This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin recipe is simple and delicious, and best of all, it only takes about 30 minutes to make from start to finish.
It's a perfect quick, easy and healthy dinner that you can serve your family on a busy weeknight, or a fancy it up for a special occasion.
If you're looking for an easy and healthy pork tenderloin recipe, look no further than your air fryer! This recipe is simple to follow and yields a delicious, juicy pork tenderloin.
Hey friends, I'm checking in with another new air fryer recipe and you can 100% add this to your easy recipe list. Hey, it’s a winner-dinner!!
DISCLAIMER: This post is sponsored by the Wisconsin Pork Producers Association. As always, the opinions are honest and are all my own.
I love cooking with pork.
Whether it's a sheet pan pork tenderloin meal or juicy grilled pork chops, there are endless ways you can prepare it. I love knowing that real farmers and real farms in Wisconsin and across the United States are raising pork so I can keep making delicious recipes like this!
Today we're cooking with one of my favorite cuts, the pork tenderloin. It also happens to be an affordable cut of meat which makes it a double win!
The tenderloin is a lean cut of meat that can take on a variety of delicious flavors. And, thanks to the air fryer's low fat cooking method, it's a great way to enjoy this lean protein guilt-free.
Fun fact: Today's pork has about 16% less fat and 27% less saturated fat as compared to 30 years ago.
Pork is both a good source of protein and also provides several important vitamins and minerals. A 3-ounce serving of pork is an “excellent” source of thiamin, selenium, protein, niacin, vitamin B6 and phosphorus, and a “good” source of riboflavin, zinc and potassium. You can learn even more about pork!
It's a protein source you can feel good about serving up. The whole family will love it, I promise!
You can also make the same recipe using a pork loin in the air fryer.
How to trim a pork tenderloin
Overall, pork tenderloin is a very lean cut of pork so there’s not a lot of fat to trim.
There is a thin membrane that runs along the tenderloin called silverskin. You’ll be able to identify it by looking for an iridescent band that runs lengthwise on the pork.
To remove it before cooking, you’ll use a paring knife to slip under the silver skin and use a paper towel to grab the end as you cut. Carefully run the knife just underneath the silverskin, holding the cut end with a paper towels.
Keep the sharp edge of the knife angle slightly up at about a 45° angle.. You’ll end up with a strip of the membrane to discard.
A lot of people don’t realize this is a great step when preparing a pork tenderloin. Is it the end of the world if you don’t do this? No, not really - that wouldn't be my style!
Not removing it can cause the tenderloin to shrink or curl as it cooks. It shouldn’t take more than 2-3 minutes to do and it’s worth it in my opinion!
Ingredients
I love a recipe that's as simple as this. All you'll need are:
- Pork tenderloin: these are often sold in packs of two at the grocery store. You can make both or save the other for another time. Whether you buy meat from a local butcher shop OR at the grocery store you are still supporting farm families in Wisconsin and across the country.
- Olive oil
- Seasoning mix: dried rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, salt & black pepper
How to make pork tenderloin in the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer and prep your pork tenderloin as outlined above. While that's going on, combine the seasonings for the rub.
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Rub the seasoned olive oil mixture over the pork tenderloin.
Add the seasoned tenderloin to the air fryer basket and get it cooking! Give it a flip after about 10 minutes and cook for another 10 minutes.
Easy peasy, right??!?
Cooked Temperature for Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Keep in mind when you cook it, you can remove it when the temperature reaches 140°F as there will be some carryover cook time.
This just means the meat will continue to cook as it sits to reach the desired temperature.
Let the pork rest for about 10 minutes so the juices can redistribute before slicing on a cutting board
Tips and Variations
- Cook pork tenderloin until the internal temperature of the pork is 140-145°F when measured with a digital meat thermometer (link). The carryover cooking process will help it to finish to the cooked temperature of 145 as it sits.
- Mix up the spice rub depending on your mood! Use your favorite dry rub or go for Italian flair with Italian seasoning. If you want to add bbq sauce, wait until the pork is almost done cooking before you add it. We don't want the brown sugar or bbq sauce to burn.
- Try making thin cut pork chops in the air fryer, too!
For a pork recipe that stretches into multiple meals, try my air fryer pulled pork. It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, and nachos.
How to store leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. To reheat, you can pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes or microwave until warm.
Sliced leftovers are perfect for making easy pork sandwiches, too!
What to make with extra pork tenderloin?
A lot of times, the grocery stores sell pork tenderloin in a two pack. If you have extra pork, some of my favorite ways to make it are in an easy pork stir fry and in pork fajitas.
What should I serve with air fryer pork tenderloin
Some of my favorite side dishes to go with this are Air Fryer sweet potato wedges, air fryer smashed Brussels sprouts or Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes or even simple green beans.
If you make this easy pork tenderloin recipe, leave a recipe review or comment below. I'd love to hear from you!
More pork recipes
Recipe
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
Method
- Remove the pork tenderloin from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Dry pork with a few paper towels. Transfer to a cutting board and trim any excess fat (there won’t be much) and remove the silverskin.
- To remove the silverskin: Use a paring knife or other sharp knife to slip under the silver skin and a paper towel to grab the end. Carefully run the knife just underneath the silverskin, holding the cut end with a paper towel.
- Keep the the sharp edge of the knife angle slightly up at about a 45° angle.. You’ll end up with a strip of the membrane to discard.
- Turn on the air fryer and set it to preheat with the air fryer function at a temperature of 375°F. Allow it to preheat for 5-7 minutes
- While the air fryer pre-heats, make the seasoning rub. Combine the olive oil, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Add salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Rub the seasoned olive oil mixture over the pork tenderloin.
- Add the seasoned tenderloin to the air fryer basket. Depending on your model, you may need to place it at an angle.
- Cook the meat of 10 minutes, then use tongs to turn the tenderloin over. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes. Use a digital meat thermometer to check for a temp of at least 140°F before removing from the fryer.
Let the pork tenderloin rest for 10 minutes before slicing on an angle and serving. The internal temperature will be 145°F when it is fully cooked.
Julie Pollitt says
Looks so tender! Can't wait to make it in my air fryer.
Deanne Frieders says
Thanks Julie! Enjoy 🙂
Heather says
Looks delicious!!! Love the blush of pink - no overcooked pork! Woohoo
Deanne Frieders says
Yes, that's key! A meat thermometer is our best friend 🙂
Nick says
Definitely making this in my air fryer1
Deanne Frieders says
Perfect Nick - enjoy!
Jennifer says
Our family loves meals like this! Haven't tried pork tenderloin in the air fryer 🙂