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
Lori says
Delicious! We have made this several times and it turns out fantastic every time. Even my elementary age kids love it! If I were to make this in the oven, how would you recommend cooking?
Cristina says
You’ll want to sear it in a skillet, just a couple minutes per side to give it a nice crust (no more than 5 minutes total), and then finish in the oven at 400F. It shouldn’t take more than 10-12 minutes. It’s important to let it rest before cutting. I love to do it this way so I have some drippings to make a little sauce.
Doris says
The name says it all. Whole family loved it and it was so easy..
Kate says
This is really good! It’s my first day with an air fryer and is nice to start with a success. I doubled the recipe for 2 tenderloins, totalling 2.75 lbs. I used a meat thermometer in each and they both reached 145 at 22 minutes, so there is no need to add to the cooking time.
Alessandra says
Thank you so much! I was looking for what to do when you air fried 2 at a time and you saved my pork from over cooking lol! ( nothing like waiting til I’m actually cooking to figure this out…#rebelatheart #embaressmykidwithmyhashtags ????
Thanks again! ????
Star Ibis says
Oh WOW! This turned out so good that the two of us ate the entire tenderloin..It was a little under a pound. First time using the air fryer and roasting a tenderloin. Thank you sooo much for sharing a clear, simple, and savory recipe.
RecipeTeacher says
Awesome i’m glad your first adventure with the air fryer was a success!
SPYDER SUE says
This was my first time trying this air fryer recipe and the pork tenderloin was juicy and very tender. Everyone loved it. Will definitely be making it again as it is quick and easy.
Susan says
Great recipe! Made it for the second time tonight! Very easy and tasty!
Cindy says
My husband is not a pork fan but he said he’s try it. Well he RAVED about how good this was. That’s what I was looking for, thank you!
Nita says
Made for supper tonight, quick to put together, tasty, will def make again. Thanks for sharing!
Allison says
Aptly named! This rub is so good. It’s the first time I have ever left a review. That says a lot.
Lori says
Best pork tenderloin ever !