This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make. Pork is coated in a sweet and smoky rub, then air fried until it’s crispy on the outside and tender in the center.
Pork tenderloin is one of those things that I always forget about, but the second I take a bite, I wonder why I don’t eat it more. This air fryer pork is no exception. It’s ultra juicy, flavorful, and has a slight crunch on the outside. Don’t forget the honey mustard for dipping!
Ingredients
Pork is rubbed in sweet and smoky rub, then air fried to juicy perfection!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – helps the seasonings stick to the outside of the pork and adds additional healthy fats. If another oil is preferred, be sure it has a smoke point of 400 degrees F.
- Brown Sugar – adds a rich, sweet, molasses flavor and creates a sticky and caramelized outer crust on the pork. Dark brown sugar is called for in the original recipe, but light may be substituted.
- Spices: Ranch Seasoning Mix, Chili Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Cayenne Pepper – our semi-homemade seasoning blend that provides a sweet, smoky, and mildly spicy flavor. If you’re sensitive to heat, omit the cayenne pepper or replace it with equal parts black pepper instead.
- Pork Tenderloin – you’ll need 2 (1 pound) pork tenderloins with excess fat trimmed. To ensure even cooking, you’ll need to cook them separately. You can try cooking 1 (2 pound) tenderloin instead, but you’ll need additional cook time. My air fryer is too small to handle a 2 pound tenderloin.
How to make
Season, air fry, rest, and serve! It doesn’t get easier than this.
- Mix oil, brown sugar, chili powder, ranch seasoning, paprika, salt, and cayenne together in a small bowl, then rub it onto the pork tenderloins.
- Cook 1 tenderloin in a preheated 400 degrees F air fryer until the internal temperature of the pork is 145 degrees F.
- Remove pork and set aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Repeat with the other tenderloin, then serve with honey mustard sauce for dipping.
How long does pork take in the air fryer?
1 (1 pound) pork tenderloin will cook in 10-20 minutes* in a preheated 400 degree F air fryer. Add more to less time to reach a desired temperature. It look about 15 minutes to reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F which is considered medium rare. Add additional time to reach these temperatures:
- Medium Rare: 145-150 degrees F
- Medium: 150-155 degrees F
- Medium Well: 155-160 degrees F
- Well: 160 degrees F
What to serve with air fryer pork tenderloin
This juicy pork recipe is perfect next to a carb-y side, a few veggies, and a light salad!
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Potatoes
- Roasted Green Beans
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Pear, Blue Cheese, Candied Pecan Salad
How to store
Leftover pork will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge, if frozen, then microwave to warm.
– Jennifer
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Equipment for this recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup dark brown sugar packed
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix be sure to read the labels to ensure GF if necessary
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste (I sprinkled more on after slicing)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper omit if you don’t like spice
- 2 (1 - 1 1/2 pounds) pork tenderloins excess fat removed
- Honey Mustard Dressing for serving
Instructions
- Mix oil, brown sugar, ranch seasoning, chili powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne together in a small bowl, then rub it onto the pork tenderloins. Set aside.
- Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F and grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Cook 1 pork tenderloin for 10-20 minutes*, or until the internal temperature of the pork is 145 degrees F. Flip the pork halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Remove pork and set aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Repeat with the other tenderloin, then serve with honey mustard sauce for dipping.
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Notes
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Nutrition Information
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
Eddie
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy