Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is juicy and succulent on the inside, with a deliciously crispy exterior. This recipe is quick, easy, and loaded with savory pork flavor.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
This simple recipe delivers a major dose of flavor. A buttery blend of minced garlic, rosemary, and smoked paprika adds layers of bold, zesty, and smoky flavor to the already succulent meat.
Plus, since I crafted this recipe using the air fryer, dinner can be ready and on the table in under 30 minutes – with almost no prep work or clean up involved. Win-win!
Whether it is pork chops, pulled pork, or pork katsu, I never get tired of making mouthwatering pork dishes. They are easy to prepare, versatile to pair, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why you will love this recipe
- Fast and easy to prepare
- Loaded with buttery, garlic-herb flavor
- Great with lots of different sides
- Tender, juicy results every time
How to make perfect Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Blend Butter and Spices. Melt the butter and combine it with the minced garlic, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Season the Meat. Use a brush to coat both pieces of meat with the butter mixture. Then, set the meat aside to rest for about 15 minutes.
Preheat the Air Fryer. Get the air fryer preheated to 400 degrees F and arrange the tenderloin pieces inside. Be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer. If needed, the pork can be cooked in batches.
Cook and Flip. Let the pork cook for 14-16 minutes, flipping it once halfway through. When the meat is done cooking, it should have an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. I use an instant read meat thermometer inserted into the center to check.
Rest Before Slicing. Take the tenderloin out of the air fryer and give it about 5 minutes to rest before slicing. This gives the juices in the meat time to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy slices.
Serve. Slice the pork and serve it up with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or another side. Enjoy!
Pork Tenderloin in Air Fryer Pro Tips
Preheating is a must. Those few extra minutes guarantee tender juicy meat on the inside and a crispy, flavorful crust on the outside. Having the air fryer nice and hot before adding the meat has a searing effect that locks in moisture and deepens the flavor of the entire dish.
It’s best to work in batches if needed. For pork tenderloin in an air fryer to cook evenly, there needs to be enough room for air to circulate around the meat. I know it takes longer to cook in batches, but it is much better than ending up with soggy, half-cooked meat.
Pork Tenderloin in Air Fryer Frequently asked Questions
How long does it take to cook pork tenderloin in the air fryer?
At 400 degrees F, air fryer pork tenderloin takes around 14-16 minutes to cook.
Since pork can overcook quickly, I like to check it right at the 14-minute mark. If it has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees, I go ahead and take it out.
Much longer than that and the meat will start to get dry and tough. In fact, I sometimes even turn off the air fryer as soon as my thermometer reads 135 degrees F since I know it will only be seconds before it reaches the safe zone.
However, the amount of time can vary depending on the size and number of tenderloin pieces being cooked. When cooking 2 larger pieces, I have had to increase the cooking time to 18-20 minutes to reach 145 degrees. Easy adjustments!
What is the best way to store leftover pork tenderloin?
Air fryer pork tenderloin can be transferred to an airtight container or ziploc bag and stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
If the pork won’t get eaten in that amount of time, it can be transferred to a freezer safe container and frozen for up to 3 months. As a rule, I always label and date anything that gets stashed in the freezer.
To reheat, I prefer to gently warm the tenderloin in the oven, covered with foil to prevent drying. The air fryer and microwave can be used as well.
What pairs well with air fryer pork tenderloin?
Pork is king when it comes to versatility! This garlicky pork tenderloin goes well with just about any side dish under the sun. For a simple, classic meal, I like to pair it with potatoes, green beans, and corn on the cob. Honestly, any vegetables are fantastic!
Pork tenderloin is also great with any number of rice, quinoa, or grain side dishes. I have even chopped up leftovers and added some to macaroni and cheese. The possibilities are endless!
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 2 piece tenderloin about 12 oz each
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- 2 clove garlic cloves minced
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dry rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Mix melted butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, rosemary, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Then, brush both pieces of meat with the prepared mixture and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the Air Fryer to 400F. Then, arrange pork tenderloin inside. Depending on the size of your Air Fryer, you may need to work in batches.
- Cook for 14-16 minutes, flipping it halfway through or until an instant meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 145ºF.
- Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and tender final product.
- Slice and serve with mashed or roasted potatoes on the side.
Notes
- Pork can overcook pretty quickly, so I suggest checking doneness at 14 minutes and then adjusting the cooking time accordingly. I’ve tested this recipe twice, and when cooking two at a time, you may need up to 18-20 minutes to reach the internal temperature of 145F. You may also prefer it juicier, so with an internal temp of 135F, you’ll be go-to-go as it’ll rise up to the safe standard of 145F within a couple of seconds.
- Preheating the air fryer before cooking the pork tenderloin is essential. This helps create a sear on the outside of the meat, sealing in the juices and enhancing the flavor.
- Store leftovers in a sealed bag or airtight container. Properly stored, cooked pork tenderloin can typically be refrigerated for up to three to four days.
- If you don’t plan on consuming the leftovers within a few days, you can freeze them. Wrap the cooled pork tenderloin tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover pork tenderloin, there are a few methods to reheat it:
- Microwave: If you’re looking for a quick option, you can use the microwave to reheat the pork tenderloin. Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate, cover them with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
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