After I made this pork tenderloin in my air fryer, I was more excited than i’ve ever been about a recipe i’ve made. The flavors of the seasoning rub are so perfect, the meat is so juicy, and the taste is simply out of this world! Do you sense a little excitement from me about this recipe?
Pork tenderloin is the filet mignon of pork. It’s a very lean, very tender piece of pork. It can be prepared a number of ways and works well with so many different seasoning mixtures. One of my favorite ways to prepare pork recipes is with a seasoning rub combination of brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt and pepper. And maybe just a dash of cayenne for a little heat. This seasoning mix, along with the simplicity of an air fryer, will produce a pork tenderloin that you will not believe. The outside of the tenderloin will crisp up and the brown sugar will caramelize to create a flavor explosion. With the high speed circulating heat of the air fryer, and being close to the heating element, it’s the perfect environment so that the pork tenderloin stays nice and juicy on the inside.
Air Fryer with the Best Damn Pork Seasoning Rub
Our recipe for air fryer pork tenderloin couldn’t be more simple. We use a medium sized bowl and mix together the dry ingredients. Before we rub the ingredients on the tenderloin, we’ll want to cut off any of the “silver skin”, which is just a thin membrane that is usually on part of the meat. Just use a sharp knife and peel it away. Then coat the pork tenderloin with some olive oil and rub in all the seasoning mix.
Preheat your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F and preheat for 5 minutes. Once the air fryer is preheated, keep the temperature at 400, select air fry, and set the time for 20-22 minutes. Most pork tenderloins are usually between 1.25lbs and 2lbs. For pork tenderloin on the small size, go with 20 minutes. For larger size meat, go with 22 minutes. Pork.org suggests cooking pork tenderloin to an internal temperature of 145° F – 160° F.
Let The Cooked Pork Tenderloin Rest
After the cooking is done, carefully remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and place on a plate or cutting board and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing.
Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Mouthwatering, tender, juicy and delicious pork tenderloin made in an air fryer.
Ingredients
- Pork tenderloin (1.25lbs – 1.75lbs)
- 2 tbs brown sugar
- 1 tbs smoked paprika
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne powder (optional)
- ½ tbs olive oil
Instructions
- Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Trim the pork tenderloin of any excess fat/silver skin. Coat with a ½ tablespoon olive oil. Rub spice mixture on entire pork tenderloin.
- 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° – 160° F.
- When air fryer cycle is complete, carefully remove pork tenderloin to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Save any juices to serve over sliced meat.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer, pork tenderloin
A plate of juicy pork tenderloin served with fresh broccoli and roasted baby potatoes.
Marlene
It’s the best and so easy!
★★★★★
Stephanie
I typically don’t like pork tenderloin, but my husband does so I thought I would try your recipe. It was AMAZING!!! I loved it!! It really is the best damn air fryer pork tenderloin!!! Thank you so much for sharing it!!
★★★★★
Alexandra
WOW!! AMAZING Flavor! I was skeptical tbh bc I had never made a pork loin in the air fryer and I was cared it would be dry. I got the loin from Costco and only did 1/5 of it. Placed it in the air fryer fat side up so it renders and keeps it juicy! I read another comment that says pour the juice on the bottom on top when you serve…YES DO THAT *chef kiss*
★★★★★
Everlyn
This was so easy to make! I marinated the pork loin in the morning & when I got home from work, I put it in the air fryer for 22min. It was flavorful & juicy. This will make it into our regular dinner rotation!
★★★★★
Bob Gasper
I made this last night. It was preseasoned with steakhouse seasonings so I didn’t use your dry rub seasoning this time. The timing was perfect, 22 minutes. It was the Best Damn tenderloin I’ve ever had. Keep those recipes comming, I haven’t had a bad one yet.
★★★★★
Mary
I have used the rub on steakhouse seasoned tenderloins. I merely omit the pepper and salt from the rub and it works well! This is the best damn rub and the best damn way to cook pork tenderloin for real!
★★★★★
Heidi V
Soooooo easy and so yummy
Love the pork tenderloins from Trader Joe’s. Used one of those, served with a veggie and potato latkes (another TJ find)
Will make again and again!
★★★★★
Judy
Very good air fryer recipe .) I received an air fryer for Christmas and am trying out all kinds of things. It’s a lot of fun .) this recipe turns out great however I do suggest turning the pork a time or two while cooking. Gives a better sear and keeps the meat juicy.
★★★★★
Ashley
When it’s 9:30 at night and you realize you don’t have anything to pack for lunch the next day…this recipe for the win! So easy and perfectly done in the air fryer! Thank you!!! ❤
★★★★★