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
Georgie Smirlis-Gibson says
Hello ,
I sliced my tenderloin into small chops .. how long do you think ???? ?
10- 15
RecipeTeacher says
I’ve not specifically done pork tenderloin medallions, but those pieces will be so small, they’ll probably be done in under 10 min. Just keep an eye on them.
Candeee says
Excellent! Very flavorful and juicy. I used a 1 1/2 lb pork loin and it wasn’t done after the 22 minutes…it was only at 108 degrees. I even preheated my air fryer for 8 minutes. The meat was ready at about 43 minutes. We will make this again.
RecipeTeacher says
Hi Candee. Did you have a pork loin or tenderloin? A tenderloin should never really take 40+ minutes.
Judy says
You were not kidding 🙂 This was the best damn pork loin I have ever made. The rub was amazing and was so juicy… Thank you. I look forward to checking out your other recipes
RecipeTeacher says
Thank you Judy!!
Trish says
Just starting out with my airfryer. This recipe was awesome!!! Moust, juicy and so flavorful! Going to try it with pork chops next. Thanks for a great recipe!
RecipeTeacher says
Thank you so much, Trish. And thank you for the nice note too. Very much appreciate the feedback! 🙂
Wendy Earwood says
Oh.My.Word! Delicious!!!! Wow! Never have I had a better pork tenderloin. Juicy, tender and that char on the outside was phenomenal!
RecipeTeacher says
Thanks Wendy!!
Steve Heiser says
You did it again the Tenderloin was Dam outstanding and i want to say that the recipes you have given us are outstanding i cooked my roast for 20 minuets put it on the plate to rest when my wife came into the kitchen the juices were running all over she asked me if it was done then i cut into it beautiful just like your pictures thanks again Teacher Steve
RecipeTeacher says
Thanks man!!!
Janet says
So im feeding a group and I have 6 tenderloins. What should i adjust the temp and time to to make sure they all get done?
RecipeTeacher says
If they’re crowded in there you might consider 2 batches. But if they all fit in ok, check for doneness after the 3 minutes.
ckr says
Delicious, skipped the ground mustard as I didn’t have any. Easy to prepare, It’s a keeper.
Mary Baird says
Fabulous! I will probably cut down on the salt next time, but the roast had a delicious smokey flavor.
Bruce says
I don’t think I have ever put a comment on Pinterest. There are so many recipes out there claim to be the best -whatever- ever but this pork really is the best. I was skeptical at first but mine came out just like the picture and it tastes way better than even the picture looks! I put in too much cayenne for some family members but that was my fault. Seriously, this is the best pork I’ve ever made!
RecipeTeacher says
Thanks man!! Too much cayenne?? Nah! 🙂