Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

The air fryer makes the most tender pork tenderloin in about 16 minutes!

Deliciously seasoned and incredibly tender, this meal is ready in about as much time as it takes to make a side salad.

Why We’re Obsessed With This Recipe

• This recipe is short on prep time but big on flavor!
• It’s so tender and juicy, you can almost cut it with a spoon!
• Cooking time is fast, and preheating the air fryer takes just minutes.
• Pork tenderloin is both low carb and low calorie.
• The air fryer seals the juices and makes a beautiful crust on the outside.

Ingredients

Pork tenderloin is one of my all time favorite meats to cook. It’s very lean and tender and cooks really fast.

Be sure you are buying a pork tenderloin (and not a pork loin). Tenderloin usually weighs just over 1 pound and it is long and slender, approximately 2″ in diameter. A pork loin is much larger/thicker and cannot be substituted in this recipe (we use this recipe for pork loin).

The seasoning for this pork tenderloin is a mixture of balsamic vinegar, dijon, and spices. You can marinate it for up to 1 hour if time allows.

How to Prep a Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is very lean and doesn’t require a lot of preparation.

Most often, there will be a white/silver area on the pork (called silver skin) which should be removed as it can be tough. Simply place a sharp knife under the silver skin and slide it along the skin to remove (we do the same with beef tenderloin). If your pork tenderloin has any fatty bits, they can be removed as well.

How to Cook Juicy Pork Tenderloin in the Air Fryer

1. Combine the seasoning mix. Brush over the pork tenderloin.
2. Place in a preheated air fryer and cook 16 minutes. (As per the recipe below)
3. Remove and let rest before slicing.

Tips for the Best Tenderloin

• Use an instant read meat thermometer. This is a very lean piece of meat and it will dry out if overcooked. You can get a meat thermometer for under $15 (here on Amazon) and cook all kinds of meat to juicy perfection. An investment my kitchen would never be without!
• This recipe is for about 1 1/4 lb tenderloin. A smaller or larger piece of meat will need the cooking time adjusted by a couple of minutes.
• If the tenderloin is too large to fit in your air fryer, it can be cut in half. Cooking time will not change.
• Rest the tenderloin at least 5 minutes before slicing.
• Preheat the air fryer for best results.

Got Leftovers?

Keep cooled pork tenderloin in an airtight container up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Freeze slices in small zippered bags for up to 4 weeks. (Make sure the date is labeled on the outside.)

Use leftovers in a sandwich or try it in these Quick and Easy Pork Fajitas.

Sides for Pork Tenderloin

• Brown Sugar Roasted Sweet Potatoes – creamy side
• Homemade Applesauce– perfect with pork
• Rosemary Roasted Baby Potatoes – easy to make
• Buttery Glazed Carrots – buttery and sweet
• Garlic Butter Air Fryer Mushrooms – ideal topping

Did your family love this Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! 

4.98 from 101 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Air Fryer Pork tenderloin cooks up juicy and tender every time.

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Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 19 minutes minutes

Total Time 24 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Author Holly Nilsson

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Instant Read Thermometer

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients  

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• ▢ 1 pork tenderloin about 1 ¼ to 1 ½ pounds
• ▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Seasoning Mix

• ▢ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ▢ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon olive oil
• ▢ ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions 

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Remove the silver skin from the pork tenderloin by slipping a knife under it. Gently pull the silver area off while cutting with the knife.
• Combine the seasoning mix in a small bowl and brush over the tenderloin on all sides. Season with salt and pepper.
• Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket (cut it in half to fit if needed) and cook for 16-17 minutes or until pork reaches 145°F. (I remove the pork from the air fryer a few degrees before as it will continue to rise while resting).
• Let pork rest at least 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Appliances and cooking times can vary. Check the pork early to ensure it doesn't overcook.
• Use an instant read meat thermometer. This is a very lean piece of meat and it will dry out if overcooked. 
• This recipe is for a 1 1/4 lb tenderloin. If yours is smaller or larger, cooking time will need to be adjusted by a couple of minutes.
• If the tenderloin is too large to fit, it can be cut in half. Cooking time will not change. 
• Rest the tenderloin at least 5 minutes before slicing.
• The pork tenderloin can and should be a little bit pink in the middle for the best results.

4.98 from 101 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 184 | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 379mg | Potassium: 568mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Pork

Cuisine American

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