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
Alexis says
Hi. This sounds delicious! I’m new to my air fryer. Would you recommend air frying the tenderloin in a fryer basket or a tray? Thank you!
RecipeTeacher says
If you’re referring to a rotisserie basket in a tray style air fryer, just use the tray. The rotisserie basket is not necessary.
Nia says
This was delicious ????
RecipeTeacher says
Thanks, Nia!
Buddy says
The first thing most of you need to do first is know the difference between a tenderloin and a regular loin… This recipe is for a tenderloin..
Ben Wyles says
My concern as well. I’m thinking of making two meals of it and experimenting a bit with possible stuffing ingredients in each. Learning quickly that much of this is gleaning ideas from others and what I’ve come to call “trial by error.” Full speed ahead!
Linda Rickson says
Dinner was great! My 2.40 lb pork roast took about 40 minutes to cook, as some parts were much thicker than others. Luckily I doubled the rub recipe so I can try it on chicken next. Thank you again for your great advice, and I look forward to trying your other recipes.
RecipeTeacher says
Awesome! I’m actually heading out to the store today and I’m gonna try and find a similar size roast and try it. Thanks for all the feedback, Linda!
Linda Rickson says
Thank you so much for your VERY quick reply! I just made the rub and doubled the recipe because my piece of meat so so large. I will certainly let you know how it goes. Serving with applesauce with cinnamon (ran out of apples, otherwise I would have made baked apples), roasted new potatoes and fresh steamed green beans.
RecipeTeacher says
Oh that sounds good!
Linda Rickson says
I am making a 2.40 lb ribeye pork roast in my air fryer tonight. Now that is quite a bit larger than a pork loin. What would you suggest as temp and time for this? I sure hope you see this in time, lol Thanks so much!
RecipeTeacher says
Hi Linda. I’ve not done a ribeye pork roast in the air fryer, but I’d still do 400 degrees and I’d imagine it’s probably 25-35 min. And probably closer to 25 min. It should be no problem and you can always keep an eye on it with a meat thermometer. Please let me know how it goes!
Ben Wyles says
I’m brand new to air frying. This recipe looks and sounds like a winner but let me be sure of my situation. I have a pork LOIN, slightly over 5#, and physical size for my fryer isn’t an issue. From what I’ve read, 20-25 minutes/ pound cook time is a good rule of thumb for pork. Should I fire up at 400′ for 2 hours and be ready with my thermometer at 1:45? I appreciate any input.
RecipeTeacher says
Hi Ben. A 5lb pork loin is a big boy for sure. My only worry is that 2 hours could be a long time in an air fryer and it could get really dry.
Sheila says
Oh My My!! Never in my Life have I ever ate a pork loin tastier than this!!! I followed your recipe exactly as directed and it came out PERFECT!!! I am blown away how easy and simple it was to make. I kept going back for more!!! This will be the meal I will always make for my picky Mother in Law!!! Slam dunk that MOM!!! Lol. Thanks so much!!!
Barbra Vidinich says
So delicious!! Third Recipe from Recipe Teacher and all have been the best! Thank you!!