Tiffany Haney
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender meal. The high heat of the air fryer coupled with its quick cooking time makes for a tasty dish with very little effort. The air fryer's small, compact convection oven design makes it more energy-efficient than a standard oven, and its ability to crisp up the outside of the tenderloin without drying out the inside makes it perfect for cooking this particular cut of meat.
This introduction will cover the steps to cooking Hormel pork tenderloin in an air fryer, including preparation, cooking time and temperature, and serving suggestions.
Hormel Pork Tenderloin in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Preheat Time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20-22 minutes |
| Meat Weight | 1-1.5 lbs |
| Internal Temperature | 145°F |
| Resting Time | 3-10 minutes |
| Marinade | Broth or water |
| Seasoning | Brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne |
| Sides | Roasted red potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, broccoli, avocado salsa, Mediterranean-inspired cucumber salad, Caesar salad |
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What You'll Learn
Hormel pork tenderloin seasoning
HORMEL® Pork Tenderloins are pre-marinated, so they already have a lot of flavors. However, if you want to add more seasonings, you can create your own recipe.
One option is to use a dry rub. You can mix brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. You can also add a dash of cayenne for a little heat. After trimming any silver skin or excess fat from the tenderloin, rub olive oil over the pork to help the seasoning stick, then pack on the seasoning mixture.
You can also marinate the pork tenderloin in a broth or water to keep it moist as it cooks. If the flavors are too spicy or smokey, you can sprinkle some brown sugar on top.
If you want to add a kick to your pork tenderloin, you can marinate it in Fajita or Chili seasoning.
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Air fryer settings
To cook Hormel pork tenderloin in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Once preheated, keep the temperature at 400°F and select the air fry setting. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloin. For a small-sized tenderloin, set the timer for 20 minutes, and for a larger piece of meat, set it for 22 minutes.
If your tenderloin is frozen, turn your air fryer to 330°F and cook for 33-38 minutes, flipping it halfway until the pork reaches 160°F.
The key is to get an internal temperature of 145°F when measured at the center of the meat with an instant-read thermometer. This will ensure the meat is cooked to a safe temperature while still maintaining its juiciness.
After removing the pork tenderloin from the air fryer, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of pork.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for your air-fried Hormel pork tenderloin will depend on a few factors, such as the size of the tenderloin, the power of your air fryer, and whether you are cooking from frozen or not.
If you are cooking from frozen, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Set your air fryer to 330 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 33-38 minutes, flipping the tenderloin halfway through. You can baste the pork tenderloin on both sides halfway through cooking.
If you are cooking fresh pork, the cooking time will be shorter. Most sources recommend cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-22 minutes, flipping the tenderloin halfway through. However, some sources suggest cooking for as little as 15 minutes or as long as 25 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin.
The key to cooking pork tenderloin in the air fryer is to ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be checked with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat. It is important to let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing, as this allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and juicy piece of meat.
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Internal temperature
The internal temperature of the tenderloin is crucial to ensuring the meat is cooked properly and is safe to eat. The target internal temperature will depend on the desired doneness of the pork tenderloin. For a fully cooked pork tenderloin, the internal temperature should reach 160°F. However, if you prefer your meat a little less done, an internal temperature of 145°F will yield a juicy and tender pork tenderloin.
To measure the internal temperature, use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the tenderloin. It is important to ensure that the thermometer is not touching any bone, as this will give an inaccurate reading. If you do not have a meat thermometer, you can also check the doneness of the tenderloin by cutting into the meat to ensure that it is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
When cooking in an air fryer, it is important to keep in mind that the temperature can vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, as well as the thickness of the tenderloin. As such, it is always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it is cooked to your desired doneness.
Once the desired internal temperature has been reached, remove the tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender pork tenderloin.
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Resting and serving
Resting the meat is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy piece of pork tenderloin. The resting time varies depending on the source, but the average resting time is around 5 minutes, with some sources suggesting up to 10 minutes.
After removing the pork tenderloin from the air fryer, place it on a plate or cutting board and let it rest for the recommended time before slicing. This allows the juices to settle and reabsorb, ensuring the meat stays moist and flavorful. It is also important to note that the pork tenderloin will continue to cook slightly during the resting process, so it is crucial not to overcook it in the air fryer.
When slicing the pork tenderloin, ensure that you cut it against the grain. This will help ensure that the meat is tender and easy to chew. You can also save any juices that accumulate during the resting process and serve them over the sliced meat for extra flavor and moisture.
Finally, pork tenderloin is best served hot. It goes well with a variety of sides, such as roasted red potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or a variety of vegetables. Some specific vegetable side dish suggestions include broccoli, brussels sprouts, broccolini, a Mediterranean-inspired cucumber salad, avocado salsa, or a Caesar salad.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to cook Hormel pork tenderloin is in an air fryer. This is because the air fryer's high heat and quick cooking time make the outside crispy and brown while leaving a tender, juicy interior.
Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 5 minutes. Once the air fryer is preheated, keep the temperature at 400°F and cook for 20-22 minutes.
It takes about 20-22 minutes to cook Hormel pork tenderloin in an air fryer. The time may vary depending on the size of the tenderloin. For a small-sized tenderloin, 20 minutes should be enough. For a larger piece of meat, go with 22 minutes.
To ensure your Hormel pork tenderloin is cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
