A Spicy Perspective

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Best Air Fryer Pork Loin and Spice Rub Recipe – Learn the secrets for how to perfectly cook tender and juicy pork tenderloin in an air fryer! This nearly foolproof recipe is easy to make in only 20 minutes.

Air fried pork tenderloin in slices on a cutting board.

Easy Air Fried Pork Tenderloin

We adore the amazing array of traditional “fried foods” that can be air-fried crispy with barely any oil. But did you know that you can (and absolutely should) use your air fryer for more than just nuggets and French fries?

Just like those dependable quick air fryer recipes you know and love, you can make the most amazing pork tenderloin in no time. You only need a little bit of oil plus a handful of key simple ingredients for a sweet and savory rub. No brining necessary!

Simply baste a tenderloin with oil and coat with the combined rub mixture. Then air fry at 400°F for about 15 minutes, rest, and slice. With barely any effort you have the moistest and most tender pork medallions ready to serve with your favorite sides.

This easy pork loin recipe is perfect for weeknight meals and casual dinner parties. Give it a try and be prepared to fall in love with your air fryer all over again!

Top down view plate with slices of pork and whole baby potatoes.

Ingredients You Need

For this recipe, you need a 1-1.5 pound pork tenderloin and olive oil (or your preferred high heat frying oil).

To make the perfect smoky and sweet tenderloin spice rub you need:

  • Brown sugar
  • Salt
  • Ground cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Black pepper
Side close view sliced pork tenderloins on a plate with small potatoes.

How to Air Fry Pork Tenderloin

First, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. This will take about 5 minutes.

Power AirFryer set to 400 degrees.

Pat the pork tenderloin dry, then brush the pork with olive oil.

Basting brush brushing oil on on raw pork tenderloin on a baking sheet.

Make the tenderloin spice rub: In a small bowl mix the brown sugar, salt, cumin, garlic powder, and pepper together.

Small glass bowl with spice rub ingredients.

Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork loin.

Raw pork loin covered in spice rub on a baking sheet.

Place the pork loin in the air fryer basket, bending it to fit if needed. Air fry for 14-18 minutes.

Get the Complete (Printable) Air Fryer Pork Loin Recipe Below. Enjoy!

Spice crusted pork loin in an airfryer

Stop at 14 minutes to check for doneness. The tenderloin will be done when the thickest part of the pork tenderloin has an internal temperature of 145°F.

Finished pork loin in the air fryer.

Remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and allow it to rest for five minutes. This is essential to allow the juices to settle and keep the pork moist once it is sliced.

Pork tenderloin crusted resting on a cutting board.

Slice into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces.

Top view sliced air fried tenderloin on a cutting board.

Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Close view juicy slices of pork tenderloins on a dinner plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it normally take to cook pork tenderloin in the air fryer?

A loin that is 1 pound or slightly less will cook in 14 or 15 minutes. A larger piece that is more like 1.5 lbs will require about 16 to 18 minutes.

What temperature should pork tenderloin be?

The internal temperature of cooked pork should be 145° Fahrenheit.

What do you serve with pork tenderloin?

Air-fried tenderloin is delightful to serve with potato sides, like haricot vert and baby potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes. Or balance out the savoriness of the pork by pairing with classic spiced cinnamon apples or corn pudding.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftover pork will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Let it cool completely and transfer the slices or whole tenderloin to an airtight container before storing. To reheat, place it back in the air fryer basket at 325°F for 5-6 minutes if whole, or 2-3 minutes if sliced.

Top view down dinner plate with four slices of pork and side of baby potatoes.

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Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Learn the secrets for how to perfectly cook tender and juicy pork tenderloin in an air fryer! This nearly foolproof recipe includes our favorite spice rub, and is easy to make in only 20 minutes.
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Pat the pork tenderloin dry, then brush the pork with olive oil.
  • In a small bowl mix the brown sugar, salt, cumin, garlic powder, and pepper together. Rub the spice mixture over the entire surface of the pork loin.
  • Place the pork loin in the air fryer basket bending it to fit if needed. Air fry for 14-18 minutes, until the thickest part of the pork tenderloin has an internal temperature of 145°F. (Stop at 14 minutes to check.)
  • Remove the pork tenderloin from the air fryer and allow it to rest for five minutes before slicing.

Video

Notes

If the pork tenderloin is closer to 1.5 pounds, set the timer on 16 minutes to start.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25lb, Calories: 173kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 74mg, Sodium: 651mg, Potassium: 480mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 158IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 2mg
Course: Main, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Sommer Collier

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4 comments on “Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin”

  1. I made these tonight and followed the directions exactly. They were tasty and tender, so delicious! I definitely recommend this recipe to others.

  2. what an amazing recipe! I love my air fryer and this is just one more recipe i can make with it!

  3. I think I will be using this recipe from now on!! It was super easy & the meat was so good & tender!!

  4. I was looking for a new air fryer recipe and found it! It was tender and delish. Great served with mashed potatoes.