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Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

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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?

The Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin 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 pork tenderloin recipe

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.

seasonings and spices for best damn air fryer pork tenderloin recipe

recipe for air fryer pork tenderloin

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.

air fryer pork tenderloin

recipe for air fryer pork tenderloin

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Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

★★★★★ 5 from 36 reviews
  • Author: RecipeTeacher
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 21 minutes
  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Fryer
  • Cuisine: American
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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

  1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Trim the pork tenderloin of any excess fat/silver skin. Coat with a ½ tablespoon olive oil. Rub spice mixture on entire pork tenderloin.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Keywords: air fryer, pork tenderloin

Recipe for the best damn air fryer pork tenderloin

A plate of juicy pork tenderloin served with fresh broccoli and roasted baby potatoes.

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Comments

  1. Demonica Tuggles

    The best damn pork tenderloin ever!! It was flavorful, juicy, and tender. It literally melted in my mouth! Thank you for the wonderful recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  2. Shannon

    I have a 1.5 pound pork loin filet that I plan on cooking tonight in the air fryer (I have a basket style air fryer). Is this the same thing? I’ve never cooked one before so any advice or tips would be helpful. TIA!

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Hi Shannon. Actually those “pork loin filets” are not tenderloins. it can certainly be confusing. But, using the air fryer, the cooking time will probably be similar. Maybe a couple of minutes more.

      Reply

  3. Lori

    Hi, I have not used the rotisserie prongs, would that work for a pork loin roast? This sounds really good, but I believe you mentioned the recipe is for a Pork Loin, vs. a Pork Loin Roast? TY

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Hi Lori. So this recipe is for a pork “tenderloin” which is different than pork loin or pork loin roast. While you technically could use a rotisserie for this recipe, pork tenderloin is so small and thin, it’s not suggested. More trouble than it’s worth.

      Reply

  5. Jennifer

    I am new to the air fryer and planning on making this tomorrow. Do you turn the pork tenderloin over 1/2 through the cooking time? I am excited to try this!!

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Hi Jennifer. I’ve not had to turn the tenderloin during cooking. While all air fryers can be different, for this recipe it’s always come out great without having to turn.

      Reply

  7. Kim

    This is a new family favorite on the dinner rotation! The dry rub is so absolutely delicious – I have used it on chicken breasts too. Tonight I am making the best damn chicken recipe and hoping for the same family smiles as the pork! Thanks for sharing!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  11. RossC

    Wonderful recipe/method. The only thing I did differently is let it marinate overnight, in fridge.
    Tastes as good as it is beautiful.. :O)

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  14. Jennifer Coppersmith

    SO delicious! Followed recipe exactly and it turned out perfect in my Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer. My family devoured it! Many thanks!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Awesome!! Yeah I also have a Vortex Plus and everything comes out so good! Thanks for the feedback Jennifer!

      Reply

  16. Gilda

    Made this tonight and cooked it 20 minutes….placed new potatoes in halfway through….meat was soooo tender and juicy. I didn’t use all of the sugar and it was still a bit sweet, but awesome!

    Reply

  17. Alexis

    Hi. This sounds delicious! I’m new to my air fryer. Would you recommend air frying the tenderloin in a fryer basket or a tray? Thank you!

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      If you’re referring to a rotisserie basket in a tray style air fryer, just use the tray. The rotisserie basket is not necessary.

      Reply

  19. Buddy

    The first thing most of you need to do first is know the difference between a tenderloin and a regular loin… This recipe is for a tenderloin..

    Reply

  20. Ben Wyles

    My concern as well. I’m thinking of making two meals of it and experimenting a bit with possible stuffing ingredients in each. Learning quickly that much of this is gleaning ideas from others and what I’ve come to call “trial by error.” Full speed ahead!

    Reply

  21. Linda Rickson

    Dinner was great! My 2.40 lb pork roast took about 40 minutes to cook, as some parts were much thicker than others. Luckily I doubled the rub recipe so I can try it on chicken next. Thank you again for your great advice, and I look forward to trying your other recipes.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Awesome! I’m actually heading out to the store today and I’m gonna try and find a similar size roast and try it. Thanks for all the feedback, Linda!

