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    You are here: Home » Air Fryer Recipes » Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

    Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

    Last Modified: February 20, 2025

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.9 from 378 reviews
    Recipe for air fryer pork tenderloin

    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?

    The Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin 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 pork tenderloin recipe

    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.

    seasonings and spices for best damn air fryer pork tenderloin recipe

    recipe for air fryer pork tenderloin

    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.

    air fryer pork tenderloin

    recipe for air fryer pork tenderloin

    Print

    Recipe

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    Best Damn Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    4.9 from 378 reviews

    • Author: RecipeTeacher
    • Total Time: 26 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings
    Print Recipe
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    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

    1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl.
    2. Trim the pork tenderloin of any excess fat/silver skin. Coat with a ½ tablespoon olive oil. Rub spice mixture on entire pork tenderloin.
    3. 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.
    4. 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

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    Recipe for the best damn air fryer pork tenderloin
    A plate of juicy pork tenderloin served with fresh broccoli and roasted baby potatoes.
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    1. A. Brock says

      June 03, 2024 at 5:47 pm

      This was wonderful! It turned out tender and juicy and tasty! I just got my air fryer yesterday, and this was an awesome way to break it in!

      Reply
      • RecipeTeacher says

        June 03, 2024 at 9:54 pm

        Very cool! I’m glad it was a great way to start things off with your new air fryer!

        Reply
    2. Inga says

      June 01, 2024 at 2:22 pm

      Absolutely the best!

      Reply
    3. Theresa Burgardt says

      May 30, 2024 at 7:19 pm

      I have made this several times. Absolutely delicious! Meat is very juicy!

      Reply
    4. Jan Smith says

      May 30, 2024 at 4:53 pm

      Awesome! Best d- – – – pork tenderloin! This is my 3rd time and it still the best! Thanx!

      Reply
    5. Shirley In Georgia says

      May 22, 2024 at 5:29 pm

      I omitted the sugar and this pork tenderloin was still absolutely delicious! I’m so happy I found your site ❤️ I’m new to air frying and look forward to trying more of your recipes. Thank you for posting????

      Reply
      • RecipeTeacher says

        May 22, 2024 at 5:33 pm

        Awesome, Shirley! Yep, it’s still great even without the sugar. Thanks so much for the feedback!

        Reply
    6. Isabel Llerena says

      May 16, 2024 at 12:16 pm

      Amazing flavor! We were making Cuban black beans with rice and this was the perfect addition. Will definitely make again.

      Reply
    7. Elena says

      May 16, 2024 at 12:08 pm

      Amazing recipe! I wasn’t sure about leaving the pork loin uncovered in the air fryer but it turned out so juicy!! Simple ingredients that lend themselves to an amazing meal!!

      Reply
    8. Suzee says

      April 29, 2024 at 6:33 am

      A little warm if you use the full amount amount of cayenne, but this is a new family favorite! This is very quick and tasted great with a depth of flavors.

      Reply
    9. Patricia says

      April 26, 2024 at 5:55 pm

      This was delicious! The whole family loves it! I will definitely make this again.

      Reply
    10. Greg says

      April 21, 2024 at 9:05 pm

      Loved this recipe! Tenderloin was a moist and flavourful! I used the “rub” seasoning on other cuts of pork. Delicious!

      Reply
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    Jason of Recipeteacher.com

    Hi, I’m Jason and i’m here to help you make easy, delicious homemade recipes. My approach is to provide the easy-to-understand instructions, use simple ingredients, and have you make the best meals possible.

    More about me →

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