Cody Casey
Pork medallions are a lean, tender, and juicy cut of meat that can be cooked in an air fryer. The air fryer's convection fan circulates hot air around the food, reducing cooking time and ensuring even cooking. The trick to air frying pork medallions is to oil and season the meat adequately, preventing dryness and ensuring flavour. The cooking time for pork medallions in an air fryer is approximately 10-13 minutes at 200°C/390°F, depending on the thickness of the cut. For thicker medallions, increase the cooking time, and always ensure the pork is cooked through by checking the colour and temperature of the meat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cut of Pork | Pork tenderloin medallions |
| Slice Thickness | 2cm or 1" |
| Oil | Neutral-flavoured vegetable oil, or any standard cooking oil |
| Seasoning | Salt is essential; other suggestions include garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, pepper, and citrus juice |
| Temperature | 200°C/390°F or 375°F |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes, then 3 minutes after turning the medallions over, or 5 minutes, then 4-6 minutes after turning |
| Internal Temperature | 145°F |
| Rest Time | 3-5 minutes |
| Reheat Time | 3 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Oil and seasoning
Pork medallions are a very lean cut of meat and can dry out easily, so it's important to use oil when cooking them in an air fryer. The oil helps keep the meat moist and juicy, and it also ensures that the seasoning is distributed evenly. You can use any standard cooking oil, such as olive oil, vegetable oil, or another neutral-flavoured oil. Choose an oil that pairs well with your chosen seasoning and flavourings. For example, garlic, salt, and rosemary go well with olive oil, while sea salt and black pepper are better suited to vegetable oil.
When it comes to seasoning, the possibilities are endless. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with spices, dried or fresh herbs, and citrus juice. Just remember that salt is a must! You can also experiment with different seasoning mixes, such as garlic salt and paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, ground mustard, or even a dash of cayenne for some heat. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try wrapping your pork medallions in bacon before cooking them in the air fryer for a crispy exterior and juicy centre.
To oil and season your pork medallions, start by drizzling the oil over the meat and tossing to coat thoroughly. Then, sprinkle your chosen seasoning mixture over the meat and rub it in to ensure an even coating. Make sure to oil and season all sides of the meat for the best results.
Once your pork medallions are prepared, place them into the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each slice to allow the hot air to circulate. Now you're ready to start cooking!
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Slicing and preparation
Slicing the Pork Tenderloin:
Start by slicing the pork tenderloin into medallions. The goal is to have evenly sized medallions to ensure consistent cooking. Cut the tenderloin in half lengthwise, then cut each half in half again, and finally, slice each quarter in half. This will give you evenly sized medallions that will cook evenly.
Thickness of Medallions:
The ideal thickness for pork medallions is around 2 cm (or 1 inch). This thickness is standard for cooking times in most recipes. If you prefer thicker medallions, simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thicker cuts will require a little longer to cook through.
Marinade Preparation:
Pork medallions benefit from marinating to enhance their flavour. In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine olive oil, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk or mix these ingredients until well combined and emulsified. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, rosemary, or citrus juice to your marinade.
Marinating the Pork:
Place the sliced pork medallions into a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade into the bag, ensuring that all the medallions are well coated. You can also add the marinade and pork to a bowl and toss to coat. Once the pork is thoroughly coated, you can place it in the refrigerator to marinate for as little as 30 minutes to up to 24 hours for more intense flavour.
Oil and Seasoning:
Before cooking, drizzle oil over the medallions and sprinkle with your desired seasoning. You can use a neutral-flavoured vegetable oil or choose an oil that complements your seasoning, such as olive oil or garlic-infused oil. Don't skimp on the oil, as it helps prevent the pork from drying out and promotes even cooking.
Air Fryer Preparation:
Place the oiled and seasoned medallions into the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each slice for proper air circulation. If your air fryer requires pre-heating, set it to the desired temperature now. For best results, ensure your air fryer is clean and free of any residue from previous cooking sessions.
Remember, pork medallions are a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and serving options to find your favourite way to enjoy them!
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for pork medallions in an air fryer will depend on the thickness of the cut and the number of medallions being cooked. It is recommended to cut the pork fillet into medallions of roughly the same size before cooking to ensure even cooking.
For 2cm/1" thick medallions, cook at 200°C/390°F for 10 minutes, turn the medallions over, then cook for a further 3 minutes at the same temperature. Check that the pork is cooked through by making a cut and ensuring the meat is nearly white in the centre of the thickest part.
For thicker medallions, increase the cooking time accordingly. For example, for medallions that are 2" thick, cook at 375°F for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
If you are cooking a whole tenderloin, the cooking time will be longer. Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 5 minutes. Once preheated, keep the temperature at 400°F, select the air fry setting, and set the time for 20-22 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin. The key is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F when measured at the centre of the meat with an instant-read thermometer.
It is recommended to let the pork rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and tender final product.
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Reheating
To reheat, the general rule of thumb is to cook the medallions for around one-third of the original cooking time at the same temperature. For example, if you initially cooked the pork medallions for 13 minutes, reheat them in the air fryer for around 4-5 minutes at the same temperature. Check that they are piping hot all the way through by making a small cut in the thickest part of the meat, it should appear nearly white when cooked through. If not, return to the air fryer and cook for a few more minutes.
Alternatively, you can wrap the medallions in aluminum foil and reheat in the air fryer for about 3 minutes. This method helps to retain moisture and prevent the meat from drying out.
It is worth noting that reheating times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the medallions, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for your particular air fryer model. Additionally, you can also reheat pork medallions in the microwave or in a pan on the stove if desired.
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Serving suggestions
Pork medallion steaks are lean, so they benefit from a quick cook in the air fryer. You can adapt the seasoning and flavouring to your preference, but it's important to oil the meat and not the air fryer to prevent the oil from burning and creating smoke.
You can serve your pork medallions hot or cold. Try slicing them on top of a bowl of ramen, or stuff them into a soft buttered baguette. You can also add them to a simple salad, or serve with rice and roasted vegetables.
If you're looking for a more indulgent side, potatoes are a popular choice. Try mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even mac & cheese. For a healthier option, serve with broccoli, mushrooms, onions, or green beans.
For a date night, bacon-wrapped pork medallions are a great option. This dish looks beautiful and sophisticated but doesn't require hours of preparation. Wrap a slice of bacon around each pork medallion and secure it with a toothpick. Sprinkle with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, then cook in the air fryer for a crispy exterior and tender centre.
If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave with a drop of water to prevent the pork from drying out, or wrap the slices in foil and reheat in the air fryer for about three minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on the thickness of the medallions. For 2cm medallions, cook for 10 minutes at 200C/390F, then turn the medallions over and cook for another 3 minutes at the same temperature.
The recommended temperature is 200C/390F.
Make a cut in the thickest part of the meat and check that the centre is nearly white. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F.
Yes, you can reheat pork medallions in an air fryer for around 3-5 minutes at 200C/390F. Make sure the meat is piping hot all the way through before serving.
You can use any standard cooking oil that goes well with your chosen seasoning. Some options include vegetable oil, olive oil, or garlic oil.
