Don’t forget about pork tenderloin! A versatile, healthy cut of pork, it’s good enough for company and quick-cooking enough for a weeknight. Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is an ideal way to make the most of it.

Unlike tough, fatty cuts of meat that need time to break down (like Slow Cooker Pulled Pork) lean cuts like pork tenderloin benefit from either:

Since the air fryer is essentially a high-powered convection oven, its intense heat makes it perfect for the hot-and-fast method of cooking juicy pork tenderloin.

This lesson applies to pork, and you can see it applies well to other lean cuts of meat, such as Air Fryer Chicken Breast.

How to Cook Juicy Pork Tenderloin

As we’ve discussed, for juicy pork tenderloin, you need to use a high temperature—but that’s not all!

The most important aspects of making juicy, not dry pork are: 1. Avoid overcooking the meat and 2. Let the meat rest.

Pork tenderloin only needs 11 to 14 minutes to cook in an air fryer at 400 degrees F.

• Most pork tenderloin weighs between 1 and 1 ½-pounds. It is often sold in packs of two.
• If you’d like to cook a larger amount of pork, you can use kitchen twine to tie two tenderloins together to make a thicker meat “log.”
• If your pork tenderloin is larger than 1 ½ pounds, you’ll need to add time to the recipe. Estimate between 18 and 22 minutes to air fry a 2-pound pork tenderloin.

Resting is mandatory.

• Resting meat is critical for it to taste moist.
• While the meat rests, the juices reincorporate.
• If you cut meat right after cooking, all of those yummy juices will escape onto the plate and your pork will taste dry.

The best way to know if pork is cooked is to use an instant read digital thermometer.

• Per the FDA, pork is considered cooked at 145 degrees F. HOWEVER, its temperature will rise as it rests.
• I recommend removing pork at 135 degrees F, then letting it rest for 10 minutes. You’ll have perfect, juicy pork every time!

The Ingredients

• Pork Tenderloin. Packed with lean protein and iron, pork tenderloin is an excellent choice for a healthy meal. Since this recipe ensures it will be juicy and flavorful, it’s also sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Olive Oil + Balsamic Vinegar. These two ingredients add moisture to the pork and help it taste delicious. The vinegar will also help tenderize the pork while it’s marinating.
• Garlic. For scrumptious garlicky flavor.
• Fresh Rosemary. Woodsy, peppery, and delicious with pork.
• Dijon. Dijon tastes fantastic with pork and gives it a little tang.

The Directions

1. Dry and trim the pork. Place it in a baking dish.

2. Stir the remaining ingredients together in a bowl.

3. Brush the mixture over the pork. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 day in the refrigerator.

4. Air fry pork tenderloin at 400 degrees F for 11 to 14 minutes. Transfer the pork to a plate to rest for a few minutes. Slice and ENJOY!

Storage Tips

• To Store. Refrigerate pork in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat. Very gently rewarm the pork in a skillet or in the microwave.
• To Freeze. Freeze pork in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

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Air fryer pork tenderloin: where quick and dirty meets DELICIOUS!