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
Brenda Woosley says
The pork tenderloin sounds delicious. I just bought a new LG gas range that has an air fryer. What level in the oven do I place the pork tenderloin to cook on air fry?
RecipeTeacher says
It’s hard for me to say exactly, but whatever the manual suggests for the air fry setting is what I’d go with. Most ovens like that require longer cook times than regular air fryers. Keep an eye on the internal temperature for best results.
Mary Kay says
Fabulous. Looking forward to making it again. Super easy and delicious
Lori says
This was fantastic- came out perfectly. I paired it with a creamy mustard sauce- delish. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa says
Made this exactly as described and it was perfect!! So easy and so delicious. Thank you!
Cindy L says
I am cooking the pork roast today shortly. The pork chop recipe was similar and I didn’t have any dried mustard so I substituted tumeric. You have to try this adjustment, it was LITERALLY over the top! Just give it a try!! Thank you!!
RecipeTeacher says
I’m a huge fan of turmeric! Great substitute, Cindy!
Maggie says
This was the BEST pork tenderloin. Easy to make and delicious.
Mr Brian Stitt says
Thank you. I’m trying the pork tenderloin in my new air fryer for the first time. I rubbed a little olive oil on it and then some of Emeril Legasse’s essence spice mix. It’s going to be good!
Jo Kilduff says
This recipe turns out perfectly every time and everybody loves it!
Cathy Mills says
This is my go to recipe and have made multiple times. It’s delicious!
Lorrie says
Absolutely shocked how Juicy this recipe is. I didn’t have dried mustard so used French’s Classic Yellow Mustard. Was nervous because it was more like a paste instead of dry rub but, WOW, this was Delicious! ????