Tillie Doyle
Pork tenderloin medallions are a tasty, quick, and easy meal to make in an air fryer. The air fryer helps to create a crisp exterior with a tender, juicy inside. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the medallions, but it should only take around 10-20 minutes. The trick with air frying is to oil the meat, not the fryer, to prevent smoke and ensure even cooking. You can season the medallions with a simple combination of salt and pepper, or a more complex spice rub. You can also marinate the pork medallions before cooking to add extra flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cut of Pork | Pork Tenderloin/Pork Fillet |
| Cooking Time | 10-22 minutes |
| Temperature | 375°F-400°F |
| Pre-heat Temperature | 390°F-400°F |
| Pre-heat Time | 5 minutes |
| Pork Medallion Thickness | 2cm/1" |
| Oil | Vegetable Oil, Olive Oil, etc. |
| Seasoning | Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Brown Sugar, etc. |
| Marinade | Teriyaki, Olive Oil, Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, etc. |
| Internal Temperature | 145°F |
| Resting Time | 3-5 minutes |
| Leftover Storage | 2-4 days in the fridge |
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What You'll Learn
Cutting the pork into medallions
To cut your pork loin into medallions, you will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Start by placing the pork loin on the cutting board and carefully trim away any excess fat or sinew. Try to keep your fingers safe while doing this.
Next, cut the pork loin in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half in half again, and then cut each quarter in half, so that you are left with eight equally-sized pieces. This will ensure that all the pork medallions cook evenly. The exact number of slices may vary depending on the size and shape of your pork loin.
Now, cut each piece into a smaller circular shape, about 1-2 cm thick. This will give you your medallions. If you want thinner medallions, you can place each one between two sheets of clingfilm or baking paper and use a rolling pin to gently pound them out to your desired thickness.
Finally, you can season your pork medallions with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice. A simple combination of olive oil, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper can be used as a marinade. You can also add sauces or additional ingredients after cooking.
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Marinade ingredients and preparation
The key to a good pork loin medallion is a good marinade. The ingredients you will need are a combination of olive oil, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. You can also add a little citrus juice. If you want to add a bit of sweetness, brown sugar is a great addition, but you can substitute it with white sugar and a bit of molasses. For a bit of heat, add a dash of cayenne. You can also add onion powder, garlic powder, and ground mustard.
Firstly, trim the pork tenderloin of any excess fat or silver skin. Then, slice the tenderloin into medallions. You can cut it in half, then slice the halves in half, and then slice each quarter in half. This will ensure that all the pork medallions are the same size and will cook evenly. Place the medallions in a zip-top bag. Next, combine the marinade ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup and whisk until well combined. Then, pour the marinade over the pork medallions in the bag, seal it, and massage the bag to ensure that all the medallions are coated. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the pork medallions marinate for at least 20 minutes or even overnight.
You can also freeze the marinated pork medallions for later use. When you're ready to cook, take them out of the freezer and place them directly in the air fryer—no need to thaw! This is a convenient way to have a delicious meal with minimal prep time.
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Air fryer settings and cooking time
The cooking time and temperature settings for your air fryer will depend on the thickness of your pork loin medallions and the number of medallions you are cooking. Medallions that are 2cm thick will require less cooking time than thicker cuts.
If you are cooking four medallions, drizzle a teaspoon of oil and half a teaspoon of seasoning over the pork, and toss to coat. Place the medallions in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one so the air can circulate. Cook for 14 minutes at 200C/390F. You can turn them after 10 minutes if you wish, but this is not necessary. Check the pork is cooked by making a cut and checking that the meat is nearly white in the centre of the thickest part. Pork can be eaten with a slight pink blush, but if you prefer your meat more cooked, return it to the air fryer for two minutes at a time.
If you are cooking one large medallion, or a pork fillet, drizzle two teaspoons of oil and three-quarters of a teaspoon of seasoning over the pork and toss to coat. Place the medallion in the air fryer basket, again leaving a little space so the air can circulate. Cook for 10 minutes at 200C/390F, turn the medallion over, then cook for a further three minutes at the same temperature. Check the pork is cooked through in the same way as above.
If your medallions are frozen, they will require the same temperature and time settings as fresh medallions. Check they are piping hot all the way through and cook for longer if needed. To reheat leftover medallions, cook for around one-third of the cooking time at the same temperature, or for around five minutes at 200C/390F.
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Resting and serving the pork
Once the pork loin medallions are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate or cutting board. It is important to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving it. The resting time can vary from 3 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender. While the pork is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or reheat previously cooked sides.
Pork loin medallions are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They can be enjoyed hot or cold, although many prefer them hot. You can serve them sliced on top of a steaming bowl of ramen, wrapped in soft tortillas with peach salsa and guacamole, or alongside roasted vegetables like rosemary potatoes and savoy cabbage. They also go well with rice, whether it's sticky rice with sesame tenderstem broccoli and hot honey butter garlic sauce or a simple rice bowl with stir-fried vegetables.
If you're looking for more substantial meal options, pork loin medallions can be the star of a hearty dish. Try serving them with giant Yorkshire puddings, or as the protein in a taco or fajita. They can also be the centerpiece of a sandwich, adding a juicy element to your bread of choice. For a more international flair, consider making a pork stir-fry, adding the sliced medallions at the end to heat them through.
Leftover pork loin medallions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can be reheated in the air fryer, microwave, stovetop, or oven. To reheat in the air fryer, cook for approximately one-third of the original cooking time at the same temperature, ensuring they are piping hot throughout. Alternatively, wrap the medallions in foil with a small amount of water and reheat in the air fryer for around 4-5 minutes.
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Storing and reheating leftovers
It is important to store your leftover pork loin medallions properly to ensure they stay fresh and safe to eat. Place the leftover pork in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three to five days. If you want to keep the leftovers for longer, you can freeze them. Place the cooked and cooled pork in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to six months.
When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a few different ways you can reheat them. You can use the air fryer, the microwave, or a stovetop. If you are using the air fryer, wrap the slices in aluminium foil and reheat at 370–400 °F for about 3–5 minutes. You can also reheat the pork in the microwave with a drop of water to prevent it from drying out. This will take about 20–30 seconds. Alternatively, you can reheat the pork on the stovetop. Place the slices in a pan over low-medium heat for about 2 minutes, adding a bit of water or stock for moisture.
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Frequently asked questions
First, cut the pork tenderloin into medallions. You can do this by halving the tenderloin, then halving each half, and then halving each quarter. This will ensure that all the medallions are the same size and will cook evenly. Next, pat the medallions dry and drizzle oil and your chosen seasoning over them, tossing to coat. Place the medallions in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one so the air can circulate. Set your air fryer to 390°F/200°C and cook for 14-20 minutes, turning the medallions over halfway through. Check that the pork is cooked by inserting a meat thermometer into the centre of the thickest part; it is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C.
The ideal temperature for cooking pork loin medallions in an air fryer is 390°F/200°C.
It takes around 14-20 minutes to cook pork loin medallions in an air fryer. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your medallions and the size of your tenderloin; thicker medallions and larger tenderloins will take longer to cook.
Pork loin medallions are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular options include:
- Rice and roasted vegetables
- Salad
- Sweet potatoes
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Baby potatoes
- Yorkshire puddings
- Peach salsa and guacamole
- Tortillas
Yes, you can cook frozen pork loin medallions in an air fryer. They will take the same amount of time to cook as fresh medallions.
