Reheating Pork Tenderloin: Air Fryer Time

Reheating pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a great way to preserve the flavor and texture of your pork tenderloin. To reheat pork tenderloin in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, set it to 350°F and let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food. Cut the pork tenderloin into medallions and place the slices in the air fryer. Reheat for 3-5 minutes.

Preheat settings

Firstly, it is recommended to pre-heat your air fryer before placing the pork tenderloin inside. This allows for a more even and efficient cooking process. Most sources recommend preheating your air fryer to around 350°F to 400°F. However, if your air fryer has a reheat setting, you can use that instead.

If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, you can manually preheat it by setting the desired temperature and letting it heat up for 4-5 minutes without any food inside. This is an important step to ensure your air fryer reaches the optimal temperature for cooking.

For smaller air fryers, such as those with a capacity of 4 quarts or less, it is advisable to reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F. This is because smaller air fryers have heating elements that are closer to the food, resulting in higher temperatures. Adjusting the temperature accordingly will help prevent overcooking.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed to the next steps of preparing and cooking your pork tenderloin. Remember to always follow food safety guidelines and use appropriate safety equipment when handling hot appliances and food.

Preparing the pork tenderloin

Selecting the Meat

Before you begin, it's important to note that pork tenderloin is often confused with pork loin due to their similar names. This recipe specifically calls for pork tenderloin, which is a long and thin boneless piece of meat, sometimes known as pork filet. Pork loin, on the other hand, is wider and can be sold with or without the bone.

Marinating the Pork

To enhance the flavour and tenderness of the meat, it is recommended to marinate the pork tenderloin before cooking. You can use a variety of marinades, such as a Dijon mustard-glazed oil or a dry rub with spices like chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the pork tenderloin in a plastic bag or container with the marinade, ensuring that the marinade coats the entire surface of the meat. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 5 days, to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Trimming and Coating the Pork

Before cooking, remove the pork tenderloin from the marinade and use a sharp knife to trim away any excess fat or "silver skin," which is a thin membrane found on the surface of the meat. You can then coat the pork tenderloin with a small amount of olive oil, which will help the seasonings stick to the meat and promote browning during cooking.

Seasoning the Pork

If you're using a dry rub or seasoning mix, this is the step where you'll apply it to the meat. Mix your chosen spices in a bowl, and then generously rub the mixture all over the surface of the pork tenderloin. Make sure to get an even coating, as this will ensure a consistent flavour and appealing appearance.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 350°F and 400°F, and preheat it for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it ensures that your pork tenderloin cooks evenly and efficiently. If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, simply set it to the desired temperature and let it run for 4-5 minutes without any food inside.

Air Frying the Pork Tenderloin

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook the pork tenderloin. Place the seasoned or marinated pork tenderloin into the air fryer basket or oven, making sure it's not overcrowded. Set the timer for 16 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of your tenderloin. For smaller tenderloins, aim for 16-20 minutes, and for larger ones, go for 22-25 minutes. The key is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F at the thickest part of the meat, which you can check with an instant-read thermometer.

Resting and Serving the Pork Tenderloin

After air frying, remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. Let the meat rest for 3 to 10 minutes before slicing, as this allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender texture. Once rested, slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and serve it with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or potatoes. Enjoy the delicious, juicy results!

Reheating duration

Reheating pork tenderloin in an air fryer is an effective way to revive leftovers without drying them out. The rapid hot air circulation ensures even reheating, while the air fryer's high temperature helps create a crispy exterior.

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Start by preheating your air fryer. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, select that option. If not, set the temperature to 350°F to 380°F and let it cook for about 5 minutes without food.

Preparing the Pork Tenderloin:

Slice the leftover pork tenderloin into medallions or cut it into portions. Cooking a whole tenderloin will result in dry and unappealing meat. Place the slices on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle a small amount of chicken or vegetable stock over them to add moisture and flavour.

Optionally, you can cover the pork slices with another piece of foil, creating a packet that helps trap steam and moisture. Make sure the packet is well-sealed to prevent leaks.

Reheating in the Air Fryer:

Place the foil-wrapped pork tenderloin packet into the air fryer basket. Reheat at 350°F to 380°F for 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices and your desired level of doneness.

For a crispy exterior, remove the pork medallions from the foil and place them back into the air fryer uncovered. Increase the temperature to 400°F and air fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid overcooking or burning.

Serving:

Once the pork tenderloin slices are heated to your liking, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs and plate them. Drizzle any remaining juices from the foil packet over the slices for extra flavour and moisture.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Always slice the pork tenderloin into medallions or portions before reheating to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.
• Experiment with different sauces or marinades to enhance the flavour of your reheated pork tenderloin.
• If you have any leftover juices from the initial cooking, use them as a stock to drizzle over the tenderloin before air frying.
• Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature for consumption.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can enjoy tender, juicy, and flavourful pork tenderloin leftovers without sacrificing taste or texture.

Serving suggestions

Pork tenderloin is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Potatoes: Air fryer baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, or diced potatoes are all great options to serve with pork tenderloin. You can even cook the potatoes in the air fryer at the same time as the pork!
• Vegetables: Try serving your pork tenderloin with some greens such as sautéed Brussels sprouts or broccolini. Other options include roasted carrots, asparagus, green beans, or baby carrots.
• Heartier sides: For a more filling meal, serve your pork tenderloin with a butternut squash casserole or mashed cauliflower.
• Sauces and marinades: Experiment with different sauces or marinades to add extra flavour to your pork tenderloin. You can use a ready-made sauce or marinade, or make your own. Some options include brown gravy, balsamic vinegar, or a Dijon mustard glaze.
• Leftovers: Pork tenderloin is a great meal prep option and can be easily reheated in the air fryer. Slice the pork into medallions and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. You can also reheat leftover pork tenderloin in a skillet with a bit of cooking liquid or broth to keep it moist and juicy.
• Sandwiches: Slice up your pork tenderloin and serve it on a sandwich with some bacon and onion jam.
• Rice bowls: Dice your pork tenderloin and toss it into a fried rice bowl with some vegetables for a quick and easy meal.

When serving pork tenderloin, it's important to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps to keep the meat juicy and tender. Additionally, be sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the pork has reached the recommended internal temperature of 145°F.

Tips for reheating

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, or use the reheat setting if your model has one.
• For a 4-quart air fryer or smaller, reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F. Smaller air fryers are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
• Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions before reheating to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.
• Place the pork tenderloin slices in the air fryer basket and reheat in batches if necessary.
• For extra moisture and flavour, you can drizzle chicken or vegetable stock over the pork slices before placing them in the air fryer.
• For a crisp exterior, remove the pork medallions from the foil and reheat uncovered at 400°F for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the pork to avoid any sizzling or burning.
• Check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature.
• If you have any leftover juices from when you initially cooked the pork tenderloin, drizzle them over the slices for an extra burst of flavour.
• Experiment with different sauces or marinades to elevate the flavour of your reheated pork tenderloin.
• If you don't have any aluminium foil, you can add a small amount of water or broth to the bottom of your air fryer to create steam and help keep the pork moist.

Frequently asked questions