Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is the leanest and most tender cut of pork, which also means it turns dry and gray the moment it overcooks. Air fryer pork tenderloin solves that, because the hot circulating air browns the outside in minutes while the center stays juicy. You get a sliceable, herb-crusted dinner in about 18 minutes, plus a quick way to turn the same cut into pork medallions.
- Temperature
- 400°F200 °C
- Total time
- 33min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Internal temp
- 145°F63 °C
- Per serving
- 190kcal
Why the air fryer works for pork tenderloin
A pork tenderloin is a long, narrow muscle with very little fat or connective tissue. That makes it tender, but it also leaves no margin for error. In a conventional oven the long preheat and slow heat transfer often dry out the outer layer before the center is ready. The air fryer moves 400 °F air around the whole tenderloin, so the surface browns and builds flavor within the first few minutes and the inside stays moist.
Size matters more than anything else here. A tenderloin is about 2 inches thick at the middle, and each extra half inch adds several minutes. That is why a thermometer is the most reliable guide for pork tenderloin in the air fryer, and why tucking the thin tail under helps the whole piece finish together. If you prefer a faster, more weeknight-friendly version, cutting the tenderloin into pork medallions cuts the cook time to under 10 minutes.
How to make pork tenderloin in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Trim the silver skin Slide a thin, sharp knife under the shiny, tough membrane along the side of each tenderloin and cut it away. It does not melt during cooking and makes the meat curl. Pat both tenderloins dry with paper towels.
- Season Rub the pork with the oil, then coat all sides with the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and thyme. Tuck the thin tail end under about 2 inches and press it flat so it cooks at the same speed as the rest.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F for so the surface starts to brown as soon as the pork goes in.
- Cook Lay the tenderloins side by side in the basket with a little space between them. Cook for , turning them over after . Start checking the temperature at .
- Check and rest Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part. At 145 °F, move the pork to a cutting board and rest it for , loosely covered. Slice into ½-inch rounds against the grain.
Times and temperatures
| Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole tenderloin, 12 ozTurn after 9 min | 400 °F (200 °C) | 16–20 min |
| Pork medallions, 1 inch thickFlip after 4 min | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Larger tenderloin, 1½ lb | 400 °F (200 °C) | 22–26 min |
| At 350 °FGentler, less browning | 350 °F (180 °C) | 22–26 min |
| Bacon-wrappedCheck 145 °F under the bacon | 400 °F (200 °C) | 22–26 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 145 °F (63 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Remove the silver skin. This tough membrane shrinks as it heats and bends the tenderloin into a curve that browns unevenly. A thin knife takes it off in under a minute.
- Do not crowd the basket. Leave a finger's width of space around each piece so the hot air can reach every side. In a 4 qt basket, cook one tenderloin at a time.
- Rest before slicing. Five minutes lets the juices settle back into the meat. Cut too early and they end up on the board.
Pork medallions from the same cut
For pork tenderloin medallions, slice the raw tenderloin crosswise into rounds about 1 inch thick, pat them dry and season them the same way. They cook at 400 °F in 8–10 minutes, flipped halfway, and are ready when the thermometer reads 145 °F. Medallions brown on two flat faces, which gives you more crust per bite, and they work well for quick dinners or sandwiches.
What to serve with pork tenderloin
Pork tenderloin goes well with mashed potatoes and green beans, a simple side salad or buttered corn. For a lighter plate, serve slices over rice with roasted broccoli, or stack them on a toasted roll with mustard for a sandwich. If you want a larger roast to feed a crowd, see pork loin in the air fryer, and for thick bone-in cuts try pork chops.
Storing and reheating
Cool the pork, then refrigerate it in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days. Slices freeze well for up to 2 months. To reheat, place slices in the air fryer at 320 °F for 3–5 minutes until they reach 165 °F in the center; the moderate temperature keeps them from drying out. Cold slices are also good in salads and wraps.
Variations
- Bacon-wrapped: Wrap each tenderloin with 4 slices of bacon, secure with toothpicks and cook for 22–26 minutes at 400 °F. Check the pork itself for 145 °F.
- Barbecue glaze: Brush with 2 tbsp barbecue sauce in the last 2 minutes so the sugar does not burn.
- Garlic and herb: Swap the paprika for 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary and extra garlic powder.
If it does not turn out right
- The tenderloin is dry and gray
- It went past 145 °F. Tenderloin has almost no fat to protect it, so pull it as soon as the thermometer reads 145 °F and let carryover heat finish the job.
- One end is overcooked and the other is raw
- The tail was too thin. Fold the narrow end under and tie it with kitchen twine, or cut off the last 2 inches and cook it separately for 8 minutes.
- The seasoning fell off or burned
- Pat the pork dry first, use oil rather than butter at 400 °F, and keep sugar out of the rub. Add honey or barbecue sauce in the last 2 minutes only.
Questions and answers
How long does pork tenderloin take in the air fryer?
About 18 minutes at 400 °F for a 12-ounce tenderloin, turned halfway. A larger 1½-pound tenderloin needs 22–26 minutes. At 350 °F plan on 22–26 minutes for a 12-ounce piece.
What temperature should pork tenderloin be?
The USDA recommends 145 °F with a 3-minute rest. The center will look light pink and juicy, which is normal and safe for pork.
How do I make pork medallions in the air fryer?
Slice the tenderloin into 1-inch rounds, season them and cook at 400 °F for 8–10 minutes, flipping after 4 minutes. Pork tenderloin medallions are done at 145 °F, the same as the whole piece.
Can I cook frozen pork tenderloin in the air fryer?
It is better to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator so it cooks evenly. If you must cook it frozen, use 360 °F and expect 28–32 minutes, then check that the thickest part reaches 145 °F.
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