Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin: The Perfect Rotisserie Time

Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender piece of meat. With just 5 minutes of prep and about 20-25 minutes of cooking, you can have a mouthwatering dish on your dinner table in under 30 minutes. The key to cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is to get an internal temperature of 145°F, creating a flavorful crust on the outside and a moist interior. The high heat of the air fryer means that the pork tenderloin cooks quickly, reducing the chance of it drying out, and creating a nice brown crust.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. By preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes, you create the ideal environment for your pork tenderloin to cook evenly and efficiently. This step ensures that your air fryer reaches the desired temperature before the meat is introduced, allowing for precise cooking.

When it comes to cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer, temperature control is crucial. Preheating the air fryer to 400°F ensures that the cooking process begins at a high temperature, which is essential for achieving the desired crust and browning on the exterior of the meat. This initial high heat will also help seal in the juices, keeping the pork tenderloin moist and tender.

The preheat function on your air fryer is designed to bring the cooking chamber to the set temperature before you start cooking. By setting it to 400°F for 5 minutes, you are giving the air fryer enough time to reach and stabilize at the desired temperature. This step is especially important when cooking meat, as it helps prevent undercooking or uneven cooking.

Additionally, preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes helps ensure food safety. Pork tenderloin should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F to destroy harmful bacteria. By preheating your air fryer, you create a cooking environment that is more likely to achieve this safe internal temperature, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Finally, preheating your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes can help improve the overall cooking experience. It allows you to prepare the pork tenderloin, gather any necessary tools or ingredients, and set up your workspace while the air fryer reaches the desired temperature. This way, you can focus on cooking without worrying about temperature fluctuations or waiting for the air fryer to heat up during the cooking process.

Cook at 400°F for 20 -22 minutes

To cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer rotisserie, start by coating the meat with a rub. You can make your own rub by mixing dry ingredients such as salt, brown sugar, pepper, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder. You can also add olive oil to the rub.

After coating the tenderloin with the rub, place it in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 20-22 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloin. For a small-sized tenderloin, cook for 20 minutes, and for a larger piece of meat, cook for 22 minutes. The key is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F when measured at the center of the meat with an instant-read thermometer.

Once the cooking is done, carefully remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. Let the meat rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender.

Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare this delicious meal. The high heat of the air fryer circulates around the roast, creating a nice brown crust and locking in the juices, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

Check the internal temperature is 145°F

Checking the internal temperature of your pork tenderloin is crucial to ensure it is cooked perfectly. The internal temperature should reach 145°F to be considered safe to eat. Using an instant-read or internal meat thermometer, you can accurately determine when your meat is ready. Insert the probe into the centre of the tenderloin, halfway through the thickest part.

The time it takes to reach this temperature will vary depending on the size of your tenderloin and the temperature of your air fryer. Most pork tenderloins weigh between 1 and 1.5 lbs, and for these, you should air fry at 400°F for 20-22 minutes. However, if your tenderloin is larger, you may need to increase the cooking time.

It is important to note that the internal temperature will continue to rise even after you remove the meat from the air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to let the meat rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender final product.

To achieve a flavorful crust and moist interior, some recipes suggest searing the pork tenderloin before air frying. This can be done by brushing the tenderloin with olive oil and sprinkling a spice mixture over it. Then, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes before flipping and reducing the temperature to 350°F for the remaining cooking time.

By following these instructions and closely monitoring the internal temperature, you can ensure your pork tenderloin cooked in an air fryer is both safe and delicious.

Rest the meat for 3-5 minutes

Resting the meat is an important step in the cooking process. After removing your pork tenderloin from the air fryer, place it on a plate or cutting board and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring your meat is juicy and tender.

During this time, the meat's internal temperature will continue to rise several degrees. This is a good time to make a simple gravy by adding a cup of chicken broth to a saucepan, along with any juices that have collected on the plate or in the air fryer pan. You can also add in any remaining seasoning rub mix to enhance the flavour.

If you are making a rotisserie-style pork tenderloin, carefully remove the clips and slide the roast off the rotisserie spit before letting it rest. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly and remains moist.

The resting time is also a good opportunity to prepare any side dishes or garnishes to accompany your pork tenderloin. Fresh broccoli and roasted baby potatoes are excellent choices to serve alongside this dish.

Make a gravy with the juices

Making gravy with the juices, or drippings, from your pork tenderloin is a great way to add flavour to your meal. The juices from your air fryer rotisserie pork tenderloin can be used to make a delicious gravy in just 10 minutes.

Firstly, you will need to collect the juices from the cooked pork tenderloin. Depending on how much juice you have, you may need to supplement it with some broth. Chicken broth is a good option, but you can also use pork or vegetable stock. If you want to make a larger batch of gravy, you can add more broth or stock to increase the volume.

Next, you will need to create a roux to thicken the gravy. To do this, melt a couple of tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the same amount of flour and stir together until combined. You can also add any spices you like at this stage. Continue to cook and stir the mixture for 2-3 minutes.

Now it's time to add the juices. Slowly pour in the juices from the pork tenderloin, stirring continuously to combine. If you are using a whisk, this will help to reduce any lumps and create a smooth and creamy gravy.

Finally, season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a little bit of butter at the end for extra flavour and glossiness. Serve the gravy hot and enjoy!

If you want to make a gluten-free gravy, you can substitute cornstarch for the flour. Simply mix the cornstarch with some water or stock to create a slurry before adding it to the hot liquid. This will result in a glossy, thickened gravy without the need for flour.

Frequently asked questions