How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin in Air Fryer for Juicy and Perfect Results

Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a game-changer for quick, juicy, and perfectly cooked meals. This lean cut of meat is known for its tenderness and mild flavor, making it a versatile choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With the air fryer’s ability to lock in moisture while creating a golden, crispy exterior, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results in no time.

The beauty of using an air fryer is its efficiency—it cooks faster than traditional methods without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, nailing the cook time is key to getting that tender, juicy pork every time. Plus, it’s a healthier option since you can skip the excess oil. Ready to elevate your pork tenderloin game? Let’s explore how long it really takes to cook this delicious dish to perfection in your air fryer.

Ingredients

To prepare a succulent pork tenderloin in the air fryer, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

For The Pork Tenderloin

1 lb pork tenderloin (trim excess fat and silver skin)
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for umami boost)
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for a touch of sweetness)

Tools And Equipment

To prepare a perfectly cooked pork tenderloin in your air fryer, you will need the right tools. Each item listed below ensures efficient and accurate results.

Air Fryer

An air fryer is the essential tool for this recipe. Choose a model with adjustable temperature settings and a basket large enough to fit a 1 lb pork tenderloin without overcrowding. Preheating your air fryer is critical to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Models with non-stick baskets simplify cleanup and improve overall user experience.

Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer plays a crucial role in ensuring your pork tenderloin reaches the correct internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption. Opt for a digital instant-read thermometer for quick and precise readings. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat to verify doneness without overcooking.

Cutting board: Use a sturdy cutting board for prepping and resting the pork tenderloin. Resting allows juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when portioning the tenderloin post-cooking.
Mixing bowl: Use this for combining your seasonings and creating marinades, if applicable.
Tongs: Tongs help you safely handle the pork tenderloin without puncturing or losing juices.
Pastry brush (optional): Use this for evenly coating the tenderloin with olive oil or marinade before cooking.

Having these tools ready ensures an efficient process from prep to serving.

Prep

Proper preparation is key to ensuring your pork tenderloin cooks evenly and bursts with flavor. Follow these steps to get your tenderloin ready for the air fryer.

Trim And Prepare The Pork Tenderloin

Start by placing your pork tenderloin on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully trim away any silver skin—a tough, whitish membrane on the surface of the meat. Removing this ensures a tender bite. Also, check the tenderloin for any excess fat, and trim if necessary. Pat the pork dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes even browning.

Season Or Marinate The Pork

Decide whether to season directly or marinate for added depth of flavor. For seasoning, combine 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper in a bowl. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Rub the spice blend evenly over the pork, ensuring every side is well-coated.

Alternatively, for marination, create a simple marinade using 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Place the pork in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Drain and pat the pork dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the air fryer.

Directions

Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is simple and yields delicious results. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, juicy pork every time.

Preheating The Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the pork tenderloin develop a nice crust.

Cooking The Pork Tenderloin

Lightly brush the pork tenderloin with olive oil for added moisture and to help the spices adhere.
Sprinkle your seasoning blend evenly over the pork tenderloin, ensuring all sides are coated.
Place the pork tenderloin in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring it is not overcrowded or touching the sides.
Cook the pork tenderloin at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping it halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.

Checking The Internal Temperature

After the cooking time ends, use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the pork tenderloin. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption. If it has not reached the desired temperature, continue cooking in 2-minute intervals and recheck. Let the pork rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

Cook Times For Different Sizes

Cooking times for pork tenderloin in an air fryer vary depending on its size. Below, you’ll find precise guidelines for small, medium, and large cuts to ensure tender and perfectly cooked results.

Small Pork Tenderloin

For a small pork tenderloin weighing around 0.75–1 pound:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
Cook the tenderloin for 15–17 minutes at 400°F.
Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 145°F before resting for 5 minutes.

