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This air fryer pork tenderloin is so tender and juicy! Just rub on the seasonings, and let the air fryer do the rest. It’s ready in under thirty minutes, making it perfect for a fancy dinner or busy weeknights.

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Juicy brown tenderloin cut into slices on a wooden cutting board.

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QUICK AND EASY AIR FRYER PORK TENDERLOIN RECIPE 

This tenderloin recipe is easy to make, and the brown sugar and seasonings combined adds just the right amount flavor.

The air fryer makes keeps the inside of the tenderloin tender, while giving the outside a crispy crust. And it goes with almost any of your favorite side dishes.  

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When you need a quick dinner on the table, this pork tenderloin is a great main course choice! For more quick air fryer meal ideas, try this air fryer bacon wrapped chicken, air fryer pork belly bites, air fryer country style ribs, or this amazing air fryer whole chicken. All of these meals are great air fryer options!

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE PORK TENDERLOIN IN AIR FRYER

Uncooked pork tenderloin with olive oil, brown sugar, and other seasonings, measured out on a marble table.
  • pork tenderloin– about 1-1 ½ pounds
  • olive oil– you may not use the entire tablespoon-this is to help the seasonings stick to the tenderloin.
  • brown sugar-The brown sugar caramelizes the outside of the tenderloin, making a crispy crust while it’s air frying. 
  • kosher salt-salt enhances the natural flavors that come from pork, which is why you only need a little for this recipe.
  • paprika-paprika adds a slightly smoky flavor to the pork, and blends perfectly with the other spices. 
  • garlic powder- garlic powder adds the flavor of garlic, without overpowering the taste of the meat. 
  • onion powder- onion powder adds extra flavor and helps blend all of the flavors together. 
  • ground black pepper-black pepper adds just the right amount of flavor to the mix. A pinch goes a long way!
  • chili powder– or cayenne pepper, depending on how spicy you like it.

HOW TO MAKE JUICY PORK TENDERLOIN IN THE AIR FRYER

STEP 1: Pat the tenderloin dry with a paper towel and place on a cutting board or large plate.

STEP 2: Using a sharp knife, trim and remove any larger pieces of fat. Then, brush the tenderloin with olive oil, coating both sides of the tenderloin.

Uncooked pork tenderloin after being lightly brushed with olive oil, before being coated with seasonings.

STEP 3: In a small bowl, add the brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and chili powder. Stir everything together.

Seasonings mixed in a small glass bowl with a fork, on a marble table.

STEP 4: Season both sides of the tenderloin, gently pressing the seasoning mixture into the meat, until both sides are completely coated.

Uncooked pork tenderloin on light brown butcher paper, after being seasoned with brown sugar and spices.

STEP 5: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.

STEP 6: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the pork in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through cook time.

Uncooked seasoned pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket.

STEP 7: The tenderloin will be done when an instant read thermometer is inserted into the thickest portion of the tenderloin, and internal temperature is 145 degrees F. 

TIPS FOR MAKING JUICY AND TENDERLOIN AIR FRYER PORK TENDERLOIN

Use a meat thermometer- When making this recipe, adjust the time if you have a thicker tenderloin. A meat thermometer is the best way to confirm doneness.

Experiment with flavors- Marinate the tenderloin to add more flavors. Leave the tenderloin sitting in the marinade. Keep it covered and in the fridge, until ready to cook.

Let the juices settle- Once done, let the tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing juices to settle. Save the juices from the air fryer to pour over the tenderloin, prior to serving. 

Crispy coated seasoned pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket after being cooked.

HOW TO CUT PORK TENDERLOIN

To cut for serving, use a clean, sharp knife and a cutting board. If the cutting board slides, place a slightly damp kitchen towel underneath it to help stabilize it. You don’t want it to move while cutting!

Cut against the grain of the meat, by holding the knife at a slight angle. Make even slices, cut to your desired thickness. Drizzle juices from the bottom of the basket just before serving.

PORK TENDERLOIN VARIATIONS

  • Because pork is so easy to switch up, you can create a different meal, depending on how you season it or what sauces you have to marinade or glaze the tenderloin.
  • Slice leftovers into thin slices, then you top it with mushrooms and onions for an amazing meat sandwich.
  • Cut the tenderloin, or use leftovers, to make small bite pieces and toss with potatoes or a salad for quick meal prep for the week.
  • For a spicier flavor, add Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to the spice mixture before air frying. There really aren’t any wrong choices if using your favorite seasonings!

