Cody Casey
Air fryers have become a popular way to cook pork tenderloin, yielding juicy and tender meat with a crunchy outside and full of flavour. This cooking method is also healthier, cutting down on the use of oil by at least 80% without compromising on taste. There are many ways to season and bread the meat, and it can be served in a variety of ways, including as a sandwich, with sides such as potatoes, broccoli, and roasted vegetables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat Air Fryer | 400°F for 5 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 145°F-160°F |
| Cooking Time | 15-22 minutes |
| Breading | Tapioca flour, breadcrumbs, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, panko, eggs, seasoned salt |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, cayenne, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, chili |
| Serving Suggestions | Mashed potatoes, Greek yogurt mashed potatoes, sauteed vegetables, lemon orzo pasta salad, rice, salad, wrap, potato chips, French fries, potato salad, coleslaw |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning the tenderloin
Seasoning a pork tenderloin is a versatile process that can be adapted to your taste preferences. Firstly, remove the skin of the pork and trim off any excess fat or silver skin. Then, rub some oil over the pork. You can use olive oil, or an oil spray if you prefer.
Next, prepare your chosen seasonings. A simple option is to season the tenderloin with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices to this mixture, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chilli. Alternatively, you can create a more complex seasoning mixture by combining brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne for heat.
Once you have prepared your chosen seasonings, mix them together in a bowl. Then, rub the spice mixture over the pork to coat it well. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the pork tenderloin with the seasoning. You can use your hands to rub the spices onto the meat, or you can use a brush to coat the pork.
After the tenderloin has been seasoned, it is ready to be placed in the air fryer. However, if you have the time, you can let the seasoning sit on the meat for a while before cooking to enhance the flavour.
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Coating the tenderloin
Firstly, prepare your pork tenderloin by removing any excess fat or silver skin. It is important to ensure that the tenderloin is trimmed properly to create an even cooking surface. Season the tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or onion powder, to enhance the flavour.
Next, prepare the coating mixture. In one shallow dish, combine tapioca flour or all-purpose flour with seasoned salt. You can also use cornstarch as an alternative. In a separate shallow dish, whisk together eggs with a small amount of water. This mixture will help the coating adhere to the tenderloin. In a third dish, prepare the breadcrumbs by mixing them with seasoned salt. Stir the ingredients in each dish until they are well combined.
Now, it's time to coat the tenderloin. Dredge each piece of pork first in the flour mixture, making sure all sides are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the floured tenderloin into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well coated. Finally, transfer the tenderloin to the dish with breadcrumbs and roll it until it is completely covered. Gently press the tenderloin into the breadcrumbs to ensure the coating sticks properly.
Once the tenderloin is coated, it's almost ready for the air fryer. Spritz the air fryer basket with an oil spray to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy exterior. Place the coated tenderloin into the basket, ensuring it doesn't touch the edges, as this can affect even cooking. If your air fryer is not large enough, you may need to cook the tenderloin in batches.
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Air-frying temperature and time
The temperature and timing of cooking are crucial to achieving the perfect breaded pork tenderloin in an air fryer. The good news is that this cooking method is very quick and convenient.
Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. This is the ideal temperature for cooking the tenderloin, and it should be maintained throughout the cooking process.
Once preheated, place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tenderloin in batches to ensure even cooking. A single tenderloin should cook for around 15 minutes at 400°F. If you are cooking two tenderloins simultaneously, 20 minutes is recommended, but this may vary depending on the size of the meat. For instance, a slightly smaller tenderloin may only need 18 minutes, while a larger one could take up to 22 minutes. It is essential to ensure the tenderloin is cooked thoroughly, and the best way to do this is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the meat should reach at least 145°F, with some sources recommending 160°F.
Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for around 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and ensures the meat remains tender and juicy.
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Resting the meat
During this resting period, the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise slightly, so it is important to factor this into your cooking time. The target internal temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F, although some recipes suggest 160°F. Use a meat thermometer to check that the correct temperature has been reached.
While the meat is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your meal. Some suggestions include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. You could also use this time to toast buns or prepare a sandwich with your breaded pork tenderloin.
Once the resting time is complete, you can slice the tenderloin and serve it with your chosen sides and condiments. Enjoy your juicy and flavorful air-fried breaded pork tenderloin!
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Storing and reheating
Storing your breaded pork tenderloin is simple. Seal leftovers in an airtight container or freezer bag and place them in the fridge or freezer within 2 hours of cooking. You can store the tenderloin in the fridge for 3 to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To reheat your breaded pork tenderloin in the air fryer, start by slicing the meat into medallions. Place the slices on a piece of aluminum foil and drizzle stock over them to add moisture and flavor. Seal the foil to create a packet. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F–400°F (a lower temperature will prevent the meat from drying out). Reheat the tenderloin for 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. If reheating from frozen, allow an additional 8 to 10 minutes.
Check the pork tenderloin after 5 minutes to ensure it is heated through but not overcooked. For a crispy exterior, carefully remove the pork slices from the foil and place them back in the air fryer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on the meat to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork has reached a safe internal temperature of 145°F before serving.
Alternatively, you can reheat the breaded pork tenderloin in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, but this may not result in the same crispy texture as the air fryer.
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Frequently asked questions
Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 5 minutes. Once preheated, keep the temperature at 400°F and set the time for 15 to 22 minutes depending on the size of the tenderloin.
The ideal internal temperature for the pork tenderloin is 145°F.
Season the tenderloin with salt and pepper. Pour tapioca flour (or cornstarch/all-purpose flour) and breadcrumbs on separate plates. Roll the tenderloin in the flour to cover all sides, then transfer to the breadcrumbs and roll again. Alternatively, you can dredge the tenderloin in a mixture of flour and seasoned salt, dip it in egg, and then coat it with panko and seasoned salt.