Medium Pork Tenderloin

For a medium pork tenderloin weighing approximately 1–1.5 pounds:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
Cook the pork tenderloin for 18–20 minutes at 400°F.
Turn it midway for even browning.
Check that the center reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
Air fry the tenderloin for 22–25 minutes at 400°F.
Flip the tenderloin halfway through cooking.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F using a thermometer and rest for 5 minutes for juices to settle.

Tips For Perfect Pork Tenderloin In Air Fryer

Achieving perfectly cooked pork tenderloin in the air fryer requires attention to detail and proper technique. Here are essential tips to ensure your pork is juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.

Resting The Meat After Cooking

After removing the pork tenderloin from the air fryer, allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and moist. Avoid cutting into the pork immediately as it may cause the flavorful juices to escape, leaving the meat dry.

Avoiding Overcooking

To prevent overcooking, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. The pork tenderloin should reach 145°F for safe consumption. Remember, the meat will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so removing it from the air fryer when it reaches around 143–144°F ensures it won’t dry out. Always keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid surpassing the suggested duration for your pork’s size.

Enhancing The Flavor

For maximum flavor, don’t skip the seasoning or marinating process. Use a mixture of spices or a marinade tailored to complement the pork’s mild flavor. Consider adding a glaze, such as honey, maple syrup, or a soy-based sauce, during the last few minutes of cooking for a caramelized finish. Brushing the pork with olive oil before seasoning also helps the spices adhere better and enhances browning.

Variations And Serving Suggestions

Pork tenderloin cooked in an air fryer is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors and side dishes. You can customize your meal effortlessly with different sauces, seasonings, and accompaniments to suit any occasion.

Sauces And Sides

Enhance the flavor of your pork tenderloin by serving it with complementary sauces and sides. A rich honey mustard sauce, tangy barbecue glaze, or creamy garlic herb sauce works wonderfully. For a lighter option, try a fresh chimichurri or balsamic reduction drizzle.

Pair your pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a wholesome meal. Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or crusty bread also make excellent carbohydrate options. A fresh green salad or coleslaw can add a crisp, refreshing element to balance the dish.

Alternate Seasonings Or Rubs

Experimenting with different spices allows you to create unique flavor profiles for your pork tenderloin. Try an herb-forward blend with rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a classic taste. For a smoky, bold flavor, use chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.

If you’re craving sweetness, consider a brown sugar and cinnamon rub or brush the pork with maple syrup before cooking. For a global twist, try a mix of Chinese five-spice powder or an Indian-inspired tikka masala blend. These seasoning variations can elevate your pork tenderloin to match any theme or preference.

Make-Ahead And Storage

When life gets busy, preparing pork tenderloin in advance or knowing how to handle leftovers can save you time without compromising on flavor. Here’s how you can prepare, store, and reheat your air-fried pork tenderloin effectively.

Preparing In Advance

If you plan to cook pork tenderloin later, you can season or marinate it ahead of time. Trim the pork tenderloin and apply your seasoning or marinade at least 2–24 hours before cooking for maximum flavor absorption. Place the tenderloin in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, ensuring it’s fully coated, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, allow the pork to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before placing it in the air fryer for even cooking.

Storing Leftovers

For leftover pork tenderloin, let it cool to room temperature before storing. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container to retain moisture. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you need to store it longer, place the wrapped pork in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Always label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat your pork tenderloin without drying it out, use the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Slice the pork into 1/2-inch thick pieces for even warming, then place them in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap. Heat for 3–5 minutes or until warmed through but not overcooked. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, for 10–15 minutes. If microwaving, cover the pork with a damp paper towel and heat in 20-second intervals to retain moisture. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F before serving.

Conclusion

Cooking pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a game-changer for quick, flavorful, and healthy meals. With the right preparation, tools, and attention to cooking time, you can achieve perfectly juicy and tender results every time. Whether you’re planning a simple dinner or a special occasion, this versatile dish is sure to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with seasonings, glazes, and side dishes to make it uniquely yours.