Air-Fried Pork Tenderloin: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Pork tenderloin is a versatile, tender, and juicy cut of meat that can be prepared in a variety of ways. One of the best ways to cook it is in an air fryer, which yields a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The high-speed circulating heat of the air fryer ensures the pork stays nice and juicy, and the cooking time is just around 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for a delicious meal.

Choosing the right cut of pork

Identifying Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is a specific cut of meat that comes from the muscle alongside the pig's backbone. It is a boneless, long and narrow piece of meat with very little visible fat. Pork tenderloin is also known for being one of the leanest and most tender cuts of meat available. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a juicy and flavourful option. When cooked, it may have a slightly silver skin.

Differences from Pork Loin

It is important to distinguish between pork tenderloin and pork loin, as they are different cuts of meat. Pork loin is wider and flatter and can be purchased with or without the bone. It is generally thicker and sometimes has bones attached, so it takes longer to cook than pork tenderloin. Pork loin is also usually fattier, with a layer of fat called the "fat cap". Pork tenderloin, on the other hand, is leaner and extra tender, so it requires careful cooking to avoid overcooking.

Selecting the Right Cut

When choosing pork tenderloin, look for firm, pink flesh. Damp, pale, or soft meat may indicate factory farming. If possible, opt for pastured pork or organic pork for the best results. The ideal pork tenderloin will weigh around a pound and have a cylindrical shape, about three to four inches wide. You can usually find this cut of meat in the meat section of your grocery store or from your local butcher.

Storage and Preparation

Pork tenderloin can be frozen whole or sliced for up to three months before cooking. When preparing the meat, trim any excess fat or "silver skin" with a sharp knife. You can then coat the meat with olive oil and apply a dry rub or marinade of your choice. This cut of meat is very versatile and pairs well with various seasonings and cooking methods.

Preparing the meat

Firstly, choose the right cut of meat. For this recipe, you will need a pork tenderloin, which is different from a pork loin. The tenderloin is longer, thinner, and has a silver skin that needs to be removed before cooking. Make sure to buy a tenderloin that weighs around 1 pound or slightly more, as larger tenderloins may need to be cut in half to fit in the air fryer.

Once you have the right cut of meat, it's time to trim the silver skin from the tenderloin. This step is important as the silver skin can be tough and affect the overall texture of the cooked meat. Simply use a sharp knife to carefully remove the silver skin from the surface of the meat.

After trimming, it's time to season the meat. You can use a variety of seasonings, but a typical combination includes salt, pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and other spices like thyme, chilli powder, or dried oregano. Mix these dry ingredients in a separate bowl, and then rub them all over the tenderloin. Make sure the meat is well-coated with the spices.

Before placing the meat in the air fryer, it's a good idea to coat it with a small amount of oil. This helps the seasonings stick to the meat and also traps the juices inside, resulting in juicier pork tenderloin. You can use olive oil or any other cooking oil of your choice.

Some recipes also suggest coating the pork tenderloin with Dijon mustard and honey before applying the spice rub. This adds a unique flavour to the meat and gives it a gorgeous caramelisation during cooking.

Once the meat is trimmed, seasoned, and coated with oil (and/or mustard and honey), it's ready to be placed in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the tenderloin, you might need to cut the meat in half to ensure even cooking.

In summary, preparing the meat for pork tenderloin in an air fryer involves choosing the right cut, trimming any silver skin, seasoning generously, and coating with oil (and/or mustard and honey). By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and juicy pork tenderloin dish.

Making a rub or marinade

Once you have prepared your rub or marinade, coat the tenderloin with a small amount of olive oil, and then rub the spice mixture over the entire surface of the meat. Make sure the tenderloin is evenly coated, and then it's ready to cook!

Cooking the tenderloin

Firstly, remove the pork tenderloin from the refrigerator and pat it dry. Cut the tenderloin in half so that it fits into the basket of your air fryer.

Next, combine your choice of seasonings in a small bowl. You can use salt, brown sugar, pepper, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder, or try smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne for a little heat. Brush or rub olive oil all over the pork tenderloin, then sprinkle the spice mixture over it, pressing it into the meat.

Now it's time to cook the tenderloin. Place the two pieces in the basket of the air fryer, making sure there is space between them. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes. Then, flip the tenderloin and continue cooking at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145°F.

Once the tenderloin is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure that the meat stays juicy.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes before cooking, and then maintaining this temperature for 20-22 minutes, depending on the size of the tenderloin. However, other recipes recommend reducing the temperature to 325°F after the initial 5 minutes and cooking for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

You can check the temperature of the tenderloin with an instant-read thermometer. It is important not to overcook the meat, as it is lean and can dry out.

Resting and serving

Once your pork tenderloin is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate or cutting board. It is important to let the meat rest for 3-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure that the juices are locked in, making the meat more juicy and tender. You can save any juices to serve over the sliced meat.

While the meat is resting, you can prepare your side dishes. Pork tenderloin is a versatile dish that goes well with a variety of sides. Some popular options include:

• Air fryer baked potatoes
• Sauteed Brussels sprouts or broccolini
• Butternut squash casserole
• Mashed cauliflower
• Roasted potatoes and carrots
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Salad
• Instant Pot mashed potatoes
• Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta
• Instant Pot Brown Rice

Frequently asked questions