Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin – Rachel Cooks®

Air fryer pork tenderloin is juicy, flavorful, and best of all: easy! Meet your new favorite weeknight protein.

 

While a lot of small kitchen appliances end up sitting in a cabinet somewhere gathering dust (I’m looking at you, quesadilla maker!) the air fryer is one that, years later, I’m still using several times a week. This air fryer pork tenderloin joins the ranks of air fryer meatloaf and air fryer chicken nuggets when it comes to my family’s favorite weeknight dinners.

It’s simple: you season the tenderloin with your favorite spices, then you pop it in the air fryer until it’s crispy on the outside but still juicy and tender on the inside. Ten minutes of prep, 20 minutes of cooking, and dinner is ready. Well, almost ready, after the pork rests 5 minutes which is key to juicy pork tenderloin. (Never skip the resting!)

Pair your air fryer pork tenderloin with an equally easy side dish like sautéed mushrooms, German red cabbage, or a simple salad, and put this recipe on frequent rotation for all those nights when you need something simple yet satisfying.

Reasons to Love Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

• Maximum flavor. Between the Dijon mustard and the spice blend we use for seasoning this recipe, we’ve got major flavor. The hot air circulating around the meat also gives it a golden, crispy exterior that’s irresistible and adds extra depth to the flavor.
• Quick and easy. With minimal prep time and quick cooking, this air fryer pork tenderloin is perfect for those busy nights when you still want a delicious home-cooked meal. 
• Versatile. You can use any spices or seasonings you have on hand to change up the flavor of your pork tenderloin. Make it your own!

Ingredients

• Pork Tenderloin: Pork tenderloin has a mild flavor that makes it work with just about any seasoning you add to it. Its leanness means it’s easy to overcook but an instant read thermometer will keep that from happening.
• Seasoning: A mixture of garlic powder, kosher salt, onion powder, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and coarse ground black pepper gives the pork plenty of flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon helps the seasonings stick to the pork tenderloin. It also adds a punch of flavor that makes this air fryer pork tenderloin extra delicious. If you don’t care for mustard, substitute olive oil.

How to make Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Combine seasonings. In a small bowl, stir together the garlic powder, salt, onion powder, dried thyme, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

Remove the silver skin from the pork tenderloin by slipping a knife under it and then pulling the silver area off while cutting as needed. Use a paper towel to grip the silver skin while you’re pulling it.

Season pork. Rub the pork tenderloin with the Dijon mustard, coating it evenly.

Sprinkle the spices over the pork tenderloin, massaging it into the meat.

Cook. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.

Place the tenderloin in the preheated air fryer basket. (It should fit when arranged diagonally, but you can cut it into two halves if necessary or if you want to slightly reduce the cook time.)

Cook the pork tenderloin in the air fryer at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes for a whole tenderloin (or 12 to 14 minutes for a tenderloin that’s cut in half).

The internal temperature should be 145°F for a slightly pink center, or 160°F for well-done. It should be at least 140°F; note that the temperature will continue to rise after cooking. 

Let the tenderloin rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

• Preheat air fryer: While I don’t always preheat my air fryer, I do recommend it for this recipe. Preheating your air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400°F ensures even cooking and that perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Thaw frozen tenderloins: It’s best to thaw frozen pork tenderloin before cooking it in the air fryer for even cooking. If you have no other option, though, simply adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure the pork reaches a safe internal temperature on an instant read thermometer.
• Don’t overcook: Check the temperature early and often! As long as you don’t overcook pork tenderloin in the air fryer, you shouldn’t have to worry about it drying out.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

A simple salad dressed with a red wine vinaigrette offers a fresh, crisp contrast to the savory pork. For something heartier, try roasted vegetables (like roasted Brussels sprouts with Asiago) or grains, like this creamy Instant Pot risotto. Potatoes are also excellent, whether it’s smashed potatoes or stovetop scalloped potatoes.

You can’t go wrong with crockpot applesauce either! Easy apple compote goes well, too.

More Pork Tenderloin Recipes

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerate/Freeze: To store leftover air fryer pork tenderloin, wrap the meat in foil or place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked pork tenderloin for up to 2 months; defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat: The best method is to reheat the pork in a 350ºF air fryer until it’s warmed through. Overheated pork may be dry so be careful not to overdo it. The microwave also works, but it’s not ideal.

Leftover Love

Leftovers make for a delicious sandwich, especially topped with caramelized onions and additional Dijon mustard.