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
Ruth says
My only go-to recipe for tenderloin. Nothing compares to this recipe. Thank you
RecipeTeacher says
Thanks Ruth!!
Alexa says
I thought I made a good pork tenderloin before… then I came across this recipe and omg. This was incredible! My new go to recipe for pork tenderloin.
Rick Garner says
Great rub and these directions work every time! We love it.
Lisa says
This was so easy and delicious. I will definitely be coming back to this recipe. Thank you
Barb says
New owner of an air fryer here.
My husband and I can only eat 1/4 of a tenderloin in one meal and I don’t want leftovers. So I’ve been cutting a single tenderloin (package has 2 tenderloins) into quarters and cooking. I usually slice into medallions and do a quick fry in a skillet.
How long would it take for a 1/4 of a pork tenderloin in a 4qt Air Fryer?
Thanks
RecipeTeacher says
It’s going to be less time for sure. The absolute best way to know is to keep an eye on the internal temperature. Pull it out when it reaches 135-140°F. Let it rest and it will come up to 145. My best guess would be anywhere from maybe 8-15 min
Michael says
I wish recepies indicated what function on air frier to use: Bake, rost, broil, or air fry.
RecipeTeacher says
Always default to “air fry” unless a recipe specifically says otherwise. All those other functions are rarely used.
Gale says
I love this recipe and it was the most tender pork loin I have ever fixed. Thanks so much.
Hank Bauer says
I never never never comment on anything but this one deserves an exception. I have made this three times, following the recipe to every word…and it results in pure perfection every time. It’s not just the flavors and ingredients, but the ease of making this. I am ridiculously clumsy in the kitchen and I have nailed this dish every time, so it is a permanent recipe. If anyone is reading this – there is a grocery chain in the US (only on the East Coast at time of this post) called Wegman’s. They have the greatest prices I have ever seen for pork tenderloin. I purchased a slab of FIVE (single pounders) for $12.88 yesterday, and that is their constant price. I provisioned two in the fridge for cooking today (using this recipe) and three in the freezer. It’s fantastic quality and incredible price. Coupled with this recipe, you eat like a king. The reason I picked up so many is that I want to try to wet rub (balsamic) version from Jason, I can bet that will be a knockout as well. If you are still reading this and haven’t gotten bored yet LOL then I implore you to follow this recipe exactly, with no substitutions, at least the first time, and you will be amazed. Thank you very much Jason, this was a grand slam in my opinion.
RecipeTeacher says
You are too kind, Hank. Thank you so much! And yes, that’s an awesome price for those tenderloins!!
Karen says
I just bought a 4 qt. Air fryer and plan to try this recipe, but the basket is too small to accommodate the roast without either cutting it in half or bending it to fit the basket. Any suggestions?
RecipeTeacher says
Go ahead and just cut in half. Everything will remain the same.
Karen says
Thanks!
Marianne says
Our tenderloins come in a package of two.
I cut them in half(four pcs) before I marinate so the ends are yummy too. I like freezing them in the marinade in dinner portions. Turns out great
Deb says
Best recipe ever so tender so easy and so tasty
Luci says
I pretty much never comment on recipes, but I have to make an exception for this one. It is beyond delicious. I have been making it for months, and I still make it by the recipe (omitting the cayenne, because not everyone here likes it). I usually do multiple iterations of a recipe, adjusting the ratio of spices until I get it dialed in for my family, but not with this one–it’s perfect just the way it is.
The bonus is that it is fast and simple and doesn’t require a high level of prep skills or intense monitoring, so it tastes just as fabulous when one of the teenagers in my life makes it! Success breeds success, and if you’re teaching others in your life how to cook (or just starting your own journey!), please know that this is a great dish for those early in their skill development.
RecipeTeacher says
Thanks so much, Lucy!
Christie says
Simply fabulous!
Debbie says
This sounds delicious, making tonight. Can I put baby potatoes in with it?
RecipeTeacher says
You can. Just keep an eye on them for being done. Timing should be pretty close for baby potatoes.