Tender and juicy air fryer pork tenderloin is a quick and easy dinner idea that you can make any night of the week. It’s seasoned with tangy Dijon mustard and savory herbs and cooks in 20 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is tender as its name suggests, quick-cooking, and full of flavor. After sharing my Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin recipe, many of you asked for an air fryer version. So, here it is! This is why you’ll love this Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin:
- Perfectly seasoned. You’ll season this pork with a mouthwatering blend of Dijon mustard, herbs, and savory spices. The flavors get locked in while the tenderloin cooks, and the result is ultra-tender and packed with flavor.
- Great for weeknights. This versatile, easy-to-cook cut of meat is a busy cook’s dream! The seasoning comes together in a snap, and then the tenderloin goes right into the air fryer basket. 20 minutes or so later, dinner is done!
- Freezer-friendly. Pork tenderloin can sometimes be a bit pricey, but if you find some on sale, stock up and throw an extra tenderloin (or two) in the freezer for later.
- All-season. If you love grilled pork tenderloin in the summer and garlicky roast pork tenderloin in the cooler months, this air fryer recipe is perfect for any time of the year!
What Is Pork Tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin, also called a pork filet or pork steak, is a long and thin boneless cut of pork from the back of the pig. It’s smaller and leaner than pork loin, with a milder flavor. You’ll find pork tenderloin at the meat counter at your local grocery store, or you can ask your butcher for assistance.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Here are some notes on the (incredibly simple) ingredients you’ll need to make this air fryer pork recipe. I can practically taste it just by reading ’em! Don’t forget to scroll to the recipe card for the full amounts and recipe details.
- Pork Tenderloin – The star of the show! Make sure that you’re buying tenderloin and not pork loin, which is a much larger cut and takes longer to cook.
- Dijon Mustard – I love the tangy kick of a good Dijon mustard, but feel free to use any mustard that you like.
- Olive Oil – For rubbing onto the pork. This not only adds moisture, but also helps the tenderloin brown up nicely in the air fryer.
- Herbs and Spices – My spice blend includes dried oregano and rosemary, garlic powder and onion powder, a bit of smoked paprika, and of course salt and freshly ground pepper.
How to Cook Pork Tenderloin In the Air Fryer
This air fryer pork tenderloin recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again, especially when you see how simple it is to prepare. Even if you’ve never cooked pork tenderloin before, this recipe is perfect for beginners. Here’s how to do it, step by step:
- Preheat. First, make sure to preheat your air fryer to 400˚F. Some recipes don’t call for preheating the air fryer, but I think that preheating gives a better result.
- Prep the pork. To get the pork tenderloin ready for air frying, pat it dry with paper towels. Then, whisk together the herbs and spices, mustard, and olive oil in a small bowl. Spread this mixture all over the tenderloin. I used two smaller tenderloins, they were about one pound each.
- Add the tenderloin to the air fryer basket. Spray the air fryer basket with oil (don’t use an aerosol spray) and place the tenderloin in the basket. If it’s too big to fit, you can cut it in half, or bend it around, and place the two pieces side by side. Leave a little space between them for browning.
- Cook. Air fry the pork for 10 minutes. Flip it over and continue to cook for 10 minutes, or until done. You will know it’s done when he internal temperature of the pork registers at 145˚F. Make sure to use your handy dandy Instant Read Meat Thermometer. If cooking two pork tenderloins tied together, as I did here, it will take a little longer to cook through, about 4 to 6 more minutes more.
- Enjoy! Transfer your cooked tenderloin to a cutting board, and let it stand for about 5 to 8 minutes before cutting.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Making this recipe is super easy, but I still have a few tips I’d like to share. These are my must-know, helpful hints for making the perfect air fryer pork tenderloin:
- Don’t overcook. Be very careful not to overcook your tenderloin! This can make it tough and dry. Keep a careful eye on your pork, and check it first at the minimum time. A meat thermometer is the best way to make sure your meat is done properly.
- Cooking times may vary. When cooking your tenderloin, keep in mind that the thickness of your pork will change the time it takes to cook. For even cooking, I suggest removing the tenderloin from the fridge about 15 minutes before cooking.
- Remove the silverskin. You may notice a pale, silvery skin on your uncooked pork tenderloin. If you do, use a sharp knife to slice it away and discard it. Silverskin is very tough.
How Do You Keep Pork From Drying Out in the Air Fryer?
This is where good-quality extra virgin olive oil really shines. Rubbing the pork with oil helps to lock in moisture and keeps it tender as it cooks.
Is My Pork Tenderloin Supposed to Be Pink?
You might be a little alarmed if you slice into your pork tenderloin, only to find that it is rosy inside. But don’t worry! If the internal temperature is correct (and again, that’s 145˚F) in the thickest part, then you can rest assured that the pork is fully done. A little rosy coloring is just fine.
What to Serve With Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin goes well with so many side dishes, from fancy holiday-like sides to the absolute basics! Here are a few of my family’s favorite sides to serve with juicy, tender pork:
- Potatoes. Satisfyingly crispy air fryer potatoes or air fryer frozen french fries are delicious alongside slices of juicy, air-fried pork. The kids absolutely love this option! 🍟
- Rice. Choose your favorite vegetable side and serve juicy pork with flavorful Mediterranean rice or this all-in-one rice stuffed acorn squash.
- Appetizers. Cheesy and crispy, my roasted parmesan cauliflower bites are a killer low-carb side dish or appetizer with flavor for days! This homemade focaccia bread dipped in balsamic and olive oil is another easy starter.
- Veggies. Skillet zucchini and mushrooms are a tasty vegetable side to your tenderloin. Other good options are air fryer broccoli, or easy roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.
- Salad. Pair pork tenderloin with a side of chef salad or a crunchy kale and quinoa salad.
Storing and Reheating
- Fridge. For easy storage, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or tin foil. You can also use zip-top bags – so easy! Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat. To reheat, bake the leftover pork at 350˚F, or heat it in a covered skillet on low heat, until it is heated through. Don’t overcook, or the pork will be tough.
- Freezer. To freeze your pork tenderloin, slice it and put it into freezer bags. Keep it in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Air Fryer Steak
- Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Corned Beef
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer to 400˚F.
- Remove pork tenderloin from the fridge about 15 minutes before you are ready to cook it.
- Pat dry the pork tenderloin with paper towels.
- In a small bowl whisk together the mustard, olive oil, oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mustard mixture all over the tenderloin.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the tenderloin in the basket. If needed to fit, bend it or cut the tenderloin in half. Grease the top of the tenderloin with cooking spray.
- Cook for 10 minutes; flip, lightly grease with cooking spray, and continue to cook for 10 to 14 more minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork registers at 145˚F. See my Notes below.
- Transfer cooked tenderloin to a cutting board and let stand for about 5 to 8 minutes before cutting.
- Cut and serve.
Notes
- A meat thermometer is the only, and best way to make sure your meat is done properly.
- The thickness of the pork will determine the time it takes to cook. For even cooking, I also suggest to remove the tenderloin from the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking.
- If you want to cook two tenderloins tied together, as I did here, make sure that they are small – no more than 1 pound each – and tie them together at 3-inch intervals with kitchen twine. Keep in mind that it might take longer to cook them through, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- If you are looking for a bit more browning on top, you can place the cooked pork tenderloin under the broiler for about 2 minutes, or until browned.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
