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
Jenn says
Had a 3.6 lb pork roast I had no idea what to do with. This recipe was magical. Wish I could include a picture. Thank you!
Richard says
This recipe was so easy and it came out amazing. It Was so tender and tasty. I highly recommend it.
Sarah says
Hi. I’m wanting to try your recipe now but don’t have ground mustard or olive oil. Can I sub with yellow mustard and avocado oil? If so, how much yellow mustard?
RecipeTeacher says
Avocado oil is no problem. Really any oil to sear the meat. Just leave the mustard out.
Stacy says
Can I marinate longer?
RecipeTeacher says
You sure can.
Pam says
I have a new air fryer that has a sheet pan or basket and has many different bake settings, I.e. air fry, air roast, air broil, bake, dehydrate, keep warm, toast, bagel. Do I use the air roast, bake or air fry setting?
RecipeTeacher says
Hi Pam. Yeah, air fryers are certainly getting more and more functions. Use the “air fry” setting.
Dawn S. says
This recipe is superb! Turns out perfect every time and is now one of our favorite recipes. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Amy D says
Hi. I am excited to try this recipe. Should I flip the tenderloin midway through cooking, or just set the air fryer for 20 minutes and not touch it?
RecipeTeacher says
Hi Amy! No need to flip. Just let it go and you’ll have an awesome pork tenderloin.
Elaine says
This was the best pork tenderloin I have cooked. Loved your recipe
RecipeTeacher says
Thanks so much, Elaine!
Sheri l Hough says
Hello, I’m wondering do you flip this half way through?
RecipeTeacher says
Hi Sheri. No need to flip.
Karen says
I love this recipe for my airfyer.
I’m wondering if it can also be baked in an oven>
RecipeTeacher says
Hi Karen. Indeed it can. Here’s the recipe… https://recipeteacher.com/best-damn-oven-roasted-pork-tenderloin/
Pam Lenart says
This truly was the best and easiest pork tenderloin I have ever made.
Thank you I can’t wait to try more of your recipes.
RecipeTeacher says
Thanks Pam!!