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Air fryer pork tenderloin is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero! It’s quick, juicy, and packed with flavor! It cooks up perfectly with minimal effort, thanks to a simple marinade and the magic of the air fryer.

Close up photo of cooked sliced tenderloin on a black plate.  Garnished with a sprig of parsley on the side.

A Reader’s Review

I was looking for something quick, easy and flavourful. This recipe covered it all! I will definitely make it again! Thank you!!

-Tanya

Why It’s an Air Fryer All-Star

  • Bold Flavor, Simple Ingredients: A handful of pantry spices create a tasty exterior without needing anything fancy.
  • Quick Cook Time: From prep to plate in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you still want a satisfying meal.
  • Versatile Main Dish: Pairs with everything from roasted veggies to mashed potatoes or a crisp salad. It’s a weeknight winner every time!

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Ingredients

Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.

How to Make Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

This juicy pork tenderloin does it all! It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, yet flavorful enough to impress at your next dinner party.

  1. Prepare the pork tenderloin: Remove the silver skin from the pork loin by slipping a sharp knife under it, then gently pull the silver area off while cutting with the knife.
  2. Make the spice rub: Combine the brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, thyme, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. 
  3. Combine: Add olive oil and minced garlic, then stir until well combined. Rub the mixture over the entire tenderloin. 
  4. Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400ยฐF. Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer and cook for 16-17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145ยฐF (use an instant read thermometer to check). Remove the pork from the air fryer a few degrees before it’s fully cooked, as it will continue to rise while resting. Let the pork rest for at least 5-10 minutes to help redistribute juices and keep the meat tender. When ready to serve, slice against the grain to maximize tenderness.

Alyssa’s Pro Tips for Perfect Pork

Preheat your air fryer for even cooking and a golden crust. After cooking, let the pork rest for 5โ€“10 minutes to lock in those juices. When slicing, cut against the grain to keep every bite tender and juicy.

Top view of finished cooked pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket and garnished with fresh parsley.

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Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

5 from 2 votes
My air fryer pork tenderloin is juicy on the inside with a crispy, herbed crust, perfect for easy dinners with big flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients 

  • 2 pounds pork Tenderloin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon pepper

Instructions 

  • Remove the silver skin from 2 pounds pork Tenderloin by slipping a knife under it. Gently pull the silver area off while cutting with the knife.
  • Combine 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ยฝ teaspoon pepper in a bowl.
  • Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 3 teaspoons minced garlic, and stir until combined. Rub the mixture over the entire tenderloin.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket and cook for 16-17 minutes or until the pork reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the pork from the air fryer a few degrees before because it will continue to rise while resting.
  • Let pork rest at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Storing & Reheating Leftovers: Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes, until heated through.

Nutrition

Serving: 3ouncesCalories: 248kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 32gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 641mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 217IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!
Top view of cooked sliced pork tenderloin in the air fryer.  Garnished with fresh parsley.

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About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I was looking for something quick, easy and flavourful. This recipe covered it all! I will definitely make it again! Thank you!!?