Cody Casey
Cooking sliced pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy, tender, and flavourful meal. With a simple spice rub and a short cook time, this recipe is a great option for a weeknight dinner. The air fryer's ability to create a crispy crust while keeping the meat moist makes it an excellent choice for preparing pork tenderloin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 15-20 minutes |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
| Temperature | 380°F-400°F |
| Seasonings | Brown sugar, garlic powder, dried parsley, seasoning salt, black pepper, onion powder, paprika, thyme, mustard, honey, chili powder |
| Meat characteristics | Lean, tender, juicy |
| Weight | 1-1.25 lb |
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What You'll Learn
How to season the pork
Seasoning the pork tenderloin is a crucial step in achieving a flavourful dish. Here is a detailed guide on how to season the pork tenderloin for your air fryer:
Firstly, ensure you have the right cut of meat. Pork tenderloin is long and slender, while pork loin is larger and thicker, requiring a different cooking method. The tenderloin is a very lean, tender piece of meat, so be mindful not to overcook it, as it will dry out.
Before seasoning, trim the silver skin from the tenderloin. This thin membrane becomes tough after cooking and is not pleasant to eat.
Now, it's time to create your spice rub. In a bowl, combine your chosen spices and herbs. A simple yet classic combination is brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add a dash of cayenne for some heat or dried thyme for an earthy note. If you want to enhance the savoury flavour, try adding ground mustard or dried parsley. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.
Once you have your spice rub ready, mix in some oil to create a paste. The oil will help the spices adhere to the meat and promote even browning. You can use olive oil or any cooking oil of your choice.
Now, it's time to coat the tenderloin. Generously rub the spice paste all over the meat, ensuring it is evenly coated. Massage the spices into the meat and don't be shy; really work it in there. At this stage, you can also add other flavour enhancers like Dijon mustard or honey for a unique twist.
After the tenderloin is nicely coated, you can choose to let it sit in the refrigerator for a while to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. This step is optional, but it can enhance the flavour of your pork tenderloin.
Finally, your seasoned pork tenderloin is ready for the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer for the best results, and always let the meat rest after cooking to retain its juices.
Feel free to experiment with different spice combinations to find your perfect flavour profile. Enjoy the process of creating a delicious, juicy, and well-seasoned pork tenderloin in your air fryer!
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How to cook the pork
Air fryer pork tenderloin is a quick and easy meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes. The air fryer seals in the juices of the pork, making it tender and flavourful, with a beautiful crust on the outside.
Ingredients:
- Pork tenderloin
- Olive oil
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Thyme
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Dried parsley
- Chilli powder
- Honey
- Mustard
Method:
First, preheat your air fryer to 380°F-400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, prepare the pork. Remove the silver skin from the tenderloin and pat the meat dry. Next, rub the pork with oil and season generously. You can mix and match seasonings to suit your taste, but a combination of brown sugar, salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley, chilli powder, honey, and mustard is recommended for a juicy and flavoursome tenderloin. Make sure to coat the tenderloin well with the seasoning mixture.
Once the air fryer is hot, place the pork tenderloin in the basket, being sure to leave space for the air to circulate. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, then flip the tenderloin and reduce the heat to 350°F-380°F for another 7-15 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your tenderloin, so be sure to keep an eye on it. The pork is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your tenderloin is juicy and tender.
Tips:
- Room temperature meat cooks more evenly, so set the pork out on the counter 30 minutes before cooking.
- Check the temperature of the pork at the 8-minute mark and add time as needed.
- If your tenderloin is too large to fit in the air fryer, you can cut it in half. However, this will reduce the cooking time, so be sure to check early to avoid overcooking.
- Leftover pork can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for 2-6 months.
Enjoy your juicy and tender air fryer pork tenderloin!
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How to rest the pork
Resting your pork tenderloin is an essential step to ensure your meat is juicy and tender. By letting the meat rest, you allow the muscle fibers to relax and the juices to redistribute and reabsorb, so they don't end up on your cutting board when you slice into the meat.
Firstly, remove the pork from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure the juices don't run out, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
The amount of resting time depends on the cooking time and size of the roast. A good rule of thumb is to let the meat rest for half the time it took to cook. For example, if your pork tenderloin cooked for 20 minutes, it should rest for around 10 minutes. For thicker cuts of meat, such as pork chops or lamb shoulder, aim for a resting time of 10-15 minutes. Large cuts of meat, like a roast chicken or lamb roast, will need a longer resting time of 15-30 minutes.
It's also important to note that the meat will continue to cook while resting, so take it out of the air fryer a few minutes before it reaches the desired internal temperature.
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What to serve with the pork
There are many side dishes that can accompany sliced pork tenderloin cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:
Roasted or mashed potatoes
Potatoes are a classic side dish that can be roasted or mashed. For a twist on the traditional, try a sweet potato gratin, or add some spice with Cajun seasoning.
Vegetables
Roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, green beans, or asparagus go well with pork tenderloin. For a more indulgent option, try serving with creamed spinach or roasted cauliflower.
Salads
A simple salad with French-style green beans or a roasted broccoli salad can complement the pork tenderloin without overwhelming the dish.
Fruits
Roasted apples or spiral-cut zucchini can add a touch of sweetness to the meal.
Other options
For something a little different, polenta with caramelized onions and apples, or a warm sauté of sweetcorn, peppers, and onion with crispy bacon can be a tasty pairing.
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How to store leftovers
To store leftovers of sliced pork tenderloin cooked in an air fryer, you should first let the meat cool down to room temperature. Then, slice the pork tenderloin into portions, which will make reheating easier and help keep the meat moist. Place the sliced pork in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and keep it fresh. You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
If you want to extend the shelf life of the leftovers, you can freeze them. Place the leftover pork tenderloin in a freezer-safe container or a vacuum-sealed bag, or a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2 to 6 months. When you want to eat the frozen leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat the leftovers, you can use the air fryer or the oven, as these methods will help retain the meat's moisture and texture. You can also use a microwave for 20-30 seconds. If using the air fryer, reheat at a lower temperature for a few minutes to keep the meat juicy.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 15 to 25 minutes to cook sliced pork tenderloin in an air fryer.
The air fryer should be set to 400°F.
First, trim the silver skin from the tenderloin. Then, rub the tenderloin with oil and season all over with a mixture of brown sugar, garlic powder, parsley, seasoning salt, pepper, onion powder, paprika, and mustard.
Place the tenderloin in the air fryer and cook for 8 minutes. Then, rotate the tenderloin and cook for another 7 to 10 minutes.
The pork tenderloin is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
