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I’m excited to share my favorite recipe for juicy pork tenderloin in the air fryer. This quick dinner recipe turns lean pork into a delicious meal in less than 30 minutes. The secret is a perfect seasoning rub and air fryer cooking.
My secret mix of brown sugar, smoked paprika, and spices makes a crust that’s amazing. The air fryer cooks it to perfection. You get a crispy outside and a tender, juicy inside. It’s like a fancy meal but easy to make!
Are you ready to start cooking? Let’s make that pork tenderloin a hit!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
This pork tenderloin air fryer recipe will soon be your top pick. It’s super easy to make, perfect for busy cooks. Just a few ingredients are needed for a tasty meal.
It cooks fast too. In 20 minutes, you’ll have a juicy pork tenderloin ready. It’s great for quick weeknight dinners.
The seasoning makes this dish special. A simple rub gets all crispy in the air fryer. This creates a tasty crust that keeps the pork moist and enhances its flavor.
- Versatile main dish that pairs well with various sides
- Healthier cooking method compared to traditional frying
- Crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior
This pork tenderloin is great for many meals. You can serve it with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or your favorite grain. It makes a complete dinner.
The air fryer is a healthier way to cook. It uses less oil but still gives you a crispy texture. Enjoy a meal that’s good for you but still tastes amazing.
This recipe is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s quick, easy, and always delicious!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love making pork tenderloin in my air fryer. The key to a delicious dish is the seasoning rub. Here’s what I use:
- 1 pork tenderloin (1.25-1.75 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry. I have easy swaps for you. Use honey instead of brown sugar. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is fine. You can also change the spices to your liking.
Olive oil makes the seasoning stick and gives a nice crust. If you’re out of olive oil, any neutral oil will do. The mix of flavors is what makes it special. So, feel free to try new things!
Instructions
I start by mixing my dry ingredients for the perfect seasoning rub. Then, I trim the pork tenderloin of any excess fat or silver skin. This makes sure it cooks evenly.
Next, I season the pork. I drizzle olive oil over it and massage it in. Then, I cover the meat with my seasoning mix, making sure it’s fully coated.
For cooking, I set my air fryer to 400°F. This high heat helps make a nice crust. I put the seasoned pork in the basket and cook for 20-22 minutes.
Halfway through, I flip the tenderloin. This helps with even browning. I watch the internal temperature closely, aiming for 145°F for doneness.
After cooking, I let the pork rest for 5 minutes. This lets the juices spread, making the meat juicier and tastier.
- Mix dry ingredients for rub
- Trim and oil pork
- Apply seasoning
- Cook at 400°F for 20-22 minutes
- Flip halfway through
- Cook to 145°F internal temperature
- Rest for 5 minutes before slicing
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Make sure to bring the meat to room temperature before cooking. This helps it cook evenly in the air fryer. Also, preheat your air fryer for the best results. It makes sure the outside gets crispy and the inside stays juicy.
Let the pork tenderloin rest after cooking. This lets the juices spread out, making it tastier. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months.
When reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. It keeps the meat tender. This dish goes well with many sides. So, try new things with your meal planning!