Description
A delicious air fryer pork tenderloin recipe that melts in your mouth, perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pork tenderloin about 1 to 1 1/2 lbs (450 to 680 grams)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil or avocado oil
- 2 tsp (10 ml) soy sauce
- 2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp (15 g) brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) onion powder
- 1 tsp (5 g) smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) cayenne optional, for a little heat
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating the air fryer to 375 degrees F to get it nice and hot, which takes just a few minutes. You will notice the warming metal give off a bit of heat, indicating it is ready for action. Not preheating can lead to uneven cooking, so do not skip this step.
- Season the Pork Tenderloin: Rub your favorite seasonings all over the pork tenderloin, ensuring every inch is coated. The aroma of the spices will start to fill your kitchen. Missing spots can lead to bland bites, so be thorough!
- Place in Air Fryer: Carefully place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket. You will hear a light sizzling sound as it makes contact with the hot surface. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as it will hinder airflow and lead to unequally cooked meat.
- Cook to Perfection: Cook the pork tenderloin for about 15 minutes. The delightful aroma will start wafting through your home as it cooks. Avoid opening the basket too often, as it can affect cooking time.
- Check Internal Temperature: Take a quick peek with a meat thermometer to ensure it hits 145 degrees F for perfect doneness. The meat should look juicy and slightly firm to the touch. Skipping this step can lead to dry pork.
- Let it Rest: Allow the pork tenderloin to rest for a few minutes after cooking. You will see the juices settling back into the meat as it cools a bit. Cutting too soon might result in a less juicy tenderloin, so hang tight!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store cooked pork tenderloin in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Freeze wrapped in foil or plastic wrap in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat sliced pork in the air fryer to maintain texture.
- Expert Tips: Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Let the pork rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
- Start with room-temperature pork tenderloin for even cooking.
- Marinate for up to 48 hours for deeper flavor.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat slices in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.
- Pair with a leafy salad for a lighter meal.
- Add a side of air-fried potatoes for a fulfilling dinner.
- Recipe Variations: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade.
- Incorporate Asian flavors with ginger and sesame oil.
- Create a barbecue version by adding liquid smoke.
- Ingredient Notes: Ensure the pork tenderloin is fresh and free of any silver skin before cooking for maximum tenderness.
- Substitute pork loin for a similar result, but reduce heat and increase cooking time.
- Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil or melted butter.
- For a gluten-free alternative, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 199
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 241mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 98mg