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This is the BEST Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin recipe! Cooks in just 15 minutes, this is perfect for an easy low-carb, keto friendly weeknight dinner.
Pork tenderloins are so easy to make for a family dinner and so versatile. I’ve loved this Grilled Pork Tenderloin for its amazing smoky flavor and juicy meat! Unfortunately, I don’t always have time to spark up the grill–I need something for rainy, busy nights, too. This juicy pork tenderloin recipe fits the bill perfectly!
With only 15 minutes of cooking time required and very little prep work, this is great for a busy evening when fast food or delivery is tempting. It’s so simple, it’s also the ideal recipe for beginner cooks!
Pork Tenderloin Rub
Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this easy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin. I used a 1-pound pork tenderloin and a small drizzle of olive oil to help the spice rub stick. For specific ingredients, scroll down to the printable recipe card.
- Old Bay
- Chili powder
- Brown sugar or Golden Monk Fruit if keto
- Italian seasoning
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
How to cook a pork tenderloin in an air fryer
This recipe is so easy! First we start by preheating the air fryer to a very hot 400 degrees F–This will help to quickly begin building a caramelized crust on the outside. While the air fryer is preheating, mix your spice rub, drizzle with a bit of oil, and rub the spice mixture all over the tenderloin.
When you place the pork tenderloin into the air fryer, reduce the temperature to 390 degrees F. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for 5 more minutes. Be sure to check the internal temp with a meat thermometer–When it reaches 145, remove and allow the pork to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Side Dish Recommendations
When you don’t want to heat up the kitchen with a large appliance, this pork tenderloin and delicious spice rub would complement easy side dishes like Sweet Corn Salsa or this Cucumber Avocado Salad. For a more classic dinner, serve with Cheesy Roasted Asparagus or these Hasselback Potatoes!
Some great summer side dishes would be this Mexican Street Corn Salad or Air Fryer Okra.
Can you make pork tenderloin ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe can be made ahead of time and then stored in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. You can also freeze and store up to 4 months (it’s safe longer, but the taste and texture are best within 4 months).
To freeze, double wrap as tightly as you can and store in a freezer bag with all the air squeezed out. You can freeze individual-sized portions (great for pulling out for lunches or meals for one) or the entire cooked tenderloin.
Reheating Instructions
Because pork loin is so lean, it can easily dry out if you don’t reheat it correctly. Here are my favorite ways to reheat leftover pork tenderloin without it drying out. You do want your tenderloin already sliced into medallions before reheating–This will speed up the process, giving the pork less time to dry out.
Skillet – Using a skillet with a tight-fitting lid, heat to medium and add a small coating of olive oil. Once it’s warm enough that the oil shimmers, add your pork medallions in a single layer. Place the lid on the skillet, flipping and checking every minute until heated throughout. If your medallions are 1/2 inch thick, you can expect them to reheat in about 3 minutes.
Air Fryer or Oven – Make a foil pouch for your pork medallions. With the pork in a single layer, sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of water or broth per serving and seal the pouch. Place directly onto the oven rack, on a baking sheet, or in the air fryer basket.
For the oven, preheat to 325 and allow it to reheat 10-20 minutes (depending on how much you’re reheating at once). For the air fryer, preheat to 250 degrees and reheat 5-10 minutes.
Microwave – Place the pork medallions on a plate with about a teaspoon of water or broth per serving. Cover with a damp paper towel and reheat on 50% power in 30 second increments until warmed throughout.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1 pound Pork Tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or Golden Monkfruit if keto
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon both salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. While it's heating up, mix up the seasonings in a small bowl.
- Pat pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, then drizzle with a small amount of olive oil (coconut oil, vegetable oil, etc. are okay as well). Rub with spice mixture until well covered.
- Place tenderloin in the air fryer basket, then reduce heat to 390 degrees F. Cook for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, flip the tenderloin and then cook another 5 minutes. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer–If it has reached 145 degrees F, remove and allow to rest for 5 minutes. If not cooked enough yet, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until it reaches a safe temperature.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
