Tiffany Haney
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy and tender cut of meat with a crispy, golden-brown crust. The high heat of the air fryer helps to create a delicious sear on the outside of the meat, while keeping the inside moist and flavourful. With just 5 minutes of prep and 15-25 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is a great option for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner.
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking pork tenderloin. It helps the meat spend the longest time at the highest temperature, giving you that perfect bite. It also helps the meat develop a nice seared crust and ensures it cooks evenly.
To preheat your air fryer, start by setting the temperature. Different recipes recommend preheating temperatures of 370 degrees Fahrenheit, 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Check your specific recipe to determine the best temperature for your dish. Once you've set the temperature, let the air fryer run for 5 minutes to preheat.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your pork tenderloin. Remove the silver skin and any excess fat from the tenderloin. You can also use this time to prepare your seasoning or spice rub. Many recipes call for a combination of brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, but you can adjust the spices to suit your taste. Mix your chosen spices in a small bowl, then rub the seasoning mixture over the tenderloin.
After the air fryer has preheated, you can proceed with cooking the pork tenderloin. Place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. You may need to cut the tenderloin in half or cook it in batches if it doesn't fit comfortably in the basket. Set the air fryer temperature and timer according to your recipe, and cook until the tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Prepare the pork tenderloin
Preparing the pork tenderloin is a straightforward process. First, remove the tenderloin from the refrigerator and pat it dry with a paper towel. Next, trim away any silver skin or excess fat from the tenderloin. You can then cut the tenderloin in half, which will help it fit into the air fryer basket and ensure even cooking.
Now, it's time to make the spice rub. In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and herbs. A simple mixture of salt and pepper will work, but you can also add brown sugar, dried thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and crushed red pepper for extra flavour. Give the spices a good mix, then rub the spice mixture all over the tenderloin, making sure it is evenly coated.
Finally, lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or non-aerosol cooking spray. This will prevent the tenderloin from sticking to the basket and make cleanup easier.
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Season the pork
Seasoning the pork tenderloin is a crucial step in achieving a mouthwatering dish. It is the key to creating a flavourful crust and enhancing the overall taste of the meat. Here is a step-by-step guide to seasoning pork tenderloin for air fryer cooking:
Firstly, trim any excess fat or silver skin from the tenderloin. This step ensures that the seasoning adheres better to the meat and improves the overall texture of the cooked pork.
Next, prepare the spice mixture. In a small bowl, combine your chosen spices and herbs. A classic combination includes salt, brown sugar, pepper, dried thyme, paprika, and garlic powder. However, feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika, onion powder, ground mustard, dried oregano, black pepper, or even a dash of cayenne for a little heat. The beauty of seasoning pork tenderloin is that you can customise it to your taste preferences or what you have available in your pantry. Don't be afraid to get creative!
Once you have prepared your spice mixture, it's time to coat the tenderloin. Drizzle olive oil over the meat and use your hands or a brush to ensure it is evenly coated. Then, generously sprinkle the spice mixture over the oiled tenderloin, pressing and rubbing it into the meat until it is thoroughly coated. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for maximum flavour!
Finally, let the tenderloin sit for a few minutes to allow the seasonings to absorb and adhere to the meat. This step will help ensure that the flavours truly enhance the pork as it cooks in the air fryer.
Now, your pork tenderloin is seasoned and ready for the air fryer! Remember, seasoning is a creative process, so feel free to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavour profile. Enjoy the delicious aromas and flavours of your very own air-fried pork tenderloin!
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Cook the pork
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a delicious, juicy, and tender piece of meat. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you cook the perfect pork tenderloin in your air fryer:
Prepare the Pork:
Start by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the tenderloin. Then, rub the pork all over with olive oil. This helps the spices stick to the meat and also promotes even browning. You can also add some mustard and honey to the oil mixture for extra flavour. Make sure the pork is well coated.
Season the Pork:
In a small bowl, mix your desired spices and herbs. A simple combination of salt and pepper can be used, but feel free to get creative! Some suggested seasonings include brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, ground mustard, cayenne, and chili powder. Mix and match these spices to suit your taste preferences. Once your spice mixture is ready, rub it generously all over the pork tenderloin until it is evenly coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Before placing the pork in the air fryer, it is important to preheat the appliance. Set the temperature to between 370-400°F. A higher temperature will help create a crispy crust on the pork. Some recipes suggest preheating for 5 minutes, while others recommend letting the air fryer get hot before adding the meat, without specifying a time.
Place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket. If your tenderloin is too large to fit, you may need to cut it in half. Make sure there is space between the pieces for even cooking. Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for a total of 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your tenderloin. For smaller tenderloins, 20 minutes should be sufficient. Larger tenderloins may need up to 25 minutes.
During the cooking process, you will need to flip the pork halfway through to ensure even cooking. Some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F for the entire duration. Others recommend starting at 400°F for 10 minutes, then reducing the temperature to 350°F for the remaining 10-15 minutes. This two-temperature method helps ensure that the outside doesn't burn before the inside is cooked through.
Check the Temperature:
The pork tenderloin is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat to get an accurate reading. If the temperature is below 145°F, continue cooking in 2-3 minute intervals until the desired temperature is reached.
Rest and Serve:
Once the pork has reached the correct temperature, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board or plate. Let the meat rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your pork is juicy and tender. After resting, slice the pork and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious air-fried pork tenderloin!
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Rest and serve
Once the pork tenderloin is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board or plate. It is important to let the meat rest for at least 3 minutes, but no more than 10 minutes, before slicing and serving. This will ensure that the juices are retained and the meat stays moist.
While the meat is resting, you can prepare any sides or sauces to serve with the pork tenderloin. Some suggestions include roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, baby potatoes, carrots, green beans, or a mix of potatoes and onions. You can also serve the pork with baked potatoes, sautéed Brussels sprouts or broccolini, or a heartier side like butternut squash casserole or mashed cauliflower.
If you want to add extra flavour to the pork, you can save any juices that have accumulated while the meat was resting and serve them over the sliced meat.
Finally, slice the pork tenderloin into 3/4-inch slices and place them on a serving platter. You can also drizzle honey over the pork for added flavour and moisture. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer takes 15-25 minutes. The time varies depending on the size of the tenderloin and the air fryer's temperature.
The air fryer should be preheated to 370-400°F. The cooking temperature should be between 325-400°F.
The pork tenderloin is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This can be checked using a meat thermometer.
