Air Fryer Tenderloin: Cooking Time Perfection

Air fryer pork tenderloin is a quick and easy meal that can be cooked in under 30 minutes. It's important to get the cooking time right to ensure the meat is juicy and tender. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloin, with smaller cuts requiring around 20 minutes and larger cuts needing 22 minutes.

Cooking time for pork tenderloin in an air fryer

The key is to get an internal temperature of 145°F when measured at the centre of the meat with an instant-read thermometer. After cooking, carefully remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. Let it rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing.

How to get a good sear on pork tenderloin

Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a great way to get a juicy and tender dish with a nice sear. To get a good sear on your pork tenderloin, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, trim any silver skin or excess fat from the tenderloin. This helps to ensure that the final dish is leaner and allows for better seasoning penetration. After trimming, pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This step is important as it helps to achieve a good sear during cooking and prevents excess moisture, which can interfere with browning.

Next, rub olive oil over the pork. This helps the seasoning stick and also contributes to a nice sear. Mix your choice of seasonings in a bowl and pack them onto the pork. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic, herbs, or citrus juices.

Now, it's time to cook the pork tenderloin. Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for about 5 minutes. Once preheated, place the tenderloin in the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes. Then, rotate the tenderloin and cook for an additional 7 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the meat. The key is to aim for an internal temperature of 145°F when measured at the centre of the meat with an instant-read thermometer.

Finally, remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavourful dish. Following these steps will help you achieve a delicious, well-seared pork tenderloin cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

How to season pork tenderloin

Cooking a pork tenderloin in an air fryer takes between 15 and 22 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin. You should cook it at 400°F.

To season the pork tenderloin, 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 over the pork to help the seasoning stick. Mix all the seasonings in a bowl and pack them onto the pork. You can use a dry rub, which you can make by mixing salt with dried spices including garlic powder, oregano, cumin, coriander and thyme. Sprinkle the rub over the tenderloin with a dry hand, then rub the pork with the seasoning over both sides of the meat, pressing gently so the seasoning adheres well to the tenderloin. You can also add minced garlic and saute, stirring, for 1 minute.

How to tell when pork tenderloin is cooked

Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin and the temperature of the air fryer. It is recommended to cook pork tenderloin at 400°F.

To tell when pork tenderloin is cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature should be 145°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can check if the juices are clear or light pink, which is a sign that the meat is fully cooked. You can also insert a knife into the pork to check for a tender middle.

How long to rest pork tenderloin for after cooking

Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer takes around 15 to 22 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin. It is recommended that you cook it at 400°F.

After cooking, you should let the tenderloin rest for 3 to 10 minutes. Resting the meat allows the fibres to relax and reabsorb the juices. The US Department of Agriculture recommends that pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, with a resting time of at least three minutes. If you are cooking the tenderloin in advance, you can let it rest for 30 minutes, then wrap it in foil and place it in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, reheat the tenderloin in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, then rest for 5 to 7 minutes.

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