Air-Fried Pork Tenderloin: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious meal. It only takes around 15 minutes to cook, and you can season the meat with a variety of spices and herbs to create a juicy and tender dish. The key steps are to trim any excess fat, pat the meat dry, rub with oil and seasonings, and then air fry until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This is the ideal temperature for cooking pork tenderloin, as it will ensure the meat is cooked through without becoming dry.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare the pork tenderloin. Start by trimming any silver skin or excess fat from the tenderloin. Pat the pork dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Then, rub olive oil over the pork to help the seasoning stick.

Next, mix your seasonings in a bowl. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, oregano, cinnamon, or chilli powder. Pack the seasoning onto the pork, making sure it is well coated.

Once the air fryer has preheated to 400°F, you can place the seasoned pork tenderloin inside and begin cooking.

Trim any silver skin or excess fat from the tenderloin

Trimming the silver skin or excess fat from the tenderloin is an important step in preparing pork tenderloin in an air fryer. This step helps to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and that the seasonings can penetrate the meat effectively.

To trim the silver skin or excess fat, use a sharp knife to carefully slice away any visible silver skin or fat from the surface of the tenderloin. Take your time and be precise to avoid removing too much of the meat itself.

Once you have removed the silver skin or excess fat, pat the pork dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps to ensure a good sear on the meat and allows the seasonings to stick effectively.

After trimming and patting the pork dry, you can proceed to the next step of seasoning the tenderloin.

Mix together spices and rub over the pork

To cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer, you'll need to mix together spices and rub them over the pork. Here's how to do it:

Firstly, trim any silver skin or excess fat from the tenderloin. Pat the pork dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Next, mix together your chosen spices in a small bowl. You can use a combination of chili powder, brown sugar, oregano, paprika, cinnamon, garlic powder, and salt. Alternatively, try olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili. Make sure you mix the spices well so they form a paste.

Once you have your spice mixture, rub it generously over the pork tenderloin. Use your hands to coat the exterior of the meat evenly. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil to help the spices stick and create a delicious, crispy crust. Make sure the pork is completely coated before placing it in the air fryer.

By mixing and rubbing the spices onto the pork, you'll infuse it with flavour and create a mouthwatering dish that's sure to impress.

Air fry for 12-17 minutes

After seasoning the pork tenderloin, place it in the air fryer and cook for 12-17 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your tenderloin and the temperature of your air fryer. For example, if you are cooking at 200F/400F, you should air fry for 15 minutes, flipping the tenderloin halfway through. If you are cooking at 400°F, you should air fry for 12 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10 to 12 minutes.

The tenderloin is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. You can check this by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest section of the meat. Once the tenderloin has reached the correct internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that the meat is juicy and tender.

Let the tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes

Once your pork tenderloin has reached an internal temperature of 145°F, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that it is juicy and tender.

While the tenderloin is resting, you can prepare any side dishes to accompany the pork. Some suggestions include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

After the resting time has elapsed, you can slice the tenderloin and serve it. Enjoy your delicious and juicy air-fried pork tenderloin!

Frequently asked questions