Cody Casey
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy and tender cut of meat with a crispy, golden-brown crust. The high heat of the air fryer gives the pork a delicious exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavourful. With just 5 minutes of prep and about 15-25 minutes of cooking, you can have a tasty pork tenderloin on your dinner table in under 30 minutes.
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It helps the pork tenderloin develop a crispy crust and ensures even cooking. Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat for at least 5 minutes. This gives the appliance time to reach the desired temperature and ensures that your pork tenderloin starts cooking at the right temperature.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the pork tenderloin. Start by trimming any silver skin or excess fat from the meat. This step ensures that your pork tenderloin is nice and lean, and helps create an even cooking surface. After trimming, use paper towels to pat the pork dry. This step is important because removing any excess moisture will help the pork develop a nice sear and crust in the air fryer.
Once the pork is trimmed and patted dry, it's time to season it. Drizzle olive oil over the tenderloin and rub it all over the surface. The olive oil will help the seasonings stick to the meat and promote even browning. After coating the pork with oil, it's time to apply your chosen spice rub. You can purchase a pre-made spice rub or make your own by combining seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
When your air fryer has preheated to 400°F and your pork tenderloin is trimmed, oiled, and seasoned, you're ready to move on to the cooking stage. Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket, ensuring that it's positioned diagonally and lying flat and straight. This positioning helps the meat cook evenly. Now, you can set the timer and let the air fryer work its magic!
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Prepare the pork tenderloin
Preparing a pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender piece of meat. The high heat of the air fryer gives the pork a crispy, golden-brown crust while keeping the inside moist and perfectly cooked.
To prepare the pork tenderloin, start by trimming any silver skin or excess fat from the meat. Pat the pork dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Then, rub the pork tenderloin with olive oil to help the seasoning stick. In a small bowl, combine your choice of seasonings and mix well. You can use a simple mix of salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, ground mustard, and a dash of cayenne for some heat. Don't forget to add brown sugar to the mix, as it helps promote browning and caramelization, resulting in a flavorful crust.
Once you have your spice rub ready, coat the pork tenderloin generously with the mixture. Make sure to pack on the seasoning and rub it all over the meat until it is evenly coated. You can also try coating the pork with a dry rub and letting it sit in the refrigerator overnight for even more flavour.
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Cook the pork tenderloin for 20-25 minutes
Once you've seasoned the pork tenderloin and preheated your air fryer, it's time to cook the meat. Place the tenderloin in the basket at a diagonal angle so that it lays flat and straight. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the pork for 20-25 minutes.
The cooking time will depend on the size of your tenderloin. For smaller cuts of meat, 20 minutes should be sufficient. For larger tenderloins, you may need to cook for the full 25 minutes, or even a little longer. It's important to keep an eye on the meat to ensure it doesn't overcook and dry out. You can check the temperature at the 20-minute mark and add more time if needed.
The key is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This can be measured at the center of the meat with an instant-read thermometer. Once the desired temperature is reached, carefully remove the pork from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate or cutting board.
Let the tenderloin rest for 3-10 minutes before slicing. This is an essential step as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy piece of meat.
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Let the meat rest
Letting the meat rest is a crucial step in the cooking process. After removing the pork tenderloin from the air fryer, it is important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy piece of meat.
The recommended resting time for pork tenderloin cooked in an air fryer varies slightly depending on the source, but it is generally agreed that it should rest for at least 3 to 5 minutes. Some sources suggest resting for up to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and flavourful.
During the resting period, the pork tenderloin should be transferred to a cutting board or a plate. This allows the meat to rest and makes it easier to slice. It is important to note that the meat will continue to cook slightly during the resting period, so it is important to take it out of the air fryer at the right time to avoid overcooking.
While the meat is resting, it is a good idea to prepare any side dishes or sauces that will be served with the pork tenderloin. This ensures that the meal is still served hot and fresh. Some suggested side dishes include roasted red potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, Mediterranean-inspired cucumber salad, avocado salsa, or a simple Caesar salad.
Finally, after the resting period, you can slice the pork tenderloin and serve it immediately. The resting period ensures that the meat is juicy and tender, providing a more enjoyable dining experience. This step is often overlooked, but it is essential to achieving the best results when cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer.
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Reheat, store, and serve
Leftover pork tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to five days. It can also be frozen for up to six months. To freeze, place the cooked and cooled tenderloin in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer. Remember to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or consuming it.
To reheat, you can use a microwave for 20-30 seconds or an air fryer for a few minutes. If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 370-400°F and cook for 3-5 minutes. If you have some stock or juices from the initial cooking, drizzle them over the pork tenderloin slices before reheating to add moisture and flavor. You can also wrap the slices in aluminum foil to retain moisture and create a juicy texture. After reheating, remove the pork slices from the foil for a crispy exterior.
When serving, remember to let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will keep the meat juicy.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking a pork tenderloin in an air fryer takes 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin and the temperature of the air fryer.
The ideal temperature for cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is 400°F. However, some recipes suggest starting at a higher temperature and then reducing the heat to 325°F or 350°F.
Pork tenderloin is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check this.
There are many seasoning options for pork tenderloin. A popular choice is a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. You can also add a dash of cayenne for some heat.
