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
Gailer says
5 STARS +
I’ve cooked pork tenderloin hundreds of times, but this was by far the BEST!!! I was looking for something new to jazz it up, and saw Recipe Teacher’s air fryer method and thought, why not? Best move ever! It really showcases the cut of meat the way it should be, a very high class cut. I don’t use sugar in my diet, so omitted that, and my air fryer took a bit longer, but it was SO WORTH IT! Well-seasoned, JUICY, delish!
Jesi says
This was really good! I will cut back some of the salt next time but so tender, juicy and flavorful!
Cindy Ellmaker says
Although this is a simple recipe, I will be doing a lower temperature next time. The 400* was too high for my liking. I like my roast juicier. This was too dry, even with a bigger roast weight wise. Flavor was delicious. I did use my own rub and had rubbed some Adobo on prior to the oil rub. Then my Watkins Cowboy Seasoning/Rub. I will do again with the adjustments.
Jeannie says
If I could give this 10 stars I would!! Made it for our New Years dinner today and oh my goodness.. taste restaurant quality!! I had a smaller tenderloin and it took about 18 minutes and was tender and oh so moist!! Definitely a keeper.. thank you Jason!!
Suzanne Renee Riffe says
Delicious
Steph says
We have made several times and it is delish. Using a pork loin filet (which is a little larger than the tenderloin) for NYD today. Just put rum on and gonna let it sit in fridge for an hour before cooking. Can’t wait!!!
Stepanie Phillips says
I made this tonight followed the recipe exactly. It was so delicious. I will definitely make this again.
Virgie G says
We just finished this for dinner – it was phenomenal! I’ve never made a tenderloin in the air fryer. I followed your recipe exactly, cooking time and I tented this when it came out of the air fryer to let it rest. When my boyfriend heard I was making it in the air fryer – he kinda turned his nose up and said – “I bet it will be dry”. Oh no – it was perfect. When I was cutting the slices they were juicy and succulent! I served this with cheesy/garlic grits, broccolini tossed with fresh grated parmesan and a dollop of my caramelized onions (I caramelize about 20 pounds every 3 months and freeze them in cubes then in a Ziploc bag). Will be sharing this recipe with all of my friends – it’s the best of both worlds – browned sweet crackly crust with a little cayenne kick and so tender it falls apart. Will make it again!
MJ Newman says
The best Pork tenderloin ever!
Lorraine says
I made this and it was delicious with a side of Brussel sprouts.