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
Ann says
Absolutely delicious!
Susie says
So easy and delious!
I had two 1 1/4lb tenderloins and I cooked them for a total of 20 minutes, turning them over after 10mins. I made a rub with what I had on hand. They came out juicy and perfectly pink!
Heather says
Hi Susie or anyone having made this recipe. I am a new user of the Air fryer.. experimenting but I never see recipes that call for the size of an air fryer needed.. Mine is 6 Qt. Can I prepare a 2 pound Pork tenderloin in a 6 Qt ?
thanks Heather
RecipeTeacher says
Hi Heather, you 6qt air fryer will be perfect. That’s what I use for all the recipes on the site.
Heather says
thanks so much!!!!
Carla says
Delicious. I didn’t have powdered cayenne so substituted chipotle powder
Natalie says
I increased mustard to 2 TBSP, 4 TBSP Brown sugar
I put half seasoning on top side, flipped it at 15 minutes, spread second half on other side and cooked another 15 minutes. The pork roast came out wonderful, tender, and asked for again and again by my husband and family.
Ingrid says
Wow! It’s delicious, juicy, beautiful color, crispy outside. Best of all, it was so easy to make abd fast! I’m not great at cooking, so this recipe is going to be the one I’ll use for any future potluck I go, I’m sure I’ll impress them all :-).
Mama Cheeto says
Absolutely Fabulous! Seriously…OMG!
nancy lucchesi says
Excellent so juicy and the flavors yummm.
Definitely will be making this one again.
Mamma Mia’s Closet
Paden B says
I do not really ever leave a review for a recipe. This one however warrants one.
I made this exactly as the recipe directed and it came out laughably overcooked. All flavor lost to the burnt coating of sugar and hints of smokey flavor from the paprika. I feel that there is some promise but it will take a lot of work to make it edible.
RecipeTeacher says
Paden, i’m so sorry this recipe didn’t work out for you. I wish I knew the exact cause. It’s puzzling in that this recipe has proven to be so successful for SO many people.
Heather says
I’ve asked this question previously. I’d like to roast a 2 pound pork tenderloin in my Cosori 6 Qt air fryer. Is this too large? I never seem to find the size needed in any recipe.
Thank you Heather
Ellen D. says
Air fryers are all SO different. I have the Ninja (runs really hot) and I find recipes often take HALF the time stated. Always use a meat thermometer (I love my Meater which is digital — I can insert, leave it in and then check the temp with my phone). Always check halfway through the cooking cycle. Sometimes when I’m using a marinade that could burn I turn down the cooking temp as well. Hope that helps!
Fran says
I have made this recipe dozens of times and have shared it with family and friends. Absolutely delicious and it doesn’t get any easier. I’m making again tonight and can’t wait!!!
JoAnne says
Did you cook to the recommended time or recommended internal temperature? Becauseair fryers can vary in time and temperature, the recommended internal temperature is often the better measuree of doneness.
Rick R. says
I agree with previous post, the 20-22 minutes is excessive.
I have a Ninja xl max that runs hot. The 1.3 lb tenderloin cooked to perfection in 15 minutes (154 after resting)
My better half claimed it was a bit too spicey with the cayenne but i thought it was perfect.
Will make again for sure…
Thanks for the recipe
Brooke says
Delicious. 1.5 tsps of salt was a bit much. Next time I’ll try just .5 tsp, but I’m very excited to try this again! I’m not a big pork fan so it’s nice to have a recipe I can enjoy 🙂
Dave L says
Yes. The title says it all.
yvon says
this was delicious! easy to make!
Tc says
Excellent! I used a powdered sriracha instead of cayenne pepper and I loveeeeee the smoked paprika flavor with that hint of kick (I don’t like spicy) and it was still fantastic!! Will make again soon!
LadySSS says
The title of this recipe is spot on. Did not change a thing…. absolutely perfect!!