before cooking. Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat, which means it is easy to overcook and can become dry, so marinating can help to keep it juicy and tender.
There are many different options for marinades, but a common theme is the use of brown sugar. This is because the sugar caramelises while the pork cooks, creating a crispy outer layer and adding a sweet flavour. Other ingredients that can be used in marinades include olive oil, onion, garlic, mustard, honey, Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, chilli powder, thyme, and spices such as paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt and pepper.
You can marinate the pork for up to 12 hours, but some recipes suggest that even 30 minutes to 2 hours is enough to add flavour to the meat. If you are looking to add moisture to the pork, it is best to marinate it for longer. However, if you are simply looking to add flavour, a shorter marinating time will be sufficient.
One important thing to note is that marinades may not add much flavour to the meat if it is going to be cooked in a slow cooker, as the fatty juices will be sweated out during the cooking process.
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Cook for 12-14 minutes per pound
To cook a juicy and tender pork tenderloin in an air fryer, you should allow 12-14 minutes of cooking time per pound of meat. This means that a typical tenderloin weighing just over 1 pound will be ready in about 12-16 minutes. For a 1 1/4 pound tenderloin, you should allow 15-18 minutes.
It is important to remember that the cooking time will vary depending on the weight of your tenderloin, so you should adjust the cooking time by a couple of minutes if your tenderloin is smaller or larger. For example, a small tenderloin of around 1 pound will take about 12-14 minutes, while a larger tenderloin of 1.5 pounds will take about 18-21 minutes.
You should also take into account that different air fryers and their settings can affect cooking times. Therefore, it is recommended to check the pork early to ensure it doesn't overcook. The best way to check if your pork is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin and ensure an internal temperature of 145°F. It is best to remove the pork from the air fryer when it reaches a few degrees below 145°F as the temperature will continue to rise while the meat is resting.
To get a nice browning on the outside of the pork, you can set the temperature of your air fryer to 400°F. However, if you are cooking frozen pork tenderloin, a lower temperature of 330°F is recommended, and the cooking time will be longer, around 33-38 minutes.
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Rest for 5 minutes before slicing
Allowing your Hatfield pork tenderloin to rest for 5 minutes before slicing is crucial for a juicy and tender outcome. During this resting period, the meat reabsorbs its juices, ensuring that they don't escape when you cut into it. This step is essential for achieving that mouthwatering, tender texture that air-fried pork tenderloin is known for.
The resting phase also gives you an opportunity to finish preparing any side dishes or final touches for your meal. You can roast some colourful vegetables or prepare a fresh salad to accompany your pork tenderloin. This way, you can ensure that your entire meal is ready to be served together, creating a well-rounded dining experience.
Moreover, the resting period allows you to confirm that your pork tenderloin is cooked to perfection. You can use this time to check the internal temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature range for pork tenderloin is between 145°F and 150°F, measured at the thickest part of the meat. This step ensures food safety and gives you peace of mind.
Finally, the resting period allows you to collect the juices that accumulate during this time. Don't discard these juices! Instead, you can drizzle them over the sliced meat before serving, amplifying the flavour and moisture of your Hatfield pork tenderloin. This simple step can elevate your dish, making it even more delectable.
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Save juices to serve over the meat
When cooking Hatfield pork tenderloin in an air fryer, it's important to consider the cooking time and temperature to ensure the meat is juicy and tender. The air fryer's high heat and quick cooking time make it a suitable cooking method for this lean cut of pork.
To cook Hatfield pork tenderloin in an air fryer, preheat the appliance to 400°F. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your tenderloin. As a guide, cook the tenderloin for 12-14 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. For a 1.25-pound tenderloin, this will take around 16-17 minutes. If your tenderloin is larger or smaller, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Now, for the important part: saving the juices to serve over the meat. Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful final product.
While the meat rests, you can prepare a simple sauce by using the juices that have collected in the air fryer basket. Deglaze the basket by adding a small amount of liquid such as water, broth, or wine, and scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer the mixture for a few minutes to reduce and intensify the flavors. You can also add herbs, spices, or butter to enhance the flavor of the sauce. Drizzle this sauce over the sliced pork tenderloin before serving, adding an extra burst of flavor and moisture to the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 16 to 25 minutes to cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer.
Set the air fryer to 400°F.
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin has reached 145°F.
Let the pork tenderloin rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow it to reabsorb the juices.
If your pork tenderloin is too big to fit in the air fryer, you can cut it in half. This will not change the cooking time.
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