Emilie Meyer
If you're looking for a quick, juicy, and tender pork tenderloin, then cooking it in an air fryer is the way to go. It's a convenient method that seals the juices and makes a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender. You can use a Smithfield pork tenderloin or any other brand, and cook it in an air fryer with minimal prep time and a short cooking duration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Pork tenderloin |
| Brand | Smithfield |
| Marinade | Mustard-glazed sauce |
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Timing | 15-25 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 145°F |
| Resting Time | 5-10 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Marinating the pork
Marinating your Smithfield pork tenderloin is an important step in ensuring your meat is juicy and tender. There are a few ways to go about this. Firstly, decide if you want to use a dry rub or a wet marinade. A dry rub is a mixture of spices and herbs that you rub onto the surface of the pork, while a wet marinade is a liquid mixture that you soak the pork in.
If you choose to go with a dry rub, you can mix together spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. You can also use store-bought spice rubs designed specifically for pork. Remove any silver skin from the pork tenderloin, then brush all sides of it with olive oil. Take your spice blend and rub it onto the surface of the pork, using your hands to press the rub onto the meat to help it stick.
For a wet marinade, you can use a variety of liquids such as mustard-glazed sauce, or a balsamic vinegar marinade. You can also get creative and experiment with different liquids such as soy sauce, lemon juice, or even yogurt. Place your pork tenderloin in a container or plastic bag, pour the marinade over it, and turn to coat. You can then store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, but for the best results, leave it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
If you're short on time, you can skip the marinating process and simply rest the tenderloin in half of the marinade while preheating the air fryer. Then, baste the rest of the marinade onto the meat after it's finished cooking.
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Preparing the spice rub
Preparing a spice rub for your Smithfield pork tenderloin is a simple process. Firstly, you'll want to trim the tenderloin of any excess fat or silver skin. You can do this by using a knife to carefully cut under the silver skin and gently pulling it off.
Next, you'll want to gather your spices. A basic spice rub for pork tenderloin can include onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. You can also get creative and experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, chilli powder, ground mustard, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat. Mix these dry ingredients together in a small bowl.
Once you have your spice blend ready, it's time to coat the tenderloin. Brush all sides of the tenderloin with olive oil, then generously rub the spice blend onto the surface of the pork. Use your hands to press the rub onto the meat to help it stick.
If you have the time, you can let the tenderloin sit with the spice rub for a while, or even leave it in the fridge overnight. This will allow the flavours to really penetrate the meat and intensify the taste. However, if you're short on time, you can simply pop it into the air fryer after coating.
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Preheating the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in cooking your Smithfield pork tenderloin. It ensures your meat cooks evenly and efficiently. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer for the best results:
Firstly, ensure your air fryer is clean and dry. Some models may have specific instructions for preheating, so it is always good to refer to your manual. Next, decide on the temperature. For cooking pork tenderloin, you should preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This temperature will ensure your meat cooks through without drying out. It is a good idea to preheat for at least 5 minutes. This allows the air fryer to reach the desired temperature and ensures your meat starts cooking as soon as it is added.
If you are cooking frozen pork tenderloin, the process is slightly different. You should place the frozen meat in a cold air fryer and set the temperature to 330°F. This will ensure the meat cooks through without drying out. For fresh pork tenderloin, preheating is essential to seal in the juices and create a delicious crust.
While preheating, you can prepare your meat. Brush the tenderloin with olive oil and a spice rub, or use a marinade. You can also trim any excess fat or silver skin from the tenderloin. Once the air fryer is preheated, you are ready to add the meat and start cooking.
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Cooking the pork
Firstly, you'll want to trim any excess fat or silver skin from the pork tenderloin. You can do this by using a knife to carefully cut under the silver skin and gently pulling it off while cutting. Then, brush all sides of the tenderloin with olive oil and rub in a spice blend. You can make your own blend by mixing onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and a dash of cayenne for heat. Alternatively, use a store-bought spice rub for pork, or a dry rub of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. It's important to use your hands to press the rub onto the surface of the meat to help it stick.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 5 minutes. Place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket or on the lower tray, ensuring it fits (you may need to cut it in half). Set the air fryer to the air fry setting and cook for 15-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of your tenderloin and how well done you like your pork. For a slightly pink but very juicy pork, cook to an internal temperature of 145°F. If you prefer your pork more well done, cook to 155°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature, which should be taken at the thickest part of the meat.
Once the pork reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. Let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to reabsorb, ensuring your pork is tender and juicy.
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a frying pan until steaming hot.
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Resting the meat
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the purpose of resting meat. When you remove the tenderloin from the air fryer, letting it rest before slicing and serving allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. This process ensures that your pork tenderloin will be moist and juicy when you cut into it.
The resting time for Smithfield pork tenderloin cooked in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the meat and the cooking temperature. A good rule of thumb is to let the meat rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This duration gives the juices time to settle and results in a more flavorful and tender bite.
During the resting period, it is best to let the meat rest uncovered. Covering the meat with foil or a lid can trap the steam, making the outer parts of the tenderloin soggy and affecting the crispiness of the crust. Keeping it uncovered helps retain the desirable texture achieved through air frying.
While resting the meat, it is essential to keep it in a warm place. You can turn off the air fryer and let the tenderloin rest inside, allowing it to cool gradually. Alternatively, you can place it on a warm plate or serving platter. Avoid placing the tenderloin on a cold surface, as it will cool down too quickly and may dry out.
Finally, while resting the meat, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your Smithfield pork tenderloin. This way, you can ensure that the meat is served warm and juicy, and your meal is complete and ready to be enjoyed when the resting period is over.
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time depends on how well done you want your pork to be. For slightly pink and juicy pork, cook to 145°F. For more well-done pork, cook to 155°F. A 1-pound tenderloin will take about 15 minutes at 400°F.
First, remove the silver skin from the tenderloin. Then, brush the tenderloin with olive oil and rub a spice blend onto the surface. You can make your own spice blend or use a store-bought mixture.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 5 minutes.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the tenderloin. It should read at least 145°F when it is done cooking.
