Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Ever had one of those days where time just slips away? You glance at the clock and suddenly it’s dinner time, but all you’ve got is a lonely pork tenderloin in the fridge. That was me, not too long ago. But then, my trusty air fryer and a pinch of culinary creativity came to the rescue. The result? An unbelievably juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin that was ready in no time. This recipe has been a game-changer in my kitchen, and I’m sure it’ll be in yours too. Let’s dive in!
Alright, let’s get down to the star of the show – our Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin. This recipe is not just about cooking a piece of meat; it’s about transforming a simple pork tenderloin into a culinary masterpiece right in your kitchen. And the best part? It’s as easy as pie!
Now, you might be wondering, why should I make this recipe? Well, let me tell you, the benefits are plenty. First off, it’s quick and easy. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a perfectly cooked, juicy pork tenderloin that’s bursting with flavor. No more waiting for the oven to preheat or standing by the grill. Your air fryer does all the hard work for you.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re planning a quiet dinner for one or feeding a crowd, this air fryer pork tenderloin is sure to impress. Plus, it pairs beautifully with just about any side dish, from a fresh green salad to your favorite roasted veggies.
Lastly, it’s healthy. Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat, and cooking it in the air fryer requires minimal oil, making this a great choice for those watching their calorie intake.
So, are you ready to give it a try? Let’s get cooking!
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Ingredients
- 1 lb Pork Tenderloin: The star of our dish, lean and full of protein.
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika: Gives a smoky flavor that enhances the taste of the pork.
- 1 tsp Dry Thyme: An aromatic herb that complements the pork beautifully.
- 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic: For that classic, irresistible garlic flavor.
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard: Adds a bit of tang and depth to the marinade.
- 1 tsp Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dish.
- 1 tsp Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and complexity to the flavor profile.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Helps the marinade adhere to the meat and prevents it from sticking to the air fryer.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Instructions
Alright, my friends, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and dive into the cooking process. Don’t worry, I promise it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3!
Spice It Up: Start by combining the brown sugar, smoked paprika, dried thyme, garlic, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. This is the magical concoction that’s going to make our pork tenderloin sing!
Prep the Pork: Now, let’s turn our attention to the pork tenderloin. Pat it dry with some paper towels. Then, with a sharp knife, remove the silver skin. It’s that thin, silvery-white membrane on the meat. Don’t be shy, get in there and peel it off!
Marinate: Next, it’s time to introduce our pork to the spice mix. Brush the mix all over the pork, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it sit and marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. If you’ve got the time, you can cover it and let it marinate in the fridge overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
Air Fryer Time: Preheat your air fryer to 400° F for about 5 minutes. Then, place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer and let it cook at 400° F for 20-22 minutes. The exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your pork tenderloin. A good rule of thumb is to aim for an internal temperature of 145° F. Remember, it’s always a good idea to have a meat thermometer handy!
Rest and Slice: Once your pork tenderloin is beautifully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every bite juicy and flavorful. After it’s rested, slice it up and serve!
And there you have it! A perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb Pork Tenderloin
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dry thyme
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Combine the brown sugar, paprika, dried thyme, garlic, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Stir to mix.
- With paper towels, pat the pork dry. Use a sharp knife to remove the silver skin (the thin silver/white membrane).
- Brush it all over the sides of the thawed out pork tenderloin. Let it marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat air fryer to 400° F for 5 minutes.
- After 5 minutes, carefully place pork tenderloin into air fryer and air fry at 400° F for 20-22 minutes. Internal temp should be 145°. I find if I leave pork in all the way until it hits 145, it tastes dry
- The exact cook time will depend on the size and thickness of the pork tenderloin. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Remove the pork to a plate. Cover and let rest 5 minutes. Cut into slices and serve!
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate pork in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
- TO REHEAT: Reheat the pork loin in the air fryer; preheat to 350 degrees and cook for 3-4 minutes
- TO FREEZE: Freeze pork in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- TO MAKE AHEAD: Let the pork marinate overnight in the refrigerator, then prepare as directed.
Side Dish Ideas
Sweet on Sweet Potatoes: Who can resist the delightful combo of sweet and savory? Not us! Dice up some sweet potatoes, toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a hint of cinnamon. Roast them until they’re sporting a crispy tan on the outside but are still soft and sweet on the inside. They’ll be the perfect sweet sidekick to our savory pork tenderloin.
Go Green with Garlic Green Beans: Want to add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your plate? Say hello to garlic green beans! Just sauté fresh green beans with a smidgen of garlic and finish with a squeeze of lemon for a side dish that’s as bright and fresh as a summer morning.
Quinoa Salad, the Cool Kid on the Block: Looking for a side that’s light, refreshing, and oh-so-tasty? This quinoa salad is your answer. Mix cooked quinoa with a medley of vibrant veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers. Toss it all in a simple lemon vinaigrette for a salad that’s not just a feast for your taste buds, but also a visual treat. The tangy vinaigrette and the crunchy veggies provide a delightful contrast to the rich pork tenderloin.
How To Store & Reheat
The Art of Storing: Once you’ve had your fill of the delicious pork tenderloin (if that’s even possible!), let the leftovers cool down. Then, tuck them into an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. It’s like a little culinary time capsule, ready to delight you for up to 3 days!
Reheating Magic: When you’re ready to relive the deliciousness, preheat your air fryer to 350° F. If your pork is still in one piece, slice it into ½ inch pieces. Then, arrange the slices in the air fryer and let them heat up for about 3-4 minutes. If you’re working with frozen leftovers, just add a smidge more time until the meat is warmed through.