      Reply

  22. Linda Rickson

    Thank you so much for your VERY quick reply! I just made the rub and doubled the recipe because my piece of meat so so large. I will certainly let you know how it goes. Serving with applesauce with cinnamon (ran out of apples, otherwise I would have made baked apples), roasted new potatoes and fresh steamed green beans.

    Reply

  23. Linda Rickson

    I am making a 2.40 lb ribeye pork roast in my air fryer tonight. Now that is quite a bit larger than a pork loin. What would you suggest as temp and time for this? I sure hope you see this in time, lol Thanks so much!

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Hi Linda. I’ve not done a ribeye pork roast in the air fryer, but I’d still do 400 degrees and I’d imagine it’s probably 25-35 min. And probably closer to 25 min. It should be no problem and you can always keep an eye on it with a meat thermometer. Please let me know how it goes!

      Reply

  24. Ben Wyles

    I’m brand new to air frying. This recipe looks and sounds like a winner but let me be sure of my situation. I have a pork LOIN, slightly over 5#, and physical size for my fryer isn’t an issue. From what I’ve read, 20-25 minutes/ pound cook time is a good rule of thumb for pork. Should I fire up at 400′ for 2 hours and be ready with my thermometer at 1:45? I appreciate any input.

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Hi Ben. A 5lb pork loin is a big boy for sure. My only worry is that 2 hours could be a long time in an air fryer and it could get really dry.

      Reply

  25. Sheila

    Oh My My!! Never in my Life have I ever ate a pork loin tastier than this!!! I followed your recipe exactly as directed and it came out PERFECT!!! I am blown away how easy and simple it was to make. I kept going back for more!!! This will be the meal I will always make for my picky Mother in Law!!! Slam dunk that MOM!!! Lol. Thanks so much!!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  26. Barbra Vidinich

    So delicious!! Third Recipe from Recipe Teacher and all have been the best! Thank you!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  27. Kaylee

    Oh my goodness! This recipe is so flavorful, juicy, tender, and crisp in all the right places! We have made it twice in a week because my picky 11 year old son LOVES this recipe, and so do we. Thank you for publishing. We are extremely excited to try your other recipes.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Awww thank you, Kaylee! Yeah this one is in heavy rotation on our menu too. Thank you so much for the kind words and I hope you guys find some more favorites!

      Reply

  28. Jeff Patterson

    Tenderloins are so easy to make and so many different ways. My best is on the grill, but today it is raining so I found your recipe and thought I’d try it in my Air Fryer. Turned out wonderful. Whole family loved it.
    Thank you.
    Jeff P

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  29. Erin

    My pork tenderloin was just under a pound so I cooked it for 18 min and it came out perfectly! The seasoning was so flavorful, too. We scarfed it down. Thanks for such a wonderful recipe. I will make this again and again.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  30. Rand

    I made this for lunch today. I changed it up slightly by serving it with a gravy made from the drippings. Oh my gosh, my husband practically inhaled it. Great recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  31. Jennifer mahoney

    New family favorite ! My stepson just bought me a ninja foodi so we have been trying out different recipes……today he asked what was for dinner and when I told him pork loin, his reply , much like the rest of the family was “ugh” .. I asked what did he mean by that ? And he said “you can only do so much with the pork loin and it always tastes the same”…….well, let me tell you , you took a dinner that our family always just ate because they had to and turned it into a top 5 fav ! The texture, spicy kick and juicy center was absolutely delicious!! I served it with fingerling potatoes and steamed cauliflower ❤️

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  33. Elesia

    I made this today and it was delicious. I had to tell friends immediately. Perfect recipe seasonings and cook time. I am now subscribing😀

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      It really depends on the size of the particular cut. The seasonings will work great, just keep an eye on it and be sure to use an instant read thermometer. You want the center on the meat to be at least 145F before you remove from the air fryer. Then let it rest under some foil on a plate for a few minutes.

      Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Hi Diane. It’s hard to say for sure without knowing the exact size, but probably 30+ minutes. Keep an eye on it with an instant read thermometer. Remove the pork when the internal temp is about 145 and then let it sit on a plate, covered in foil for a few minutes.

      Reply

  36. Andrea

    So good!! It was everything the recipe said – juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. I had a 1.3 lb and had to cook it longer than 22 minutes, probably more like 25-26. I also am doing mostly low carb/keto so I used brown sugar substitute and it had the same taste and affect. I’ll definitely keep this recipe and make again!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      I’ve not specifically done pork tenderloin medallions, but those pieces will be so small, they’ll probably be done in under 10 min. Just keep an eye on them.

      Reply

  38. Candeee

    Excellent! Very flavorful and juicy. I used a 1 1/2 lb pork loin and it wasn’t done after the 22 minutes…it was only at 108 degrees. I even preheated my air fryer for 8 minutes. The meat was ready at about 43 minutes. We will make this again.

    ★★★★

    Reply

  39. Judy

    You were not kidding 🙂 This was the best damn pork loin I have ever made. The rub was amazing and was so juicy… Thank you. I look forward to checking out your other recipes

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  40. Trish

    Just starting out with my airfryer. This recipe was awesome!!! Moust, juicy and so flavorful! Going to try it with pork chops next. Thanks for a great recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Thank you so much, Trish. And thank you for the nice note too. Very much appreciate the feedback! 🙂

      Reply

  41. Wendy Earwood

    Oh.My.Word! Delicious!!!! Wow! Never have I had a better pork tenderloin. Juicy, tender and that char on the outside was phenomenal!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  42. Steve Heiser

    You did it again the Tenderloin was Dam outstanding and i want to say that the recipes you have given us are outstanding i cooked my roast for 20 minuets put it on the plate to rest when my wife came into the kitchen the juices were running all over she asked me if it was done then i cut into it beautiful just like your pictures thanks again Teacher Steve

    Reply

  43. Janet

    So im feeding a group and I have 6 tenderloins. What should i adjust the temp and time to to make sure they all get done?

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      If they’re crowded in there you might consider 2 batches. But if they all fit in ok, check for doneness after the 3 minutes.

      Reply

  45. Mary Baird

    Fabulous! I will probably cut down on the salt next time, but the roast had a delicious smokey flavor.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  46. Bruce

    I don’t think I have ever put a comment on Pinterest. There are so many recipes out there claim to be the best -whatever- ever but this pork really is the best. I was skeptical at first but mine came out just like the picture and it tastes way better than even the picture looks! I put in too much cayenne for some family members but that was my fault. Seriously, this is the best pork I’ve ever made!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  47. KK

    1st time reviewing anything ever. I thought chicken wings could not be outdone in an air fryer. This recipe is king!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  49. diana

    This is most certainly the best recipe for pork tenderloin I have ever made! And not just in the AirFyer I’ve been cooking this piece of meat for 50 years.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  51. JimTrefry

    Great recipe! I had a 1.5 pound cut and cooked it exactly as you suggested to the full 22 minutes (after 5 minute pre-heat) and it came out perfectly to ~145° internal temperature. After letting it rest for 5 minutes it was a juicy, medium-well done, delicious piece of meat!!…The Rub was very tasty as well, although we may try it with a little less salt next time, but that’s just a personal preference! Thank you!

    Reply

  52. Oscar

    When your talking air fryer. I have the Ninja Foodi Grill. What do I set the air fryer too? Would I use the grill option. I highly doubt it’s the Air crisp button. And the other options I have is bake or roast. Which would you recommend?

    Reply

  54. Julie

    A M A Z I N G !!! This was delicious. A second round is in the air fryer now! Looking forward to trying it with a turkey tenderloin next!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  58. Bobbi

    I would have to agree with the title of this recipe!! This was fabulous! I did have to improvise a little, had no dry mustard so I rubbed down my pork loin with spicy brown mustard and garlic olive oil and then the dry rub. It came out perfect… so moist and tasty! Thanks for the recipe!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  59. Karen

    Hi this sounds delish! I have the oven style AF which also has a rotisserie, should I use the rotisserie or put the pork right on the rack?

