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
Raji says
Tried this recipe twice, first time I followed it to the letter, second time made own rub, both times the pork came out gorgeously tender. Nice blush pink in the middle, very juicy.
Jennifer M Tadiello says
This recipe makes things so much easier, it always turns out great! I follow it to a T, but I let the meat rest before I put it in the air fryer as well. Delicious!
Caroline Cozzi says
This recipe was easy to follow and came together quickly. I had planned to grill my tenderloin, but the tank was empty. I had to pivot and you came to the rescue. The rub was simple but delicious. Even my skeptical husband liked it.
RecipeTeacher says
Ah I love hearing that the recipe came to the rescue! Pork tenderloin is excellent and quick in the air fryer for sure.
K. says
This is my go to. Thx for such a delicious, consistently good and easy recipe!
Sally says
This is my “go to” meal for guests. It’s super easy to prep and make and always comes out juicy and perfect. Even our adult son, who dislikes pork loin, loves it!
Debbie P says
I purchased two tenderloins – one already seasoned and one not. I used this rub on the unseasoned one and it was so much better than the pre-seasoned. I will never buy another pre-seasoned and will use this recipe. My family loved it!
RecipeTeacher says
Hey Debbie! Yeah those pre-seasoned pork tenderloins can be hit or miss. But this rub and method is always delicious!
Lisa D. says
Turned out great and couldn’t have been easier.
Shana says
Wonderful and easy pork tenderloin. Made me look like I knew what I was doing 🤠
Michael Bailey says
Great
Eva says
Do I have to preheat the air fryer? Never done this before – is it ok to just run the air fryer with nothing in it?
RecipeTeacher says
Yes and yes. Preheating is important for many recipes. This one included.
Jay says
Yep. Pretty damn good. I’ll be making this again.