Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
This post may contain affiliate links, read our disclosure policy.
My Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is a weeknight dinner winner that my whole family loves. It comes together in just about 30 minutes, uses a simple spice rub you already have in your pantry, and comes out juicy and tender every single time. If you’ve been stuck in a chicken rut, this is the recipe that gets you out of it.
My Easy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
I started making this recipe on nights when I needed something different but didn’t have the energy for anything complicated. Pork tenderloin sounds fancy, but it’s honestly one of the easiest proteins to cook. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, and you get a beautifully seasoned, juicy piece of meat with almost no effort.
My teenage daughter is the one who pushed me to keep making this. She loves it because it’s not chicken, and the meat actually stays tender instead of drying out. Once she had it the first time, it went straight into our regular dinner rotation. Now when she asks “what’s for dinner,” and I say, “pork,” she’s happy.
This is the kind of recipe I love sharing because it feels like a treat without any extra work. For more easy dinners the whole family will love, check out my Air Fryer Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Steak Bites, and Air Fryer Brats.
Why You’ll Love My Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Ready in about 30 minutes – from fridge to table in just over half an hour, including resting time, so it works even on the busiest nights.
- Simple spice rub, big flavor – garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and a few other pantry staples create a crust that’s smoky, savory, and packed with flavor.
- Juicy every single time – the air fryer circulates heat evenly around the tenderloin, so you get a seared exterior and a tender, moist center without any guesswork.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Ingredients
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. Scroll down to the full recipe card for the specific amounts.
- Pork tenderloin – this is not the same as pork loin. Tenderloin is smaller, leaner, and cooks much faster.
- Olive oil – just 1 tablespoon to help the spice rub stick and encourage a nice crust on the outside.
- Garlic powder – adds savory depth without the risk of burning fresh garlic in the air fryer.
- Smoked paprika – gives the pork a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful reddish color on the outside.
- Italian seasoning – a quick blend of herbs that adds complexity without requiring a dozen separate spices.
- Kosher salt – seasons the meat all the way through. Kosher salt is less sharp than table salt, so it’s worth using here.
- Onion powder – rounds out the savory flavor in the rub.
- Black pepper – just enough to add a little warmth.
Substitutions or Variations
- No smoked paprika? Use regular paprika instead. You’ll lose a bit of the smokiness, but the flavor will still be great.
- Want a little heat? Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice rub.
- Prefer a sweeter crust? Mix in 1 teaspoon of brown sugar with the spice rub. It caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer.
- No Italian seasoning? Use dried oregano and dried basil, about 1/2 teaspoon each.
- Want to add a glaze? Brush the pork with a little honey or Dijon mustard in the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky, flavorful finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Here are my step-by-step instructions so you can make this recipe with ease. For the full, printable recipe with amounts and temperatures, scroll down to the recipe card below.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400° F for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove any silver skin from the pork tenderloin and pat the meat dry with paper towels. Dry meat browns better and holds the spice rub more effectively.
- Rub the pork tenderloin all over with olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the pork and rub it onto all sides, pressing gently so it sticks.
- Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket. If the thinner end is sticking up, tuck it underneath so the tenderloin cooks more evenly.
- Air fry at 400 °F for 18 to 22 minutes, turning the pork over halfway through cooking.
- Check the thickest part of the tenderloin with an instant-read thermometer. Pull the pork when it reaches 145 °F.
- Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Remove the silver skin – That thin, silvery membrane on the outside of the tenderloin won’t soften during cooking. Slide a knife under it and pull it off before you season the meat.
- Pat it dry – A dry surface means better browning. Take an extra minute to blot the pork with paper towels before adding the oil and rub.
- Tuck the thin end – Pork tenderloin tapers at one end. Folding that end under keeps the thickness more even and prevents it from overcooking.
- Use a meat thermometer – Cooking times vary based on the size of the tenderloin and your specific air fryer. A thermometer is the only reliable way to know when it’s done. Pull it at 145° F.
- Let it rest – Five minutes of resting time makes a real difference. It keeps the juices inside the meat instead of running out the moment you slice it.
- Don’t overcook – Pork at 145° F is safe and still slightly pink in the center. That’s exactly what you want. Cooking it longer will dry it out.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
This pork pairs well with just about anything. Try it with my Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes or a Simple Side Salad for an easy, balanced dinner.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can season the pork tenderloin up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. The rub will deepen in flavor overnight. Just bring it closer to room temperature for about 15 minutes before air frying.
How do I know when the pork is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for pork. Check the thickest part of the tenderloin, making sure the probe isn’t touching the air fryer basket.
What is the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?
They are two completely different cuts. Pork tenderloin is small, lean, and cooks quickly, usually 18 to 22 minutes. Pork loin is much larger and requires significantly longer cooking time. Use the right one for this recipe or the timing will be off.
Can I cook two pork tenderloins at once?
Yes, if they fit in your air fryer basket without overlapping. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cook time. Check both pieces with a thermometer before pulling them out.
What if my pork tenderloin is over 1.5 pounds?
A larger tenderloin will need more time. Start checking the temperature at the 22-minute mark and continue cooking in 2 to 3 minute increments until it hits 145° F.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate – Do not leave cooked pork out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Store leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – This freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.
- Reheat – Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350° F for a few minutes or slice it cold and use it in wraps or salads.
Pin this recipe to find it later
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400° F for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove any silver skin from the pork tenderloin and pat the meat dry with paper towels.1 pork tenderloin
- Rub the pork tenderloin with olive oil.1 Tablespoon olive oil
- In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the pork, rubbing it onto all sides.1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket. Bend or tuck the thinner end underneath if needed so it fits evenly.
- Air fry at 400° F for 18 to 22 minutes, turning the pork over halfway through cooking. Check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer. Remove the pork when it reaches 145° F.
- Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Don’t forget to share it with me on @thebalancingmom and follow on Tiktok @balancingmotherhood and Pinterest @thebalancingmom for more!
