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.
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
Maren Stoy says
My husband and I love your recipes but now he has had a kidney removed and I am wondering are the pork tenderloin and pork chop recipes kidney friendly?
RecipeTeacher says
Hi Maren,
Wishing your husband a speedy recovery! In regards to what would be considered such a specialty diet, I cannot say with certainty, and would yield to any advice given by a physician.
Gail says
If you were doing 2 pork tenderloins , would the amount of time to cook be longer ?
RecipeTeacher says
2 tenderloins should be the same time. Just make sure they have space between them and check that internal temp for doneness.
Pam says
I made this for dinner tonight and it was spectacular! Very pleased and I thank you so much for the recipe! ❤LOVED IT
Ashley Mapp says
This was sooo, freaking good. My best friend is now requiring me to make it like this all the time ♥️????
KATIE says
I don’t understand. I’ve made this three times and while I love the spice mix it’s takes a LOT longer than 20 mins to cook. More like 45-50 mins. Unless all of you like your pork med rare to medium.
Otherwise. Fab.
RecipeTeacher says
Hey Katie. I’m so glad you like the flavors. Are you certain you’re cooking pork “tenderloin”? Pork loin roasts, pork loin, etc., are all significantly different than pork tenderloin and can take much longer to cook.
Leanne says
Great recipe. Omitted the cayenne but followed the recipe to a T including cook time. I just got a air fryer so I’m trying out new recipes. Thank you so much I will be cooking this one again!!
Margaret says
which is your favorite – your air fryer recipe or your instantpot one?
RecipeTeacher says
Hmmm… asking me to chose my favorite child? Lol! Not sure one is necessarily “better” than the other, but the air fryer version is probably the one we make more often. And really, that’s mostly because i often have the Instant Pot going with another dish to accompany it such as mac and cheese or even white rice.
Heather Chandler says
Would I double the time in the air fryer, if I were to make 2 roasts?
RecipeTeacher says
Hi Heather. No, do not double the time. Perhaps just a minute or two more, but that should be about it. Make sure all the pieces have enough room around them and are not touching for best results.
Loretta Scott says
This recipe is wonderful! Pork tenderloin had fallen out of favor with me, but they were on sale and meat prices being what they are, I grabbed a package. I made no alterations to your recipe and it was so good that I’m hoping that the tenderloins are still on sale!
RecipeTeacher says
I so glad you liked it, Loretta! Pork tenderloin doesn’t get the credit it deserves and the air fryer is so perfect for making them. Have you tried recipe for air fryer sweet and spicy pork tenderloin? It’s awesome!
https://recipeteacher.com/air-fryer-sweet-and-spicy-pork-tenderloin/
Emma R Moran says
Could be a little less sweet but super delicious overall. I highly recommend putting the meat back in at the end to get it a little crispy.
Lisa says
Its the best pork tenderloin I have ever eaten…..I only let it cook to 145C and then let it rest for 5 minutes….Yummmmmmmm