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, tender, and delicious result. The high-speed circulating heat of the air fryer keeps the meat juicy on the inside, while the outside crisps up and turns golden brown. This method of cooking also reduces the amount of oil needed by at least 80%.

Choosing the right cut of pork

Understanding Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender, and boneless cut of meat that comes from the back of the pig. It is known for its delicate texture and mild flavour, making it a popular choice for quick and easy meals. This cut is sometimes referred to as a pork fillet or pork tender. When buying pork tenderloin, look for firm, pink flesh. Avoid damp, pale, or soft meat, as these are indicators of factory-farmed pork. If possible, opt for pastured pork or organic pork for the best results.

Differences Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin

While pork loin and pork tenderloin sound similar, they are distinct cuts with unique characteristics. Pork loin is a larger, more versatile, and flavourful cut sourced from the area between the shoulder and the beginning of the pig's leg. It can be bone-in or boneless, offering flexibility in cooking. On the other hand, pork tenderloin is smaller and always sold boneless, making it convenient for preparation and slicing. Due to their differences, these cuts are not direct substitutes for each other, and cooking methods should be adjusted accordingly.

Selecting the Right Cut

When choosing a pork tenderloin, look for a piece that is evenly shaped and has a good amount of marbling, the thin fat lines that run through the meat. This marbling adds flavour and moisture to the meat. Avoid tenderloins with excessive amounts of fat or silver skin, a thin membrane that should be trimmed before cooking. Select a tenderloin that weighs between 1 to 1.5 pounds for the best results.

Storage and Preparation

Once you've selected the perfect pork tenderloin, you can prepare it ahead of time and let it marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to enhance its flavour. When you're ready to cook, bring the meat to room temperature by letting it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly. Additionally, trim any remaining silver skin or excess fat, and pat the pork dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking.

Preparing the meat

Firstly, choose a suitable cut of pork. For this recipe, you will need a pork tenderloin, which is a boneless, slender, and thinner cut of meat compared to a pork loin. It usually weighs between 1 to 1.5 pounds, but you can use a larger tenderloin if needed.

Before seasoning the meat, it is important to trim any excess fat or "silver skin" from the tenderloin. This silver skin is a thin membrane that is typically found on part of the meat. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove it. Trimming the fat ensures that your pork tenderloin will have a better texture and appearance after cooking.

Once the meat is trimmed, pat it dry with paper towels. This step is important because removing any excess moisture will help the seasoning stick to the meat and promote even browning during cooking.

Now, it's time to season the pork tenderloin. You can use a variety of seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Common seasonings used in pork tenderloin recipes include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried parsley, and brown sugar. You can also add a little olive oil to help the seasoning stick and enhance juiciness. Mix your chosen seasonings in a bowl, then rub them all over the tenderloin, making sure it is evenly coated.

Some recipes suggest adding a sweet element to balance out the savoury flavours. For example, you could use honey, which will also give the pork a gorgeous caramelisation. Alternatively, you can substitute honey with brown sugar, but remember to increase the amount of oil in your seasoning mixture.

If you want to add some extra flavour and moisture to your pork tenderloin, you can try using a spice rub or marinade. Mix your chosen dry spices with a small amount of olive oil to create a paste, then rub it all over the meat. You can also try using Dijon mustard as a base for your spice rub, which pairs perfectly with pork.

After seasoning, it is important to let the meat rest for a few minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat. This will enhance the taste and juiciness of your pork tenderloin.

Finally, if your tenderloin is too large to fit comfortably in the air fryer, you may need to cut it in half. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly.

Making the rub

Firstly, gather your chosen spices and herbs. A typical pork tenderloin rub might include salt, pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried thyme, ground mustard, and cayenne pepper. You can also add an extra kick with some chilli powder or crushed red pepper. Play around with the spices to find your perfect combination, or switch them up each time to keep things interesting!

Next, combine your chosen spices in a small bowl and mix well. You can also add olive oil, mustard, and honey to the mixture to create a wet rub. A wet rub will help the spices stick to the meat and keep the pork tender and juicy.

Once you have a well-combined mixture, it's time to apply it to the pork tenderloin. Use your hands to rub the mixture all over the meat, ensuring an even coating. Make sure you've trimmed any silver skin from the tenderloin first, so the rub can penetrate the meat.

Now your pork tenderloin is ready for the air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer and grease the basket before adding the meat.

Cooking the tenderloin

Firstly, bring the meat to room temperature. This is an important step as it will help the pork cook more evenly. You can do this by taking the pork out of the fridge and leaving it on the counter for 30 minutes before cooking.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is heating up, trim the silver skin from the tenderloin using a sharp knife. You can then rub the tenderloin with oil and season it. For the seasoning, you can use a combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne for a little heat. Mix your chosen seasonings in a bowl and then rub the mixture all over the tenderloin.

Once the air fryer is preheated, lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or non-aerosol cooking spray and place the tenderloin inside. Depending on the size of your tenderloin, you may need to cut it in half to ensure it fits in the basket.

Cook the tenderloin for 8 minutes, and then check and turn it if needed. Then, cook for another 7-12 minutes. The total cooking time will be around 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin. The key is to reach an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.

Once the tenderloin is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Resting and serving

After Air Frying:

Once your pork tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, it's time to remove it from the air fryer. Place the tenderloin on a cutting board or a plate and let it rest for at least 3 minutes, but no more than 10 minutes. This resting period is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your pork stays moist and flavourful.

Serving:

After resting, you can now slice your pork tenderloin. If you want to enhance the flavour and moisture even further, drizzle any juices that have accumulated during resting over the sliced meat.

Pork tenderloin is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:

• Roasted Red Potatoes or Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Mediterranean-inspired Cucumber Salad, Avocado Salsa, or Caesar Salad
• Cauliflower Rice and Sautéed Green Beans (keto-friendly option)
• Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Instant Pot Brown Rice
• Air fryer baked potatoes with sautéed Brussels sprouts or broccolini
• Butternut squash casserole or mashed cauliflower (heartier options for the holidays)

Leftovers and Storage:

If you have any leftover pork tenderloin, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it in a ziplock bag for up to 3-6 months. When reheating, thaw it in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm it in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Frequently asked questions