Air fryer pork tenderloin recipe seasons the pork simply with a dry rub and sears it perfectly in the air fryer. Top with your favorite BBQ sauce.
If you like this recipe, check out my Air Fryer Pork Chops next!
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The air fryer helps to cook a lean cut like pork tenderloin correctly – seared on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. Both the USDA and the Pork Board recommend an internal cooking temperature of 145 degrees F. A blush of pink in your pork is the goal. The hot air circulation ensures a browned exterior and seals in the juices to keep this lean cut of pork tender and juicy. And it’s easy to check the pork with an instant-read thermometer at the end to get it to that sweet spot of 145 degrees F.
More pork tenderloin recipes
- Apple Butter Glazed Pork Tenderloin
- Al Pastor Grilled Pork Tenderloin
- Cherry Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients to air fry pork tenderloin
- Pork Tenderloin – Pork tenderloin is a long and skinny boneless cut of pork. It is usually sold in packages of two pieces, each weighing up to 1.5 pounds. This recipe is written for one pork tenderloin, simply because my air fryer basket can only fit one piece at a time.
- Dry Rub – For ease of preparation, I season my pork tenderloin with a favorite grill seasoning and salt. But by all means, add some garlic powder and onion powder to the mix. Or use your own favorite dry rub recipe. Two teaspoons of seasoning is good for one pork tenderloin.
- BBQ Sauce – Again for a quick weeknight meal, top cooked pork tenderloin with your favorite BBQ sauce. You can also stir together an easy sauce that’s 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoon lemon juice and 1/2 tsp salt. It’s the sauce I use for my air fryer pork chops.
Instructions
All air fryers are a bit different and therefore cooking times in air fryer recipes tend to be approximate. I use a Philips Air Fryer to test all of my recipes. The goal of this recipe is to remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer once it reaches 145 degrees F. In my air fryer, that meant cooking the pork tenderloin at 400 degrees F for approximately 20 minutes. Then let the meat rest for three minutes before slicing and serving. Keep scrolling for my free printable recipe card.
Serving suggestions
I like to drizzle my cooked pork tenderloin with BBQ sauce. Mashed potatoes and peas are a great combination with pork tenderloin. And homemade applesauce for dessert would make a really delicious and well-rounded meal. Here’s some other options for side dishes to serve with this tender pork tenderloin:
Storage directions
Store leftovers in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days. Or in the freezer for up to three months.
What’s the Difference Between Pork Tenderloin and Pork Loin?
Pork loin is cut from the pig’s back area and while it’s still a relatively lean cut, it lends itself best to slow roasting in the oven. The pork tenderloin is the muscle that runs along the pig’s backbone and is a small cut, usually only about 1 pound in size. Pork tenderloin is very lean and lends itself best to cooking at a high temperature and quickly. This is why the air fryer is perfect for cooking a pork tenderloin.
Kitchen tools
- I use a Philips Air Fryer XXL for testing all of my air fryer recipes.
- This is the brand of grill seasoning I used for this recipe.
- Use your own favorite BBQ sauce to top your pork tenderloin after cooking. This is the brand I used.
- Always use a digital meat thermometer to test the internal temperature of your meat before serving.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 tsp grill seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- BBQ sauce
- vegetable oil
Instructions
- Dry the pork tenderloin with paper towels and sprinkle it evenly with the grill seasoning and salt.
- Allow the pork tenderloin to warm up a bit out of the fridge, about 20 minutes.
- Brush the air fryer basket lightly with vegetable oil.
- Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned pork tenderloin into the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes.
- Flip the pork tenderloin over and continue cooking for 8 - 12 minutes more. The secret is to get the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin to 145 degrees F. Start checking the temperature after the pork tenderloin has been cooking in the air fryer for about 20 minutes.
- Once the pork tenderloin reaches 145 degrees F, remove it from the air fryer and allow it to rest for 3 minutes before serving. Serve the pork tenderloin with your favorite BBQ sauce.
