This air fryer pork tenderloin recipe is a juicy, delicious dinner. The tenderloin is perfectly seasoned with brown sugar, paprika, salt, pepper and more!
Pork tenderloin is one of the best cuts of pork. We call it our pork filet mignon steak. It is so soft and juicy, and is a common cut of meat, so you can find it in most grocery stores. If you are looking for other pork air fryer recipes, be sure to try our Air Fryer pork chops, teriyaki pork chops, pork belly bites, or bacon!
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Making this delicious pork tenderloin in the air fryer is such an easy dinner. You will love this recipe because it's not only easy, it also has a perfect combination of flavors!
We made this air fryer pork tenderloin recipe on a very hot summer day. Because it was so hot, I couldn't stand the idea of adding more heat to the house from an oven warming. Because making tenderloin in the air fryer is so easy, it is now another one of our favorite delicious meals.
What you need to make juicy pork tenderloin
Because my Cosori Air Fryer is easy to use, and has made so many delicious recipes, I used it to make this recipe. Besides an air fryer, and tenderloin, the ingredients you need to make the spice rub are:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp parsley flakes
- olive oil
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Because I have tested this recipe with McCormick seasonings, this blend is one of my favorites. Although I love this rub blend, you can season pork with a different spice rub, BBQ Sauce, or other seasonings.
How to cook pork tenderloin in Air Fryer
To begin, pat dry pork with a paper towel. Using a sharp knife, trim and remove any larger pieces of fat. Then, coat the tenderloin with about one tablespoon olive oil.
Once the tenderloin is prepared, in a small bowl, mix the seasonings. Next, pour them over the tenderloin. Then, roll the tenderloin in the mixing bowl until the seasoning mixture is completely coated in the seasonings.
Finally, place the entire pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket, or on tray of air fryer, and air Fry at 400° Fahrenheit for 20-22 minutes. Turn halfway through cook time, so both sides can cook evenly.
Use an Internal Meat Thermometer, like this one, to confirm doneness with an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Once you have cooked pork, let the pork tenderloin rest for 8-10 minutes before serving.
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FAQs
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. This pork cooks much faster too.
Is tenderloin a good cut of meat?
Pork tenderloin is the leanest cut of pork. Which is why we call it the filet mignon of pork. So we consider it the best cut.
What can I serve with this?
Baby potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, or stuffing, are favorite side dishes. It's really up to you. Because pork is such a versatile meat, almost everything goes well with it.
How do I store leftovers?
When doing meal prep, this recipe is perfect! You can keep leftover pork tenderloin covered in an airtight container and refrigerated for 3-4 days after cooking.
Do I need to preheat air fryer?
I did not preheat to make this recipe in my air fryer. Use your air fryer according to manufacturers guide.
KITCHEN TIPS/NOTES:
Because all air fryers are a little different, cooking times may vary.
When I buy pork tenderloin it almost always comes with two pieces. When I made this recipe I cooked one piece at a time. Each piece of pork weighed exactly 1.25 pounds, for a combined 2.5 pounds pork tenderloin.
If cooking both tenderloins together, you may need to adjust cook times. Using a Digital Meat Thermometer, confirm the internal temperature is at least 145 degrees F before serving.
To avoid dry pork, I cook this at a higher temperature with less cooking time.
My basket has a non-stick coating. Because I also coated the tenderloin with olive oil, I did not coat my air fryer with cooking spray.
MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES:
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken
- Maple Glazed Pork Chops
- Country Style Ribs
- Blackened Chicken Tenders
- Whole Chicken
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Optional: Digital Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin about 1.25-1.5 pounds
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp parsley flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Pat tenderloin dry with a paper towel.
- Using a sharp knife, trim and remove any larger pieces of fat. Then, coat the tenderloin with about one tablespoon olive oil.
- In a small bowl mix the seasonings, and then pour over the tenderloin.
- Roll the tenderloin in the mixing bowl until the seasoning mixture until it is completely coated in the seasonings.
- Place tenderloin in the air fryer basket, or on tray of air fryer, and air Fry at 400° F for 20-22 minutes. Turn halfway through cook time.
- Internal temperature should be 145 degrees F. Once you have cooked pork, let the pork tenderloin rest for 8-10 minutes before serving.
*Nutritional information is a calculated guesstimate. Please note that this can change with different brands and modifications you may make to the recipe. For the most accurate information, use a nutritional calculator with the exact brands and measurements you're using with each recipe.
©AirFryingFoodie 2021
I am going to try this
Tried this recipe in my new air fryer I got for Christmas it came out delicious thanks for the recipe
Thank you!
Can you use a tenderloin that is preseasoned?
Absolutely! The air frying time will be the same.
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!
Thanks for mentioning the Splenda‐Brown sugar mix. I was wondering if that would work since it's what I generally use. Perfect.
Do you wrap in foil before cooking?
I did not wrap in foil first. Hope that helps.