Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin: Cooking Time Perfection

how long to cook pork tenderloin air fryer

Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a great way to get juicy, tender meat with a crispy golden-brown crust. It's a quick and easy way to cook this lean cut of meat, and you can add your own choice of seasonings and spices to create your perfect flavour profile. The cooking time will depend on the size of your tenderloin and the type of air fryer you're using, but on average, it should take between 15 and 22 minutes to cook.

Characteristics Values
Cooking time 15-22 minutes
Temperature 325-400°F
Resting time 3-10 minutes
Internal temperature 145-160°F
Seasonings Brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, olive oil
Other ingredients Oil, Worcestershire sauce, dried herbs, chili powder, cayenne, chili seasoning, fajita seasoning
Calories 261kcal
Carbohydrates 1g
Protein 33g
Fat 12.7g

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Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It helps the pork tenderloin cook evenly and ensures a crispy crust. To preheat your air fryer to 400°F, start by setting the appliance to this temperature. You can then grease the air fryer basket with oil or a non-aerosol cooking spray. This will help prevent the pork from sticking to the basket and make cleaning easier.

Once you have set the temperature and prepared the basket, you can let the air fryer preheat for around 5 minutes. This will ensure that the air fryer is hot enough to cook the pork tenderloin effectively. While the air fryer is preheating, you can use this time to prepare the pork tenderloin. This includes trimming any silver skin or excess fat from the meat, patting it dry with paper towels, and rubbing it with olive oil to help the seasoning stick.

You can also use this time to mix and prepare your chosen seasonings. A variety of seasoning combinations can be used, such as brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Mix your chosen seasonings in a bowl and coat the tenderloin generously.

After the air fryer has preheated to 400°F and you have prepared the pork tenderloin, you can place the meat into the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the tenderloin lays flat and straight in the basket for even cooking. At this point, you can set the timer and let the air fryer do its magic!

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Cooking time: 20-22 minutes

Cooking a pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a great way to get juicy and tender meat with a crispy golden-brown crust. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloin and the model of the air fryer, but a cooking time of 20-22 minutes is typical for a 1-pound tenderloin.

First, trim any silver skin or excess fat from the tenderloin. Pat the pork dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear, then rub olive oil or another oil over the pork to help the seasoning stick. Mix your choice of seasonings in a bowl—a common combination includes brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Coat the tenderloin with the seasoning mixture.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket at a diagonal angle so that it lays flat and straight. Set the timer for 20-22 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin. For a smaller tenderloin, go with 20 minutes, and for a larger one, go with 22 minutes.

When the air fryer cycle is complete, carefully remove the pork tenderloin and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and juicy meat. Check the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin with an instant-read thermometer—it should be 145°F at the center of the meat.

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Internal temperature: 145°F

To ensure your pork tenderloin is cooked to a safe temperature, it should reach an internal temperature of 145°F. The time this will take depends on the size of the tenderloin and the model of the air fryer. Most pork tenderloins are between 1 and 1.5 pounds, and you may need to cut a larger tenderloin in half to fit in the air fryer.

One recipe recommends cooking a 1-pound tenderloin at 400°F for 8 minutes, rotating it, and then cooking for another 7 to 10 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's important to check the meat often to ensure it's not overcooked. You can check the temperature at the 8-minute mark and add time as needed.

Another recipe recommends cooking at 370°F for 15 minutes, flipping the tenderloin, and then cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

A third option is to cook at 400°F for 12 minutes, flipping, and then cooking for another 10 to 12 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin reads an internal temperature of 145°F.

Once the tenderloin reaches the desired internal temperature, it's important to let the meat rest before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy piece of meat. The recommended resting time is 3 to 10 minutes.

To ensure your pork tenderloin is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F, it's best to use a meat thermometer. This will guarantee that the meat is cooked thoroughly while maintaining its juiciness.

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Resting time: 5-10 minutes

After removing the pork tenderloin from the air fryer, it is important to let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into it. This is a crucial step as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy piece of meat. If you cut into the meat too soon, the juices will run out, leaving you with dry meat.

The resting time also gives you an opportunity to check the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin. It is recommended that pork tenderloin be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat while still maintaining its juiciness. An instant-read thermometer or a meat thermometer can be used to check the temperature. If the temperature is below 145°F, you can return the pork tenderloin to the air fryer and cook it for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired temperature.

During the resting time, you can also prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with the pork tenderloin. Some popular side dishes include roasted red potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, vegetables, and salads. You can also make a gravy to serve with the pork tenderloin.

Additionally, the resting time allows you to clean up any mess made during the preparation and cooking process. It gives you a few minutes to relax and prepare for the final steps of slicing and serving the pork tenderloin.

Overall, the resting time of 5 to 10 minutes is an essential step in the process of cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer. It ensures that the meat is juicy and tender, and it gives you time to prepare the final details before serving a delicious meal.

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Seasoning: brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper

To cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, trim the silver skin from the tenderloin and pat the pork dry with paper towels.

For the seasoning, mix together brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. You can also add dried parsley, onion powder, and a dash of cayenne for extra heat. Rub the tenderloin with olive oil or another cooking oil to help the seasoning stick, then coat the tenderloin with the spice mixture.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the tenderloin in the basket, ensuring it lays flat. Set the timer for 20-22 minutes for a 1-1.5 lb tenderloin. For smaller tenderloins, go with 20 minutes, and for larger ones, 22 minutes. You can also start with 8 minutes, check and turn the tenderloin, then cook for another 7-10 minutes. The key is to get an internal temperature of 145°F when measured at the center of the meat with an instant-read thermometer.

When the air fryer cycle is complete, carefully remove the tenderloin and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy pork.

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Frequently asked questions

It takes around 20-25 minutes to cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer.

Set your air fryer to 400°F.

Let the pork tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

The pork tenderloin should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

Yes, you can cook frozen pork tenderloin in an air fryer. Just be sure to thaw the meat completely before seasoning and cooking it.

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