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
JD says
Is the best damn air fryer tenderloin recipe ever
Kaydeeb says
I’m not a fan of hot spice so I omitted the cayenne. Even with the omission the rub was a tab bit overwhelming for you. That said I really enjoyed the overall taste and will use this again, I will just cut back a little on the paprika.
The meat was perfect, tender and juicy. I would definitely recommend trying it out.
Fairport Rick says
Rub had too much paprika. Did not enjoy its overbearing presence.
Terri Stewart says
Exceptionally tender, consistently PERFECT recipe. HOWEVER, I must cook “naked,” with ZERO seasonings, due to special dietary needs of immediate family members. I was shocked at how everyone who has tasted this remarks about how tender and lean it is inside, and just ‘perfectly crispy’ on the outside – yet still juicy! Today I tried a larger tenderloin (2.5 lbs, about 4″ thick diameter); merely adjusted this recipe just a tad to accommodate the extra mass and ensure heating throughout – increased temperature 5° and cooking time an additional 5 minutes! Again, it was absolutely perfect! Kudos to the Recipe Teacher for the best and most perfect damn recipe for air frying pork tenderloin!! 🙂 Thank you!
Rural Mom says
I have made this recipe many times and haven’t changed it. The recipe is that good. The tenderloin is very juicy and flavorful. My family asks for this recipe.
Carol Jenei says
I finally got brave enough to try my air fryer for the first time in 2 years. I followed this recipe for pork tenderloin and couldn’t believe how quick and delicious it was!! This ia the only way I will fix it forever!! So yummy!
Anke says
I make this every so often, because it’s a favorite in my house. Super simple and so good. I usually use regular mustard and paprika because that is what I have on hand and it is amazing. Thank you for whoever came up with this recipe
Wendy Lynn Roberts says
This was the best and most tender pork tenderloin I have ever prepared. I did not have the mustard powder, but the rub was wonderful without it! My husband agrees that this will be THE recipe from now on!
Mark says
By far the best pork tenderloin I’ve ever made!
Valerie says
My family really enjoys your recipes and this one is terrific! Quick question: I see other recipes that state to flip the tenderloin over – will it make a difference in this recipe?
Thank you!