    Reply

  60. Faith

    OH! MY! GOSH! Seriously, this is the best recipe ever! I tend to overcook meat in the air fryer – but If you follow this recipe and timing – it comes out perfect! (and don’t skip the cayenne aka red pepper). A new family favorite! THANK YOU!

    Would this rub work well for boneless chicken breasts too? And if so – how long do you suggest cooking them, and to what internal temp? (I tend to overcook chicken too).

    Please give additional ideas for chicken and pork air fryer recipes/flavorings.

    thank you!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Wow, thank YOU, Faith! Indeed the run works great with chicken. I actually have a recipe on the way for it. The timing for chicken can be a little more difficult to nail down, but you always want an internal temp when it’s done of 165. Stay tuned, I should have the recipe up in about a week or so!

      Reply

  61. Tessa

    Ok. Don’t know where we went wrong , been cooking this tenderloin for going on 35 min now and still raw in the middle , preheated air fryer to 400 as instructed , about to give up and toss it in the oven

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Hi Tessa, 35 minutes should be way more than enough time to cook a pork tenderloin. Are you certain all the settings are correct and the air fryer is functioning properly? Also, what is the size of the tenderloin?

      Reply

  62. Karen

    My pork tenderloin never tasted so damn moist and delicious! I will definitely use this for company! I always seemed to over cook pork tenderloin! A problem solved! Thank you!

    Reply

  63. Nicole

    Perfect! So juicy and great flavor. I omitted cayenne because I’m a weenie. Juicy and delicious at 20 min! 1.35 lb tenderloin in two pieces. Perfect amount of rub as well. Thank you! I have already shared this recipe. Yum 👍🏼👍🏼

    ★★★★★

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Thanks, Nicole! Nah, you’re not a weenie for omitting the cayenne. As long as you liked it than it’s indeed perfect. Thank you so much for the feedback!

      Reply

      • Eddie R.

        RT–I own a Power XL and somebody I saw online when searching recipes cooked a 1-1/4 lb pork tenderloin for 18 minutes at 375, flipped, then another 18 minutes. Said it came out great. It’s so hard to believe for a loin of that size at that temp needs all that time. Opinion?

        Reply

        • RecipeTeacher

          Hi Eddie. Yes indeed that amount of time seems excessive. If you have an instant read thermometer you can always check the internal temp and the indicted times of the recipe to be sure.

          Reply

        • RecipeTeacher

          Yes it will be great! I’ve made this in both a basket style air fryer as well as one with trays. Not dried out at all.

          Reply

  67. Terri Davidson

    This was the first recipe I found to make my first loin in my Air Fryer. The name says it all. Followed exactly cooked 20 minutes let rest 5 minutes. The whole family agrees “The Best Fork Loin Ever” air fryer or not.

    Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Hi Pia, so I’d recommend a piece of foil on the bottom of the actual air fryer so that the air can circulate.

      Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Hi Sylvia. So a pork loin roast is actually different than a pork tenderloin. I’ve had to do pork loin roasts as long as 25 minutes. However, I don’t have an exact time to give you as I’ve not tested yet on enough different size pork loin roasts. That said, my notes have my best one, which was about 2 lbs, taking 25 minutes.

      Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Hi Betty, with air fryers they will have specific temperature settings, and they do not need to be adjusted based on wattage.

      Reply

    • RecipeTeacher

      Hi Rebecca. Yes you can actually. I originally made it in a Vortex Plus and used the rotisserie and it worked great. It was just cumbersome to get the spit all the way through. So the final version was done in a regular basket style air fryer.

      Reply

  73. Mark

    Would it be beneficial to cut the pork tenderloin in half before air frying it? It seems like a pork tenderloin is kind of an awkwardly-sized thing to place in the basket of an air fryer.

    Reply

  74. Lisa Fornal

    This is the best thing I’ve made with my Emeril Pressure Air Fryer since I bought it last month. I finally found a website I will follow and make other recipes to love.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  75. Tim OBrien

    Just like the title says, this was the Best Damn Pork Tenderloin Recipe. We loved the results.

    ★★★★★

    Reply

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