Air-Fried Pork Tenderloin: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy and flavourful meal. The air fryer's convection oven-like qualities mean that the outside of the pork gets an even browning, while the inside stays moist and tender. With just 5 minutes of prep and about 15-25 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Pork Tenderloin in an Air Fryer

Choosing and preparing your pork tenderloin

Choosing the right cut of meat is essential when preparing pork tenderloin in an air fryer. Pork tenderloin is a boneless, slender cut of meat that typically weighs between 1 and 1.5 pounds. It is a lean and tender piece of pork that can be prepared in various ways and easily customized with different seasonings.

When selecting your pork tenderloin, look for a piece with a good amount of marbling, which will add flavour and moisture to the meat. You should also trim away any excess fat or silver skin before cooking.

To prepare the pork tenderloin for cooking in the air fryer, start by patting the meat dry with paper towels. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the pork will sear properly in the air fryer. Next, rub the tenderloin with olive oil to help the seasonings stick to the meat.

When it comes to seasoning, you have a lot of flexibility to customise the flavours to your taste preferences. A simple combination of salt and pepper can be used as base seasonings, with brown sugar added to promote browning and create a flavorful crust. You can also experiment with other spices such as dried thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, or chilli powder. Simply mix your chosen seasonings in a small bowl and then coat the tenderloin with the spice mixture, making sure to pack it on evenly.

If you're looking for a more complex flavour profile, you can try marinating the pork tenderloin before cooking. A marinade can add moisture and enhance the taste of the meat. Popular options include fajita seasoning or chilli seasoning, but you can also create your own unique marinade by experimenting with different combinations of spices, herbs, and oils.

Creating a spice rub

Firstly, select your spices. A variety of spice combinations can be used, depending on your preference. Some common spices used in pork tenderloin spice rubs include salt, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, and chilli powder. You can also add a dash of cayenne for some heat or include mustard, honey, and olive oil for extra flavour and moisture.

Next, prepare your spice rub by mixing the selected spices in a small bowl. Ensure that the spices are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed. You can adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your taste preferences. If you want a larger batch, simply double or triple the recipe.

Once your spice mixture is ready, it's time to rub it onto the pork tenderloin. Start by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the meat. Then, pat the pork dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the spice rub will adhere better to the meat. After that, drizzle or brush olive oil over the pork tenderloin. The oil will help the spices stick to the meat and also promote browning.

Now, take the spice mixture and generously coat the entire surface of the pork tenderloin. Use your hands to rub the spices into the meat, ensuring an even coating. Massage the spice rub onto the pork tenderloin until it is completely covered. You can also gently pat the spice rub onto the meat to help it stick and form a paste-like consistency.

Finally, let the pork tenderloin sit for a few minutes to allow the spice rub to settle and absorb into the meat. This will enhance the flavour and ensure that the spices are well-incorporated. Once you're happy with the coating, your pork tenderloin is ready to be placed in the air fryer!

Cooking the tenderloin

Once the tenderloin is seasoned, place it in the air fryer basket, ensuring it lays flat and straight. If your tenderloin is too big for the basket, you can slice it in half and cook it in two batches. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 to 22 minutes, flipping the meat halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloin, with smaller cuts requiring less time and larger cuts needing more.

To check if the tenderloin is done, use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 145°F. This temperature ensures the meat is safe to eat while maintaining its juiciness. Remove the tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful piece of meat.

You can serve the air fryer pork tenderloin with a variety of sides, such as roasted red potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, or a range of vegetables.

Resting the meat

Let the meat rest for 3 to 10 minutes. This time allows the juices to settle and redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing the flavor and texture. A longer resting time of up to 10 minutes is recommended for the juiciest, most flavorful tenderloin.

During the resting period, the meat will continue to cook slightly, and the internal temperature will rise a few degrees to reach the recommended safe-to-eat temperature of 145°F. It is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure the pork is cooked thoroughly.

After resting, slice the pork tenderloin and serve immediately. You can also save any juices that accumulate during the resting period and drizzle them over the sliced meat before serving for added flavor and moisture.

Reheating and storing leftovers

Storing leftovers: Place leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Freezing: Place the cooked and cooled tenderloin in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to six months.

Reheating: You can reheat in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in the air fryer. If reheating in the air fryer, start with three minutes at 400°F and add a minute or two at a time after that, if needed. You can also reheat in a preheated oven.

Frequently asked questions