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
Kim says
This is a new family favorite on the dinner rotation! The dry rub is so absolutely delicious – I have used it on chicken breasts too. Tonight I am making the best damn chicken recipe and hoping for the same family smiles as the pork! Thanks for sharing!
RecipeTeacher says
And I thank YOU for the awesome feedback, Kim!
Lara says
Hi, which function do I use on my air fryer – bake, roast, or air crisp? Thanks! You
RecipeTeacher says
Air fry.
Tanya says
Hi, I have the same issue, I don’t have an actual air fry option, I have ninja foodi tendercrisp pressure cooker and I’m wondering if air crisp will do the same job as air fryer, it seem to do it with egg rolls and nuggets but sometimes they need a bit more time to get ready then listed on the instruction. Any advice how should I make it? Thank you
Michele Gautreau says
Awesome recipe. The hubs and I loved it.
Gary Brunell says
Absolutely the best pork I have ever made!!!!!
RossC says
Wonderful recipe/method. The only thing I did differently is let it marinate overnight, in fridge.
Tastes as good as it is beautiful.. :O)
Susanne Beier says
I agree! I loved this recipe!! Turned out great in my air fryer
Elizabeth McCarter says
LOVED this recipe! Easy, fast, and SOOO tastey!
Jennifer Coppersmith says
SO delicious! Followed recipe exactly and it turned out perfect in my Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer. My family devoured it! Many thanks!
RecipeTeacher says
Awesome!! Yeah I also have a Vortex Plus and everything comes out so good! Thanks for the feedback Jennifer!
Patricia White says
OMG, this was the best pork tenderloin ever!! Loved it!
Gilda says
Made this tonight and cooked it 20 minutes….placed new potatoes in halfway through….meat was soooo tender and juicy. I didn’t use all of the sugar and it was still a bit sweet, but awesome!