Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe
You might think cooking a pork tenderloin low and slow is the only way to ensure it's flavorful and juicy. But with the help of your air fryer, you can prepare this delicious cut of meat in a fraction of the time! This simple air fryer pork tenderloin recipe combines a delicious seasoning rub with a lean and tender roast to create an amazing main course that's perfect for a busy weeknight or fancy dinner party!
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What Do I Need to Make This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe?
When you see how easy it is to make pork tenderloin in the air fryer, you'll never cook it any other way. And one of the best parts about this simple recipe is that you don't need a ton of fancy ingredients to prepare it! All you need to make a flavorful tenderloin for dinner tonight are these simple ingredients:
- Pork tenderloin
- Avocado oil
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Dried sage
How Do I Make This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe?
Can you make a delicious pork tenderloin for dinner in under 30 minutes? When you use your air fryer and follow these easy instructions, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal ready for your family in no time!
Step One: Season the Tenderloin
Start by preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees. While the air fryer is warming up, stir together the avocado oil, brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried sage in a small bowl. Coat the tenderloin evenly with the seasoning mixture.
Step Two: Air Fry the Pork
Place the seasoned tenderloin in the basket of your air fryer. Set the fryer to cook for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping the tenderloin halfway through the cook time. Let the tenderloin rest for 5 minutes before slicing and cooking.
How Do You Store Pork Tenderloin?
This flavorful and juicy pork tenderloin recipe will surely be a hit at dinner! But if you have leftovers when your family is finished eating, they should be stored in the refrigerator. Transfer the extras to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days.
Your leftovers can be reheated in the microwave, in the air fryer, or in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through.
Can I Make Pork Tenderloin Ahead of Time?
It's best to cook the pork tenderloin before you eat it, but you can prepare the meat in advance. Combine the seasoning mixture and coat the tenderloin up to one day in advance. Store the seasoned pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you can start cooking.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Cooking Tips
You won't believe how flavorful and juicy this air fryer tenderloin can be! And with the help of these simple tips and tricks, you can be sure your pork tastes amazing every time you cook it in this handy appliance.
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- Flip the tenderloin for even cooking. Since a pork tenderloin is a thick cut of meat, it's important to take the time to flip the pork in the middle of cooking. At the 6 to 7 minute mark, remove the basket from the air fryer and use a pair of tongs to flip the roast. This will help keep the bottom of the tenderloin from overcooking and help the entire roast cook more evenly.
- Don't forget the oil. In addition to adding flavor to your pork, using oil when cooking your roast in the air fryer also helps the meat maintain its moisture. That's because the oil helps create a crispy coating on the outside of the meat, holding the juices inside to add moisture to the roast.
- Let it rest. Ensuring that your pork is thoroughly cooked is essential to serving your family a safe and healthy dinner. First, ensure the pork has cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Then, allow the tenderloin to rest for at least 5 minutes before you slice and serve it.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe Ideas
Since this recipe is so simple to prepare, it's also easy to adjust! Try these addition and substitution ideas to create an amazing main course for your next dinner.
- Use a different cut of meat. Pork tenderloin is a great option for cooking in your air fryer because it cooks quickly and easily. But it's not the only cut of pork you can use with the seasoning and cooking method. You can also use the ingredients listed to cook pork loin or pork chops. You may need to adjust the cook time depending on the size and thickness of your pork.
- Try a different type of oil. Avocado oil is a great option for cooking in the air fryer because it has a neutral flavor and cooks well under high heat. But if you don't have avocado oil, you can use another high-heat oil, such as canola or olive oil.
- Marinate the pork before cooking. If you have extra prep time, try marinating the tenderloin before putting it in the air fryer. Combine the seasoning and oil in a large zip-top bag or shallow bowl. Add the pork and turn to coat the entire tenderloin in the seasoning. Allow the pork to soak in the marinade in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to overnight before cooking in the air fryer.
10 Best Side Dishes for Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a versatile and flavorful dish, but choosing the perfect sides can elevate the meal to a whole new level. Whether you prefer something fresh, savory, or indulgent, these side dishes pair beautifully with pork tenderloin.
1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes pair perfectly with the tender, juicy flavors of pork tenderloin.
2.Oven Roasted Carrots: The natural sweetness of carrots complements the savory flavors of pork and adds a pop of vibrant color to your plate.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a great contrast in texture and a slightly bitter flavor that balances the richness of pork tenderloin.
4. Apple and Fennel Salad: This fresh and tangy salad, with crisp apple slices and shaved fennel, adds a refreshing element to your meal.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Simple and elegant, grilled asparagus spears with a touch of olive oil and lemon create a light but satisfying pairing.
6. Creamed Spinach
Rich and velvety creamed spinach delivers a comforting, decadent side dish to go with the tender pork.
7. Wild Rice Pilaf: This nutty and slightly chewy side dish is a flavorful complement, especially when studded with dried cranberries or toasted almonds.
8. Sweet Potato Wedges: Oven-roasted sweet potato wedges bring a touch of natural sweetness and a delightful crisp to the table.
9. Classic Green Beans Casserole:A beloved classic recipe! The best part is you only need 3 ingredients to make it.
10. Herb-Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and potatoes seasoned with rosemary and thyme adds earthy flavors to your meal.
Whatever you choose, any of these side dishes will perfectly complement your pork tenderloin and make it a memorable meal.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin about 1 lb
- 2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix avocado oil, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried sage.
- Coat the pork tenderloin evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 12-14 minutes, turning halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork tenderloin rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Can I use a different cut of pork? Yes, you can use other cuts like pork loin or pork chops. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the cut and ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
What if I don’t have avocado oil? You can substitute avocado oil with another high-heat oil such as canola oil.
Can I adjust the seasoning in this recipe? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amounts of brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and sage to suit your taste preferences.
How should I store leftover pork tenderloin? Store any leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to retain the best texture.
Can I prepare the pork tenderloin ahead of time? You can season the pork tenderloin ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Air fry it just before serving for optimal results.
What can I serve with air fryer pork tenderloin? Pork tenderloin pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or steamed rice.
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