If you’re looking for a reliable, no-stress dinner that feels impressive without taking all night, this Easy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is about to be your new go-to. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection in under 30 minutes, it’s proof that weeknight meals don’t have to be boring — or time-consuming.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
I still remember when I first fell in love with making pork tenderloin in the air fryer. It was one of those weeknights when I’d completely lost track of time (and honestly, energy) after a busy workday and kids’ activities. I had a pork tenderloin thawed in the fridge, but no plan — and definitely no time to preheat the oven or babysit a pan on the stove.
On a whim, I rubbed it down with some spices, popped it in the air fryer, and hoped for the best. Twenty minutes later, I sliced into the juiciest, most flavorful pork I’d ever cooked at home — golden on the outside, tender and just slightly pink inside. The best part? I didn’t even have to clean the oven.
That night officially converted me into an air fryer devotee. Since then, I’ve played with different seasoning blends, marinades, and glazes, but the ease of this method is always the same. It’s the perfect recipe for when you want a meal that feels special but doesn’t ask too much of you — exactly what I need most weeknights.
If you’re new to cooking pork tenderloin or just want an easier, faster way to make it turn out perfect every time, this recipe is for you.
Try my other air fryer recipes:
Tips and Tricks
To make your Easy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin even better, consider these tips and tricks:
- Marinate Overnight: If time permits, marinate the pork tenderloin overnight for deeper flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your pork is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F.
- Don’t Crowd the Air Fryer: If cooking multiple tenderloins, ensure there is enough space in the air fryer for proper air circulation to achieve even cooking.
- Rest the Meat: Allow the tenderloin to rest for at least five minutes after cooking; this helps the juices redistribute and results in a juicier bite.
Make Ahead Tips
To save time during busy weekdays, you can prep several components of this recipe in advance:
- Marinate the Pork: Marinate the pork tenderloin up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
- Seasoning Mix: Prepare the seasoning mix ahead of time and store it in an airtight container.
- Cooked Pork Storage: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this dish throughout the week.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with these variations
- Different Marinades: Swap out the herbs and spices for a BBQ or Asian-inspired marinade.
- Stuffed Tenderloin: For an extra twist, slice the pork open and stuff it with spinach and cheese or apples and nuts before air frying.
- Cooking Methods: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the tenderloin in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve your pork tenderloin sliced into medallions to showcase its juicy interior. Pair it with roasted vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or a creamy mashed potato for a complete meal. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an added touch of color and flavor. For a rustic presentation, serve on a wooden cutting board with a side of dipping sauce.
How to Store
To properly store leftovers of Easy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin:
- Refrigeration: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked pork tenderloin for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring the meat remains juicy.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use a pork loin instead of a tenderloin? Yes, but cooking times may vary as pork loin is larger and thicker.
- What can I substitute for olive oil in the marinade? You can use avocado oil or sunflower oil as alternatives.
- How long does it take to cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer? It typically takes about 20-25 minutes at 400°F, depending on the thickness of the tenderloin.
How To Make Easy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Easy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Perfectly seasoned and cooked to juicy perfection in under 30 minutes, it’s proof that weeknight meals don’t have to be boring — or time-consuming.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by mixing the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it is well-coated. For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the marinated pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s not overcrowded.
- Cook the pork tenderloin for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Once cooked, remove the tenderloin from the air fryer and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Slice and serve with your favorite sides and garnishes.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 238Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 83mgSodium 141mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 30g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Easy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is not just about preparing a meal; it’s about enjoying the process and the delightful results. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients and techniques can create a dish that feels gourmet yet is accessible for everyday cooks. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this pork tenderloin will surely impress. Enjoy every bite!
