Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking pork tenderloin medallions in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. The medallions are cooked for around 10 minutes, depending on the temperature of the air fryer, and can be seasoned and flavoured to your liking. This article will explore the best ways to cook pork tenderloin medallions in an air fryer, including the ideal cooking time and temperature, as well as tips for achieving the perfect crispy exterior and tender centre.

Cooking time for sliced pork tenderloin vs whole tenderloin

Cooking sliced pork tenderloin in an air fryer is quicker than cooking a whole tenderloin. Sliced tenderloin takes around 8-11 minutes to cook, whereas a whole tenderloin will take longer.

When cooking sliced pork tenderloin, it's important to leave a little space between each slice so the air can circulate. You should also pat the meat dry before cooking and preheat the air fryer to 390 or 400°F for 5 minutes. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the pork in the basket and cook for 4 minutes. Flip the slices over and cook for another 4-5 minutes. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

If you're cooking bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin medallions, the process is slightly different. First, cut the tenderloin into 2-inch slices, about 8-10 pieces total. Then, wrap a slice of bacon around each slice of pork and secure it with a toothpick. Sprinkle both sides of the meat with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Set the air fryer to 375°F and cook the pork for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, flip the slices and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Cooking a whole pork tenderloin in an air fryer will take longer than cooking slices, but the exact time will depend on the size of the tenderloin. As a guide, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 375°F and cooking the tenderloin for 20 minutes.

How to prepare pork tenderloin medallions for the air fryer

Preparing pork tenderloin medallions for the air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a delicious meal. Here's how to do it:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 390-400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the pork tenderloin. Cut the tenderloin crosswise into 2-inch slices, about 8-10 pieces in total. If you want to add some extra flavour, wrap each slice in bacon and secure it with a toothpick.

Next, pat the pork medallions dry with paper towels. Drizzle over a teaspoon of oil and a generous amount of seasoning - you can use a mixture of rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, or your favourite herbs and spices. Toss the medallions to ensure they are thoroughly coated.

Now you're ready to cook the pork! Place the medallions into the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one so the air can circulate. Set the timer for 5 minutes, then flip the medallions and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Let the pork rest for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy your tasty, restaurant-quality dish!

What temperature to cook pork tenderloin medallions at

The temperature you cook pork tenderloin medallions at in an air fryer depends on the recipe you are following.

One recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 390 or 400°F for 5 minutes. Another suggests preheating to 375°F and cooking the medallions for 5 minutes, then flipping and cooking for a further 4-6 minutes, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

If you are cooking bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin medallions, you should cook the pork for about 5 minutes on each side. This is the approximate cook time for sliced pork tenderloin. Cooking tenderloin as a whole requires more time.

If you are cooking lean pork tenderloin steaks, you should preheat the air fryer to 200°C/390°F and cook the medallions for 14 minutes.

How to season pork tenderloin medallions

To season pork tenderloin medallions, you can use a variety of herbs and spices. Salt and pepper are essential, but you can also add rosemary, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano.

First, trim off any excess fat from the pork tenderloin. Then, slice the tenderloin into medallions about 1" thick. You can then season the medallions with your chosen herbs and spices, making sure to coat all sides of the meat. If you want to add a coating, you can dust the medallions with flour or breadcrumbs.

If you're cooking the medallions in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375-400°F. Place the medallions in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one so the air can circulate. Cook for 4-6 minutes on each side, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

If you're pan-frying the medallions, heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to the pan, then add the medallions and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they're lightly golden. You can also create a simple pan sauce by adding wine and butter to the pan and basting the medallions with the sauce.

How to serve pork tenderloin medallions

To serve pork tenderloin medallions, you'll first need to cook them. To do this, preheat your air fryer to 375°F or 390-400°F. Cut the tenderloin into 2-inch slices, about 8-10 pieces in total. Dry the pork medallions thoroughly and drizzle over a teaspoon of oil and half a teaspoon of seasoning. Toss to coat the pork. Place the medallions into the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one so the air can circulate. If you want to wrap your medallions in bacon, do this before placing them in the basket. Secure the bacon with a toothpick and sprinkle with rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper.

Cook the medallions for 14 minutes at 200°C/390°F. After 5 minutes, flip them and cook for an additional 4-6 minutes, until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Remove the medallions from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

You can serve the medallions with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions