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    You are here: Home » Air Fryer Recipes » Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin

    Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin

    Last Modified: October 7, 2022

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.5 from 2 reviews

    This mouthwatering sweet and spicy pork tenderloin cooks to absolute juicy perfection in your air fryer. With just the right combination of simple ingredients, the flavors are savory, rich and vibrant and the meat is oh so tender. You won’t believe a dish like can be made in your air fryer.

    recipe for sweet and spicy pork tenderloin

    Pork tenderloin is one of my favorite meats to work with. It’s very lean, tender and versatile. It never ceases to impress with all the ways it can be prepared. For this recipe, we’re going to bring out some of the very best characteristics of this pork with a little bit of sweet, just a touch of spicy, and a whole lot of savory. This is one of those recipe that simply melts in your mouth.

    Make Sure to use Pork Tenderloin

    I say this in all my pork tenderloin recipes because it can be very easy to mistake other cuts of pork for pork tenderloin. Pork tenderloin is long and narrow and the label will always clearly say “Pork Tenderloin”. There’s other cuts labeled as “pork loin”, “pork loin filet”, but pork tenderloin will always specifically have the word “tenderloin”. They are usually about .75lb – 1.5lb is size. They can often be found two to a package.

    Dry Rub, No Breading

    For this recipe we’ll be using a dry rub of ingredients, no breading. The rub includes lemon pepper seasoning, brown sugar, salt and smoked hot paprika. The smoked hot paprika is a key ingredient that adds a wonderful depth with just a touch of spiciness. It’s by no means very hot at all. If you’re unable to find smoked hot paprika, use smoked paprika and add ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne.

    All the ingredients for air fryer sweet and spicy pork tenderloin.

    Air Fry 20-25 minutes at 400°(F)

    After we mix all of our dry ingredients, coat the pork tenderloin with some olive and rub all the spice mix into the meat. Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes and then air fry at 400° (F) for 20-23 minutes. The internal temperature should be at least 145° (F). The brown sugar and the spices will caramelize very nicely while the inside gets nice and juicy.

    Recipe for air fryer sweet and spicy pork tenderloin

    Let it Rest

    When the cooking time is done, remove the pork tenderloin to a plate or cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute in the meat. Then use a sharp knife to slice the meat and serve.

    Air fryer sweet and spicy pork tenderloin

    Print

    Recipe

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    Recipe for sweet and spicy pork tenderloin

    Best Easy Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    4.5 from 2 reviews

    • Author: RecipeTeacher
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 2-4 servings
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    Description

    A mouthwatering, tender and juicy air fryer pork tenderloin with the most amazing sweet, spicy and savory seasonings. Easy to make and ready in under 25 minutes.


    Ingredients

    • 1 pork tenderloin (1-1.5lb)
    • 1.5 tsp extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 tbs brown sugar (light or dark)
    • 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
    • 1 tsp kosher salt
    • 1 tsp smoked hot paprika
    • 1 tsp onion powder

     


    Instructions

    1. Preheat air fryer to 400°(F) for 5 minutes.
    2. Rub olive oil onto the tenderloin.
    3. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, lemon pepper, salt, paprika, and onion powder together.
    4. Rub mixture all over the tenderloin.
    5. Place the seasoned pork in the air fryer basket.
    6. Air fry the pork for 20-23 minutes at 400°(F), or until lightly charred and internal temperature registers at least 145°(F).
    7. Let pork rest for 5 minutes before carving.

    Notes

    If you don’t have hot smoked paprika, use smoked paprika and add ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper.

    • Prep Time: 5 min
    • Cook Time: 20 min
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Air Fryer
    • Cuisine: American

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    Recipe for sweet and spicy air fryer pork tenderloin

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    1. Sunny Field says

      May 14, 2025 at 7:43 am

      Did this for Mother’s Day dinner and it was Excellent! Tender, crispy on outside, tasty. And I wanted to make more use of the air fryer as weather was quite warm. Excellent!! Instructions. I particularly liked the idea of using chicken broth for the gravy and pouring drippings into it. I used some leftovers for stir-fry yesterday, and have a Mexican dish planned for the last of it today. I look forward to your recipes. Thank you.

      Reply
    2. Lourdes Mulligan says

      June 30, 2024 at 5:45 pm

      I used the kosher salt as directed but meat came out too salty

      Reply
    3. Peggy Stivason says

      April 11, 2024 at 10:14 am

      Hi Jason , simple & easy recipe . It’s a Keeper. , So Delicious ! Thanks Jason

      Reply
      • RecipeTeacher says

        April 11, 2024 at 10:28 am

        Thanks Peggy!

        Reply
    4. Sally says

      January 12, 2024 at 11:53 am

      Made this and it was absolutely delicious! Tender, juicy and very tasty. Will definitely make it again.????
      Thanks Jason!

      Reply
    5. Lonette says

      July 30, 2023 at 12:02 pm

      Love this! I’ve made it several times!

      Reply
    Jason of Recipeteacher.com

    Hi, I’m Jason and i’m here to help you make easy, delicious homemade recipes. My approach is to provide the easy-to-understand instructions, use simple ingredients, and have you make the best meals possible.

    More about me →

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