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.
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
Cece says
Delish
Anne H says
Truly is the best damn Tenderloin in airfryer!!!. We love it and make it often.
ANDREW PATRICK says
The pork tenderloin turned out great. Super quick and easy with the air fryer.
Kathie Abke says
So easy, and absolutely delicious!!
Perry W. says
My go to recipe for pork tenderloin. Delicious! Comes out perfect every time!
Cindy Kujava says
Wonderful flavor, juicy meat, and so easy. Thank you for a great recipe!
Hank Bauer says
Hey Jason! I want to thank you for sharing this recipe with the world, because if a clown like me can make one of the most delicious meals I have ever made, then anyone can do it! Just WOW….I didn’t change a thing, followed this recipe EXACTLY and after letting this beauty rest for five minutes, when I sliced into it, I knew this was a home run. The texture of the hardened and flavorful crust against the juicy smooth interior is so incredibly delicious. This was TOO EASY! It will be my top recipe from now on, thanks again, wonderful recipe.
Cathy Paulding says
Absolutely the very best pork tenderloin I have ever made! Flavorful, tender and juicy!
Johanna W. says
Fabulous! We are low carb, so i replaced the sugar with a no-sugar brown sugar substitute. It still caramelized, and crisped up wonderfully. Delicious! Tip… don’t skip the cayenne! Thanks for a simple and wonderful recipe!
Cherre Wright says
Best Damn nailed it!! This is the only recipe I use for pork tenderloin. Love all of the Best Damn recipes! They are AWESOME!!! I can’t brag enough. 5 star !!!!!!