This air fryer pork tenderloin is a great every day meal or holiday dinner! For more holiday meal ideas, check our our favorite Air Fryer Easter Recipes, Air Fryer Thanksgiving Recipes and these Air Fryer Christmas Recipes.

Juicy sliced tenderloin with a caramel glaze on the outside.

FAQS ABOUT MAKING PORK TENDERLOIN IN THE AIR FRYER:

HOW DO I STORE LEFTOVER PORK TENDERLOIN?

If you have leftover pork tenderloin, let it cool before storage. Once cooled, transfer it to a sealed Ziploc bag or airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days.

HOW DO I REHEAT PORK TENDERLOIN IN THE AIR FRYER?

When reheating, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and then air fry for 3-5 minutes, until it’s warmed through. If you are reheating slices, start with 2-3 minutes, and then add a minute at a time until heated.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PORK TENDERLOIN AND PORK LOIN?

Pork tenderloin is a long thin strip of meat that is Boneless. Pork loin is wider and can have bone-in sometimes. Loin can take longer to cook and does better in slow cooking methods.

CAN I COOK FROZEN PORK TENDERLOIN?

It’s best to thaw it first, but if there isn’t time, you can cook straight from the freezer. Just add about 3-5 minutes to the total cooking time. 

HOW DO I PREVENT MY TENDERLOIN FROM BEING DRY?

The biggest reason for pork being dry is if it’s overcooked. Use a meat thermometer and be sure to cook until the internal temperature is 145 degrees F. You can technically even stop around 140 degrees F because as it sits in the closed air fryer for an additional 5-10 minutes, it will keep heating. Just make sure it’s at 145 degrees F in the thickest part of the meat. 

MORE PORK AIR FRYER RECIPES

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Juicy brown tenderloin cut into slices on a wooden cutting board.
4.75 from 8 votes
Servings: 4

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

By Becky
This air fryer pork tenderloin recipe makes a tenderloin with a crispy and caramelized outside, while it's juicy and tender inside.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
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Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Optional: Digital Meat Thermometer

Ingredients 

  • 1 pork tenderloin, about 1-1.5 pounds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper

Instructions 

  • Pat the tenderloin dry with a paper towel and then use a sharp knife, trim and remove any larger pieces of fat. Then, brush the tenderloin with olive oil, coating both sides of the tenderloin.
  • Mix the brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and chili powder together in a small bowl.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning all over both sides of the tenderloin, gently pressing the seasoning mixture into the meat, until it's completely coated.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, or heat empty for 3-5 minutes.
  • Once the air fryer is preheated, place the pork loin in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400 degrees F for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through cook time. The tenderloin will be done when it's golden brown and slightly crispy and the internal temperature is 145 degrees F.

Notes

When you make this recipe, you may need to adjust the time if you have a thicker tenderloin. A meat thermometer is the best way to confirm doneness.
If you have time, you can marinated the tenderloin to add more flavors. You can usually buy marinades, or create your own. Let the tenderloin sit in the marinade, keep it covered and in the fridge, until ready to cook.
Cut against the grain when slicing, and let the tenderloin rest in the juices before cutting.

Nutrition

Calories: 602kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 94g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 295mg, Sodium: 824mg, Potassium: 1808mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 123IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 36mg, Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Becky Abbott

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4.75 from 8 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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9 Comments

  1. Suzie says:

    Do you wrap in foil before cooking?

    Reply
    1. Rebecca says:

      I did not wrap in foil first. Hope that helps.

      Reply
  2. Donna Crane says:

    Thanks for mentioning the Splenda‐Brown sugar mix. I was wondering if that would work since it’s what I generally use. Perfect.

    Reply
  3. Debbie Stirling says:

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner tonight along with the Green Bean “Fries” recipe on this website. The tenderloin turned out delicious! (The green beans were amazing as well!) It was very tender and the outside was crispy. I am diabetic so I try to watch the carb count in the foods I cook. I substituted 2 tsp of Splenda brown sugar for the regular brown sugar called for in this recipe. I have to say that this is probably the best pork tenderloin I have ever made. I look forward to trying many more of your recipes!

    Reply
  4. Peggy Gilley says:

    I am going to try this

    Reply
    1. Denise Bartoszewski says:

      5 stars
      Tried this recipe in my new air fryer I got for Christmas it came out delicious thanks for the recipe

      Reply
      1. Rebecca says:

        Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Suzanne Dunlap says:

      Can you use a tenderloin that is preseasoned?

      Reply
      1. Rebecca says:

        Absolutely! The air frying time will be the same.

        Reply