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°F and preheat for 5 minutes. Once the air fryer is preheated, keep the temperature at 400°, select air fry setting, and set the time for 20-22 minutes. Most pork tenderloins are usually between 1 lbs and 1.5lbs. For pork tenderloin on the small size, go with 20 minutes. For larger size meat, go with 22 minutes. The key is to get an internal temperature of 145°F when measured at the center of the meat with an instant-read thermometer.
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.
More Great Pork Tenderloin Recipes
- Best Damn Grilled Pork Tenderloin
- Smothered Pork Tenderloin
- Air Fryer Balsamic Pork Tenderloin
- Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Recipe
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°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
Emily Riggs says
Excellent! So easy to make. Next time I will cook for a bit less time as it keeps on cooking after I turn off the Air Fryer. It was slightly dry the next day but still super delicious!! Definitely will make it again!
sharon Gartrell says
This recipe is great… Although I use my own seasonings, the basic steps are so quick and easy, I haven’t looked at another recipe!
Laura says
fantastic and easy! the meat was so tender and moist. Definitely a keeper!
Roberta says
Quick, easy and delicious! Best pork tenderloin ever!
Robert says
Well today I am going. To try for the first time wish me luck
Roberta Ward says
Quick, easy and delicious! Best pork tenderloin ever!
Terry says
Fab u lous! First time using recipe but certainly wont be last!!! So easy and no brainer is thermometer takes guessing out of food prep. Thank you for this delicious recipe and side of sauerkraut was touch of genius.
Jami Marie Lynn says
Excellent rub recipe – I brined the tenderloin beforehand and substituted ancho chili powder for the cayenne and it was wonderful. I had about 1/2 tsp of the spices leftover and added them to mashed potatoes served with the pork. 🙂 Thanks for a great recipe.
Julie says
I have made this recipe at least 7 times now, our whole family loves it! This includes kids ages 7, 10, and 13! I’ve tried several different rub recipes before air frying, but none are as delicious and have everyone asking for seconds. This is a definite winner that we use in pretty heavy rotation. Goes great with mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans! Delicious meal!
RecipeTeacher says
That’s so cool, Julie! I absolutely loving hearing that! When a recipe is kid approved, then you know it’s a winner. Thanks so much for the feedback!
Brenda G says
OMG! This was AMAZING. My hubby & I are not huge fans of pork tenderloin because it often seems to be too dry or if you buy the pre-seasoned ones, they are way too salty. However, this recipe and pork tenderloin was FABULOUS! The seasoning of the rub is great without making the meat too salty. The browned crust on the tenderloin was delish. After cooking, I let it rest in the airfyer (off) while I finished preparing the sides. I am so very impressed with this recipe
RecipeTeacher says
Thanks so much, Brenda! Pork tenderloin is such a wonderful meat to make. It’s lean, tender, and super versatile. I’ve got a few more pork tenderloin recipes on the way too!
K. Grizz says
If we’re cooking two tenderloins what would the timing be? I’m making this recipe for dinner tonight!! 🙂
RecipeTeacher says
Hi K., the timing should be about the same, perhaps a minute or two longer. You’ll want to make sure the tenderloins are not touching and have at least a little space around them. And you can always check for doneness with an instant read thermometer.
NANCYLEE yetman says
Made this tonight. Darn good. Best ever
Shannon says
Made this tonight, took longer than 20 minutes ( possible it was still a bit frozen in the middle) but oh my gosh, was it delicious! Whole family loved it. Juicy inside and the rub was caramelized beautifully.