Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
My air fryer pork tenderloin is perfectly seasoned, and the meat turns out so juicy and tender. It cooks in about 20 minutes and an easy weeknight dinner recipe.
My family loves a juicy pork tenderloin, but we used to enjoy it only on occasion- until I started experimenting with my air fryer. It’s now become an almost weekly dinner favorite.
The pork is perfectly seasoned, and the meat is juicy and tender. I’ve tested this recipe many times to ensure it’s never dry, rubbery, or overcooked. Seriously, you’ll start cooking this cut of pork more often after trying it.
Why I love cooking pork tenderloin in the air fryer
- Quick and easy. No marinating is needed, so the entire cooking time is under 20 minutes!
- Versatile. Pork tenderloin is super easy to customize. You can use my seasoning blend or toss it in a marinade or sauce.
- Healthy. Pork loin is lean and high in protein, and cooking it in the air fryer means no excess oil!
Ingredients needed
Find the printable recipe with measurements below:
- Pork tenderloin. Not to be confused with a pork loin, the tenderloin is longer, thinner, and has a slightly silver skin when cooked. I prefer to get mine from a butcher, but you should be able to find it at any mainstream grocery store.
- Olive oil. Just a little oil helps the seasoning stick and traps the juices, leaving you with super juicy meat.
- Dijon mustard. Mustard is the perfect pairing with pork, and coating it with some of it takes the flavor to another level.
- Honey. Adds a sweet and sticky element to the pork, balancing out the savory flavors. It also gives it gorgeous caramelization. If you prefer a granulated sweetener, brown sugar will work, but you will need to increase the oil by an extra tablespoon to compensate.
- Spices. I like to keep things simple to let the pork shine, so I use paprika, chili, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
How to cook pork tenderloin in the air fryer
Step 1- Season. Remove the skin of the pork and rub some oil over it. Mix all the seasonings, mustard, and honey in a bowl. Rub the spice mixture over the pork to coat well.
Step 2- Air fry. Place the tenderloin in the air fryer and cook for 18 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Remove from the air fryer once the exterior is sticky and glistening and when the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F.
Step 3- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
★★★★★ REVIEW
“I had never tried cooking raw meats in my air fryer before and was a little nervous. This was the first recipe and won’t be the last! The tenderloin was beautiful when it came out! After setting aside for 5 minutes, I spooned juices over the cut meat. It was tender, moist, and flavorful. Delicious!” – Patricia
Recipe tips
As a culinary school grad, I’ve learned how to work with lean cuts of meat, and here are my top tips for success:
- Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. My #1 non-negotiable tip. This will trap the juices inside longer, resulting in a juicier pork tenderloin.
- Do not stuff your tenderloin in the air fryer; otherwise, the pork won’t cook evenly. If my tenderloin won’t comfortably fit in the air fryer, I slice it in half and cook it in two batches.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked through. A fully cooked pork tenderloin requires an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Adjust the cooking time. My 1 1/2 pound pork tenderloin takes precisely 18 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Smaller pork tenderloins will cook more quickly, and larger ones will require more time.
Storage instructions
To store: Place leftover pork in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days.
To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled tenderloin in a ziplock bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before heating it up.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Frozen pork tenderloin works very well in the air fryer. Just be sure to thaw the meat thoroughly before seasoning it. Then, pat dry any excess moisture so that it doesn’t dry out the pork as it air fries.
I always treat pork as the primary protein source of family dinners and add side dishes around that. Air fryer baked potatoes are always popular, along with some greens (my little ones love sautéed brussels sprouts or sauteed broccolini!). During the holiday period, I like to serve it with more hearty sides, like a butternut squash casserole or cauliflower mashed cauliflower.
More air fryer dinners
If you tried this Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin recipe, please leave a star rating and comment. It helps others thinking of making this.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Video
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- If the pork hasn't been trimmed, remove the silver skin. Season the pork with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chili. Coat the exterior of the pork tenderloin with it.
- Add the pork into an air fryer basket and air fry for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. The pork tenderloin is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Silver skin: This can easily be removed using a sharp knife. If you forget to remove it, don’t worry- you can cut it off once the pork is cooked.
- Leftovers: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Reheating: You can reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated air fryer.
This is a keeper! However, I had to cook mine longer…maybe b/c it was a thicker cut? Regardless, the flavor is spot on!