Emilie Meyer
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy and tender piece of meat with a crispy golden-brown crust. The air fryer's circulating air acts like a convection oven, giving the pork an even browning on the outside while the inside stays moist and cooks to the perfect temperature. With just 5 minutes of prep and about 15-25 minutes of cooking time, you can have a mouthwatering pork tenderloin ready to be devoured.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking time | 15-25 minutes |
| Resting time | 3-10 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145°F |
| Seasonings | Salt, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, honey, olive oil, mustard, chili, smoked paprika, dried oregano, crushed red pepper, parsley, seasoning salt |
| Sides | Roasted vegetables, carrots, garlic bread, green beans, potatoes, onions, broccoli, roasted baby potatoes, salad, butternut squash casserole, cauliflower mashed potatoes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of pork tenderloin
First and foremost, understand the distinct characteristics of pork tenderloin. Pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless cut of meat that comes from the delicate muscle along the pig's spine. It is one of the leanest and most tender cuts of pork, with very little visible fat. Its leanness makes it prone to drying out, so proper cooking methods and timing are crucial.
When selecting a pork tenderloin, look for a cut that weighs a little over a pound. It should resemble a foot-long cylinder, approximately three inches in width. The colour of pork tenderloin tends to be dark pink or red, in contrast to pork loin, which is usually pale pink.
Always opt for fresh, high-quality pork tenderloin. Check the "best before" or "use by" dates on the packaging to ensure you're purchasing the freshest option. If buying from a butcher, inquire about the provenance and age of the meat.
Consider the size of your air fryer basket or chamber. You might need to slice the tenderloin in half to fit it into the air fryer, so choosing a cut that can be easily portioned is essential. If you're cooking for a larger group, you might need to cook in batches or opt for a thicker pork loin cut that can be sliced into medallions.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask for advice. Your butcher or local meat specialist can guide you in selecting the right cut of pork tenderloin for air frying. They can also provide suggestions for preparation and cooking techniques to ensure you achieve the best results.
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Preparing the meat and the air fryer
Preparing the meat is a simple process. First, trim the silver skin from the tenderloin. You can also remove the skin and rub the meat with oil. Then, mix your seasonings in a bowl. The seasonings can include salt, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and chili powder. You can also add honey and mustard to the mix. After this, rub the spice mixture over the pork to coat it well.
Preparing the air fryer is also straightforward. Preheat the air fryer to 370-400°F. You can also lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or non-aerosol cooking spray. Place the tenderloin in the basket, ensuring it fits. If it doesn't fit, you can cut the tenderloin in half.
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Seasoning and spice rubs
There are many different seasoning combinations to try. A simple mix of salt and pepper can be used as a base, with brown sugar to promote browning. You can also add dried thyme, paprika, and garlic powder for extra flavour. For a more complex spice rub, try a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. A dash of cayenne can be added for heat. Alternatively, try a rub of olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chilli.
If you want to prepare your spice rub in advance, you can store the pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge overnight. This will allow the flavours to really absorb into the meat.
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Cooking times and temperatures
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender piece of meat. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloin, the temperature you are cooking at, and whether you are cooking it in batches.
Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to around 370-400°F. You can then place the tenderloin in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes per pound, flipping halfway through. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F, so check the temperature of your tenderloin with a meat thermometer. For a 1-1.5lb tenderloin, this should take around 20-22 minutes. If your tenderloin is larger, you may need to cut it in half and cook in batches, or cook for a little longer.
If you are cooking in batches, you can keep the first batch warm by covering it with foil and placing it in the oven at a low temperature of around 200-250°F.
Once the tenderloin is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will ensure the meat stays juicy and allows it to finish cooking.
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Resting, storing, and reheating
Resting:
After cooking, carefully remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. Let the meat rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure the juices are locked inside, resulting in juicy and tender pork tenderloin.
Storing:
Place any leftover pork in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you wish to store it for longer, place the cooked and cooled tenderloin in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Reheating:
You can reheat the pork tenderloin in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for convenience. However, reheating in an air fryer is the best method to preserve the flavor and texture of your pork tenderloin. The rapid hot air circulation ensures even reheating, and the crispy exterior is a bonus.
To reheat in an air fryer, preheat it to 380ºF (193ºC) for 5 minutes. While preheating, wrap the leftover pork tenderloin slices in aluminum foil, drizzling stock over the slices first for added moisture and flavor. Place the foil-wrapped pork in the air fryer basket and reheat for 5 to 10 minutes.
For a crispy exterior, remove the pork medallions from the foil and air fry at 400ºF (204ºC) for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Plate the slices and drizzle any juices from the foil over them for an extra burst of flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer takes 15-22 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin and the recipe followed.
The air fryer should be set to between 325°F and 400°F.
First, trim the silver skin from the tenderloin. Then, rub the tenderloin with oil and season with salt, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder.
The pork tenderloin is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
