Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Best Air Fryer Pork Loin and Spice Rub Recipe – Learn the secrets for how to perfectly cook tender and juicy pork tenderloin in an air fryer! This nearly foolproof recipe is easy to make in only 20 minutes.
Why We Love This Easy Air Fried Pork Tenderloin Recipe
We adore the amazing array of traditional “fried foods” that can be air-fried crispy with barely any oil. But did you know that you can (and absolutely should) use your air fryer for more than just nuggets and French fries?
Just like those dependable quick air fryer recipes you know and love, you can make the most amazing pork tenderloin in no time. You only need a little bit of oil plus a handful of key simple ingredients for a sweet and savory rub. No brining necessary!
Simply baste a tenderloin with oil and coat with the combined rub mixture. Then air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, rest, and slice. With barely any effort you have the moistest and most tender pork medallions ready to serve with your favorite sides.
This easy pork loin recipe is perfect for weeknight meals and casual dinner parties. Give it a try and be prepared to fall in love with your air fryer all over again!
Ingredients You Need
For this recipe, you need a 1-1.5 pound pork tenderloin and olive oil (or your preferred high heat frying oil).
To make the perfect smoky and sweet tenderloin spice rub you need:
- Brown sugar – or coconut sugar
- Spices – cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper
How to Air Fry Pork Tenderloin
- First, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. This will take about 5 minutes.
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry before brushing the pork with olive oil.
- Make the tenderloin spice rub: In a small bowl mix together the brown sugar and spices.
- Rub the spice mixture on the pork loin.
- Place the pork loin in the air fryer basket and air fry for 14-18 minutes.
- Check for doneness after 14 minutes. The tenderloin will be done when the thickest part has reached 145°F.
- Remove the tenderloin and allow it to rest for five minutes. This allows the juices to settle and keep the pork moist.
- Slice into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces.
- Serve the tenderloin warm with your favorite sides.
Get the Complete (Printable) Air Fryer Pork Loin Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer pork tenderloin is incredibly versatile! It goes really well with a wide range of side dishes to create a tasty meal that your family won’t be able to resist. For a more classic combo, you can’t go wrong with serving the pork with a nice helping of creamy mashed potatoes or oven roasted potatoes. Or if you’re in the mood for something lighter, roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus are a great choice, while a simple salad like apple chopped salad with cucumber, apples, and broccoli creates a good fresh balance.
For an extra touch of sweetness, serve it with homemade apple sauce, spiced cinnamon apples or corn pudding. If you want to keep things interesting, try serving the pork with rice or quinoa pilaf to soak up all those yummy pork juices.
Have a bunch of leftover pork? Repurpose it into sliders or sandwiches by slicing it thin and topping it with coleslaw, pickles, and a bit of tangy mustard or barbecue sauce. For a fun twist, chop up the pork for soft tacos, and add fresh cilantro, onions, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
Frequently Asked Questions
A loin that is 1 pound or slightly less will cook in 14 or 15 minutes. A larger piece that is more like 1.5 lbs will require about 16 to 18 minutes.
The internal temperature of cooked pork should be 145° Fahrenheit.
Leftover pork will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Let it cool completely and transfer the slices or whole tenderloin to an airtight container before storing. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer basket at 325°F for 5-6 minutes if whole, or 2-3 minutes if sliced.
Looking For More Amazing Dinner Recipes? Be Sure To Try:
- Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Roll-Ups
- Amazing Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
- Grilled Pork Chops + Carolina BBQ Sauce
- Slow Cooker Smoked Pulled Pork
- Perfect Sous Vide Pork Chops
Get the Complete (Printable) Air Fryer Pork Loin Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Pat the pork tenderloin dry, then brush the pork with olive oil.
- In a small bowl mix the brown sugar, salt, cumin, garlic powder, and pepper together. Rub the spice mixture over the entire surface of the pork loin.
- Place the pork loin in the air fryer basket bending it to fit if needed. Air fry for 14-18 minutes, until the thickest part of the pork tenderloin has an internal temperature of 145°F. (Stop at 14 minutes to check.)
- Remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and allow it to rest for five minutes before slicing.
I made these tonight and followed the directions exactly. They were tasty and tender, so delicious! I definitely recommend this recipe to others.
what an amazing recipe! I love my air fryer and this is just one more recipe i can make with it!
I think I will be using this recipe from now on!! It was super easy & the meat was so good & tender!!
I was looking for a new air fryer recipe and found it! It was tender and delish. Great served with mashed potatoes.