Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is my favorite way to quickly cook pork tenderloin. A smoky sweet spice rub is rubbed on the pork to create a layer of flavor. The pork is then cooked in the air fryer to create a juicy, tender pork with a crispy outside layer. Pair this with your favorite salad and vegetable for a delicious meal! 

AIR FRYER PORK TENDERLOIN 

One of my favorite kitchen appliances is my air fryer. 

I love making all types of air fryer recipes from Air Fryer Cod, Air Fryer Chicken Wings, to Air Fryer Meatballs, to Air Fryer Tilapia to Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes.

Today the Ohio Pork Council and I are teaming up to share this Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin.

It is not only easy but creates a tender and very flavorful piece of pork. 

The spice mixture that is rubbed on the pork before cooking mixes sweet and spicy flavors to create so much flavor. 

I also love that eating 20 – 30 grams of protein per meal helps fuel your body and may help you feel fuller.

That being said, every 3 ounces of pork is packed full of 22 – 24 grams of protein depending on the cut.

Pork tenderloin is one of the leaner cuts of meat.

You might be surprised to learn that pork tenderloin is as lean as boneless, skinless chicken breast.

In my house we like all kinds of pork recipes from Air Fryer Pork Taquitos, BBQ Baked Pork Chops, Slow Cooker Pork Shoulder Roast, Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Easy Pork Chili.

You can pair this pork with your favorite side dishes.

I love pairing this pork tenderloin with simple green beans, a Lemon Arugula Salad and these Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables. 

Ingredients in this Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

• Pork Tenderloin: I used a 1.25 to 1.75 pound pork tenderloin in this pork recipe. If you find that your pork tenderloin is too long to fit in the air fryer you can cut it in half or you can try to curve it to fit it in the basket.
• Olive oil: The olive oil helps the rub to stick to the pork before you air fry it.
• Brown Sugar: The brown sugar adds a nice sweetness to the rub with the warm spices.
• Spices: The spices I used in this rub are oregano, smoked paprika, chili powder and garlic powder.

How Do You Make Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin?

It is so easy to make pork tenderloin in the air fryer! 

1. PREHEAT: Start by preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.

2. MIX THE SPICES: In a small bowl mix all of the dry ingredients together and whisk.

3. SILVER SKIN: Trim the pork tenderloin of the silver skin.

4. ADD OLIVE OIL AND RUB: Use your hands or a brush to coat the pork with the 1 tablespoon olive oil.

5. Rub the spice mixture over the pork tenderloin on both sides.

6. COOK IN THE AIR FRYER: Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400 degrees F for 18-20 minutes or an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Be sure not to overcook or it will become dry.

7. Remove the pork from the air fryer and place on a cutting board and let the pork tenderloin rest for 5 minutes. Slice the meat and serve.

What is the Difference Between a Pork Loin and a Pork Tenderloin?

Pork loin and pork tenderloin are two different cuts of pork and come from different parts of the animal. 

They also look different- pork tenderloin is thinner and smaller than pork loin. Pork loin is wider and much bigger.

A pork loin can weigh up to 5 pounds while tenderloins are usually around 1 to 2 pounds. 

Cooking a pork tenderloin in the crockpot or air fryer will require less cook time than pork loin.

Tips For Cooking Pork Tenderloin

• TEMPERATURE: Pork should be cooked until 145 degrees F. This ensures that it is not dry and you get a juicy pork tenderloin you need to make sure it has a slight blush of pink. I find in the air fryer that cooking it until about 140 degrees F works well because the temperature rises once it sits for a few minutes. 
• AVOIDING DRY PORK: Avoiding dry pork is so important. The best way to do this is by making sure you don’t overcook the pork. I suggest using a meat thermometer and checking towards the end of the cook time. I also find that adding a layer of spices to the pork helps create a crust that holds the juices in the pork. 
• SPICES: Pork is a great base for all kinds of spices. I love adding a dry rub that mix a sweet and spicy flavor combination. You could try onion powder, Italian seasoning as part of your spice rub. I also like to pair barbecue sauce with pork from time to time. 
• METHOD OF COOKING: I love cooking pork in the air fryer. It helps the pork stay juicy but has a nice crispy crust on the outside.
• OTHER HOW TO’S: To make pulled pork I suggest reading How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Slow Cooker. The slow cooking method helps the pork be tender enough to pull it apart and create pulled pork. I also have posts that explain How to Cook Pork Loin in the Slow Cooker and How to Bake Pork Chops in the Oven.

Other Air Fryer Recipes You Might Like: 

AIR FRYER CHICKEN TENDERS

AIR FRYER MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN THIGHS

AIR FRYER EGGPLANT

AIR FRYER SALMON

AIR FRYER SALMON BITES

AIR FRYER COD

Thanks to Ohio Pork for sponsoring today’s post. As always, opinions are 100% my own. I am excited to be partnering with them this year to share more about pork and provide delicious, easy recipes for you to try! You can find more pork recipes at OhioPork.org.