Easy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin: In Under 30 Minutes
This air fryer pork tenderloin recipe might become your new favorite cooking method. In just 30 minutes, with a handful of pantry spices, you’ll have a juicy, tender pork tenderloin bursting with amazing flavor that the whole family will enjoy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want a delicious meal.
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What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Family-friendly: With a mild heat, this seasoning will appeal to all taste buds.
- Quick cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Hands-off: Minimal effort with delicious flavor.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with veggies, salads, or grains.
Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Air fryer (I love this one!)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Meat thermometer (for best results) This instant read thermometer is my favorite.
- Small mixing bowl for the rub
- Tongs for flipping
Simple Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- 1 whole pork tenderloin (about 1–1.5 lbs)
- For the spice rub:
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 – 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Prep the tenderloin: Pat pork dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to trim excess silver skin to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the rub: In a small bowl, combine all seasonings with olive oil until it forms a paste.
- Season generously: Rub the seasoning blend all over the pork, coating evenly.
- Preheat air fryer: Set to 400°F.
- Cook phase one: Place pork in the basket and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Flip and reduce heat: Turn pork over, lower the temperature to 350°F, and cook 10–12 more minutes.
- Check doneness: Internal temperature should read 145°F.
- Rest: Let pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
Pro Tip:
Use air fryer parchment paper liners in the air fryer basket for easy clean up.
How to Use This Recipe in an Air Fryer Oven or Convection Oven
- Air fryer oven: Follow the same steps as above, placing the pork on the middle rack with a drip tray underneath. Cooking time remains the same.
- Convection oven: Preheat to 400°F, place pork on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and cook 20 minutes. Flip halfway, reduce the heat to 350°F, and continue cooking until the pork reaches 145°F.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic pairing: Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans.
- Fresh and light: Pair with a crisp green salad.
- Comfort food twist: Add simple side dishes such as mashed sweet potatoes and gravy.
- Sandwich style: Slice thin and pile into rolls with coleslaw.
- Power Bowl: Use sliced or chopped pork as the protein to your favorite power bowl.
How to Store and Reheat
- Leftovers are a gift for quick meals later in the week. Store sliced pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- To reheat, warm gently in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals. For more extended storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months…
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook, cool, and refrigerate. Slice when ready and reheat gently in the air fryer or skillet.
2. Can I marinate the pork instead of using the rub?
Absolutely. A marinade works great—just pat dry before cooking to prevent excess smoke.
3. How do I keep the pork from drying out?
The key is checking the internal temperature. Pull it at 145°F and rest 5 minutes.
4. Can I use pork loin instead of tenderloin?
Yes, but note that pork loin is larger and requires longer cooking time.
5. How long will leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container; leftovers keep 3–4 days in the fridge.
Special Tools (affiliate links): Digital Instant Read Thermometer | Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liners | Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill |
This recipe truly is the easiest way to cook pork tenderloin. The meat cooks up in no time, forming a flavorful crust on the outside while staying juicy and tender on the inside. It’s hands-down one of my favorite air fryer recipes. Whether you’re serving it hot for dinner, or using it for meal prep, slicing it up for sandwiches, or adding it to your favorite power bowl, this recipe always delivers. Fire up that air fryer—you’re going to love this one!
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Drop a comment below, share your favorite side dish pairing, or let me know if you creatively used the leftovers. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to give it a rating and share it with friends or family who love easy, flavorful meals.
Please tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest @grindinggearsfarmstead and share how you served this delicious pork tenderloin.
Lechyd Da, (means “Cheers to Good Health” in Welsh)
Easy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin: In Under 30 Minutes
Equipment
- Air fryer
- cutting board
- sharp knife
- Meat thermometer (for best results)
- Small mixing bowl (for the rub)
- Tongs (for flipping)
Ingredients
- 1 whole pork tenderloin about 1–1.5 lbs
For the spice rub:
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 1 – 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the tenderloin: Pat pork dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to trim excess silver skin to ensure even cooking.
- Mix the rub: In a small bowl, combine all seasonings with olive oil until it forms a paste.
- Season generously: Rub the seasoning blend all over the pork, coating evenly.
- Preheat air fryer: Set to 400°F.
- Cook phase one: Place pork in the basket and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Flip and reduce heat: Turn pork over, lower the temperature to 350°F, and cook 10–12 more minutes.
- Check doneness: Internal temperature should read 145°F.
- Rest: Let pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
