Emilie Meyer
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender piece of meat with a beautiful crust on the outside. The air fryer seals in the juices, and the circulating air acts like a convection oven, giving an even browning to the exterior as the interior cooks to perfection. The best part? It's ready in under 30 minutes and saves precious cleanup time from grease splatters on the stove.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking 1 lb Pork Tenderloin in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Temperature | 325-400°F |
| Rest Time | 5 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 140-160°F |
| Seasonings | Salt, Brown Sugar, Pepper, Thyme, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne, Oregano, Chili Powder, Red Pepper, Olive Oil, Honey, Mustard |
| Sides | Broccoli, Roasted Baby Potatoes, Baked Potatoes, Sauteed Brussels Sprouts, Sauteed Broccolini, Butternut Squash Casserole, Mashed Cauliflower, Green Beans, Lemon Arugula Salad, Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months |
| Reheating | Microwave for 20-30 seconds or in the air fryer |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork
For air fryer pork chops, the bone-in variety offers more flavour but requires a slightly longer cooking time. Thicker chops, ranging from 1 to 2 inches in thickness, are preferable as they allow for a beautiful char on all sides. Aim for chops with a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. If you prefer boneless chops, they are a great option too, as they are easier to eat and still turn out juicy and tender.
When purchasing pork tenderloin, consider the weight. A 1-pound tenderloin is a standard size and will feed two to four people, depending on their appetites and the presence of side dishes. If you are cooking for a larger group, you may need to adjust the recipe or cook multiple tenderloins.
In terms of colour, look for pork with a pale pink hue, which indicates freshness. Avoid any cuts with discolouration or an off-putting odour, as these could indicate spoilage. Additionally, seek out pork with a decent amount of marbling, which is the flecks of fat within the muscle. This fat will melt during cooking, keeping the meat moist and flavourful.
Lastly, opt for high-quality, ethically sourced pork whenever possible. Look for labels indicating humanely raised animals, as this not only ensures better living conditions for the pigs but also tends to result in more flavourful and tender meat. By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect cut of pork for your air fryer masterpiece.
Air Fryer Basics: Delicious, Healthy Meals Made Easy
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Preparing the pork for cooking
Now, it's time to prepare the rub. There are many different spice combinations you can use to flavour your pork tenderloin. A simple rub can be made by combining salt, brown sugar, pepper, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder in a small bowl. You can also add dried oregano, onion powder, ground mustard, cayenne, and red pepper for extra heat and flavour. If you're looking for a more complex flavour profile, try adding balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and honey to the spice mixture.
Once you've chosen your spices and combined them in a bowl, generously coat the entire tenderloin with the rub, making sure it is evenly distributed. You can also try marinating the pork in the rub for up to an hour, or even overnight, for more intense flavour.
Use Cooking Spray in Your Air Fryer?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cooking the pork
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
Remove the silver skin from the pork tenderloin. The silver skin is the tough connective tissue that can make the meat chewy. Then, cut the pork tenderloin in half so that it fits into the air fryer basket. The tenderloin should be slender, approximately 2" in diameter, and weigh just over 1 lb.
Step 2: Make the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, mix your choice of spices and seasonings. A basic spice rub can include salt, brown sugar, pepper, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano, dried oregano, crushed red pepper, or cayenne pepper for a little heat. Mix the spices with olive oil to create a paste.
Step 3: Apply the Spice Rub
Place the pork tenderloin on a cutting board and coat all sides of it with the spice rub. Massage the spice paste into the meat until it is evenly coated. You can let the pork tenderloin sit in the refrigerator for a while to let the flavours develop, or you can cook it immediately.
Step 4: Air Frying
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the tenderloin in the basket, positioning it diagonally so that it lays flat and straight. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook the pork for 5 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F and continue cooking for about 12-15 minutes. The total cooking time should be around 17-25 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise slightly. Then, slice the pork into 3/4-inch thick pieces. You can drizzle honey over the slices for added flavour. Serve the pork tenderloin with your choice of sides, such as roasted baby potatoes, broccoli, green beans, or a salad. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips: Quick, Easy, and Crunchy!
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Hello! 50 Jamaican Recipes: Best Jamaican Cookbook Ever For Beginners [Jerk Chicken Cookbook, Pork Tenderloin Recipe, Caribbean Vegetarian Cookbook, Pork Chop Recipes, Curry Powder Recipes] [Book 1]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61wwkuMeOpL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Resting the pork
During the resting period, the internal temperature of the pork will continue to rise. This is important to consider when determining the ideal time to remove the pork from the air fryer. Most recipes recommend cooking the pork tenderloin to an internal temperature of 140°F to 145°F, as the temperature will rise by about 5°F while resting. This ensures that your pork reaches the recommended safe internal temperature of 145°F without overcooking.
It is important to note that the resting time may vary depending on the size of your pork tenderloin. For a 1-pound tenderloin, 5 minutes of resting time should be sufficient. However, for larger cuts of meat, you may need to adjust the resting time accordingly. The goal is to allow the juices to redistribute and for the temperature to equalize throughout the meat.
While the pork is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal. Some side dish options include roasted baby potatoes, broccoli, green beans, lemon arugula salad, or Mediterranean roasted vegetables. As for sauces, a simple drizzle of honey or a more complex sauce incorporating the juices released during the resting period can be a delicious addition to your pork tenderloin.
Finally, after resting, slice the pork tenderloin into medallions or slices of your desired thickness. This step is crucial in ensuring the tenderness and juiciness of each portion. By resting the pork before slicing, you allow the meat to relax and retain its moisture, resulting in a more enjoyable dining experience. So, whether you're serving it as the main course for a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, allowing the pork tenderloin to rest will elevate the overall taste and texture of your dish.
Air-Fried French Toast: A Quick, Crispy Breakfast Treat
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serving the pork
Once your pork tenderloin is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This is an important step as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your meat is tender and juicy. If you have an instant-read thermometer, check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C).
After resting, transfer the pork to a cutting board and slice into 3/4-inch-thick pieces. Be sure not to slice it too thinly, as you want to preserve the juices. Arrange the sliced pork on a serving platter and drizzle with honey.
You can serve the pork tenderloin with the juices that have collected on the cutting board. These juices are full of flavour and add moisture to the meat. You can also serve the pork with a side of your choice. Some options include roasted baby potatoes, broccoli, green beans, a lemon arugula salad, or Mediterranean roasted vegetables.
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days. Alternatively, you can freeze the cooked and cooled tenderloin in a ziplock bag for up to six months. Reheat in the microwave or air fryer when needed.
Air Fryer Pizza Bagels: A Quick, Crispy Treat?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It takes between 15 to 25 minutes to cook 1 lb of pork tenderloin in an air fryer. The temperature should be set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
The pork tenderloin is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove the skin of the pork and rub some oil over it. Mix your seasonings of choice with mustard and honey in a bowl. Then, rub the spice mixture over the pork to coat it well.
