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
jo says
Very good, will make many times again thank you
Kandace G says
Tried this tonight without the dry mustard and about half the cayenne. It was delicious! The whole family enjoyed it, so I’ll definitely be making it again.
Robbie N says
Fantastic tenderloin! Very easy, doesn’t take long to cook great flavor. Will definitely be making again. Served with asparagus with parmesan and roasted potatoes.
Jennifer says
This was so good. Thanks for sharing. We love it!
Sharon H says
These 2 tenderloins turned out to be perfectly cooked, moist and tender and with tons of flavor. For me however, it was too heavy on the smoked paprika so next time I’ll adjust the seasonings but it’s a good combo of flavors.
Linda says
Made this according to directions and was way overdone. The rub was good, but if I ever make it again will definitely take at least 5 minutes off the cook time if not mite
dawna says
Dagnabit, I’m so mad at myself for not checking at 20 mins.
I had 2 1lb pieces in the air fryer so I left it in for 22 and it’s hella chewy. I ruined it and guess I learned a lesson here. Just because you double the recipe, doesn’t mean you have to increase the time at all if it’s still in 2 separate pieces.
Rachel says
This was so good. I put 2, 1.25 lb pieces in at the same time and it needed a few more mins (like 22-24) and don’t skip the rest time!
Rellie says
Made this for the first time today! It was so good! Turned out just like your picture! I will definitely be making this again!
Jenny Barnes says
Yes, I did make this and it is delicious!
I didn’t have 1 ingredient so I substituted red pepper flakes for the smoked paprika. I boosted the garlic up to 1tsp, and did add the cayenne. I added 8 min roasting time after initial baking of 20min because the largest piece needed it, but 5 more minutes would have probably been better. Still was juicy inside but the bark got a bit tough in a few spots.
I sure am having fun and learning a lot with my new air fryer!