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
bonnie says
I’ve never cooked pork tenderloin before so I googled and found your recipe. I didn’t even have all of the ingredients but went with what I had. I cut all the spices in half as I only had a very small tenderloin. I cooked it for about 15 minutes, turning every 5 and the temperature probe said it was done. Thank you for sharing your recipe; best roast I’ve ever made in the air fryer (with your help of course!)
Mona Wachsler says
Super easy and super delicious! I used 1/8 tsp cayenne and it was the perfect amount of heat for us. I used a tad more garlic powder, but everything else the same. I threw in some seasoned and oiled potatoes on each side of the tenderloin, and after taking the tenderloin out (20 minutes later) I shook the potatoes and they soaked up all the yummy drippings from the tenderloin. Continued cooking potatoes for 5 minutes while the pork rested. The pork was 145 when I removed it from the air fryer. After it rested there was barely any pink. It was so delicious, but I think I will knock a few minutes off the next time because it keeps cooking while it rests.
Thanks for the wonderful recipe! I will be making this over and over again, I’m sure. My husband inhaled it.
Kay says
I will never cook a pork tenderloin another way. This was delicious, and so easy! The whole family loved it.
Susan says
Holy Moly—this was amazing!! I’m eating it as I type this review. The spice rub is fantastic! We will make this over and over again!
RecipeTeacher says
Thanks so much, Susan!
Demonica Tuggles says
The best damn pork tenderloin ever!! It was flavorful, juicy, and tender. It literally melted in my mouth! Thank you for the wonderful recipe!
Shannon says
I have a 1.5 pound pork loin filet that I plan on cooking tonight in the air fryer (I have a basket style air fryer). Is this the same thing? I’ve never cooked one before so any advice or tips would be helpful. TIA!
RecipeTeacher says
Hi Shannon. Actually those “pork loin filets” are not tenderloins. it can certainly be confusing. But, using the air fryer, the cooking time will probably be similar. Maybe a couple of minutes more.
Lori says
Hi, I have not used the rotisserie prongs, would that work for a pork loin roast? This sounds really good, but I believe you mentioned the recipe is for a Pork Loin, vs. a Pork Loin Roast? TY
RecipeTeacher says
Hi Lori. So this recipe is for a pork “tenderloin” which is different than pork loin or pork loin roast. While you technically could use a rotisserie for this recipe, pork tenderloin is so small and thin, it’s not suggested. More trouble than it’s worth.
Tammy says
I have never left a compliment for a recipe before today. You….simply are amazing. Delicious! This is a keeper.
Jennifer says
I am new to the air fryer and planning on making this tomorrow. Do you turn the pork tenderloin over 1/2 through the cooking time? I am excited to try this!!
RecipeTeacher says
Hi Jennifer. I’ve not had to turn the tenderloin during cooking. While all air fryers can be different, for this recipe it’s always come out great without having to turn.
Sandra J Griffen says
Husband and I loved it.definately a keeper. So easy and flavorful