Nutrition
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Colleen says
I just bought a pork tenderloin and was wondering if I could cook it in the air fryer. Now I know and will be doing it this week. Thank you!
foodtasticmom says
You may never make it in the oven again! 🙂 You’re welcome.
Seema says
There is always something new to learn. I love the way you have given all the tips to make the recipe perfect.
foodtasticmom says
Thank you Seema. Glad to help!
Beth says
What a game changer! I love using my air fryer for so many recipes! My family and I loved this for dinner the other night. I can’t wait to make this again!
foodtasticmom says
I’m so glad your family enjoyed these air fryer pork chops! Thanks for taking the time to rate and comment!
Jac says
Going to cook this for my parents who are visiting for dinner soon. I was stuck on what to prepare but I know they will enjoy this simple meal. Thanks 🙂
foodtasticmom says
Glad to help! Enjoy!
Irina says
I am used to making pork but was eager to try your recipe, especially we should use our air fryer more often. : So, I made it for our lunch today. OMG! It is easy to make and so delicious!
foodtasticmom says
I’m so happy to hear this! It really is the best in the air fryer, and so ridiculously easy. Thanks for the positive rating!
Tami Vanderwilt says
Just ordered an air fryer and eagerly awaiting its arrival. This looks great and will be my first meal.
I love raspberry Chipotle sauce on pork tenderloin. It’s fantastic.
foodtasticmom says
Happy to hear this. I think you’re really going to love the air fryer. Come back and let us know what you think of the pork tenderloin. Raspberry chipotle sauce sounds delicious!
Ethel Booth says
Do you put it on Air fry or bake in the air fryer
foodtasticmom says
On air fry. My air fryer is just an air fryer. I actually wasn’t aware until I got another question like this that there were ones with a bake setting!
Jen says
I’ve been wanting to use my air fryer more so this is perfect! Definitely pairing it with the oven baked Mac and cheese you linked…..WOW! I know this will be a winning dinner in my house.
foodtasticmom says
Thank you for mentioning the mac and cheese too. So excited for you to try both!
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain says
Huh – thanks for explaining the difference between tenderloin/loin! And for the recipe, obs! But those little bits and bobs of info are always appreciated
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome 🙂
Jessica Formicola says
I love using my air fryer, and this recipe was no different! The pork turned out perfectly and tasted incredible!
foodtasticmom says
I always love getting a good review. Thanks!!
kim says
Loved this recipe! It was super easy and so tasty! Will definitely make again!
foodtasticmom says
Love to hear this. Thanks for taking the time to rate and comment!
Taylor Kiser says
This is going on the dinner menu! Thanks for sharing your tips! The pork tenderloin looks perfect!
foodtasticmom says
You’re welcome. Enjoy!
Scarlet | Family Focus Blog says
I have never tried cooking pork tenderloin in the air fryer but it looks so perfect I will have to try this recipe! Yum.
foodtasticmom says
Yes, you need to try it!
Sonia says
Oh my goodness! I just bought a airfryer on Thanksgiving last year and was looking for some new recipes.. found it! Can’t wait to try it.
foodtasticmom says
Great – hope you enjoy!
Suzy says
I couldn’t believe how this turned out! We love finding new recipes for our air fryer!
foodtasticmom says
Very happy to hear this.
Lizet Bowen says
It looks perfectly cooked. I will give it a try this Sunday.
foodtasticmom says
Great and thanks!
SHANIKA says
I can’t believe that this Pork Tenderloin was cooked in an Air-Fryer! It looks so moist and tender on the inside and has a nice crisp on the outside. Just amazing!
foodtasticmom says
It was absolutely perfect.
Denay DeGuzman says
This is a wonderful air fryer recipe! My pork tenderloin came out just like you show and describe here. I loved how quick and easy this was to make. Dinner was on the table in a snap!
foodtasticmom says
Happy to hear this.