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Air fryer pork tenderloin recipe plated with green beans.
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5 from 6 votes

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin (Melt-in-Your-Mouth Tender!)

This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is seasoned, seared by hot air, and stays tender and juicy thanks to a quick cook time and flavorful marinade.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air fryer pork tenderloin
Servings: 4
Author: Jennifer Pallian BSc, RD

Ingredients

  • 1 pork tenderloin about 1 to 1 ½ lbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne optional, for a little heat
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F to preheat.

Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:

  • Pat the pork tenderloin dry.
  • Trim any silver skin (the tough membrane) if needed.

Make the Marinade:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar (or honey), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Marinate:

  • Brush the marinade all over the pork. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature while the air fryer preheats.

Cook:

  • Place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket.
  • Air fry at 400°F for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • The internal temperature should reach 145°F for a juicy perfection.

Rest and Serve:

  • Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices in. This is key!
  • Slice into medallions and drizzle any juices over the top for extra flavor.

Video

Notes

Tips for Success:
If you have time, marinate it in the fridge for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy—air fryers vary.
Pair it with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for an easy dinner.
Leftovers make great sandwiches the next day!
The food-safe internal temperature for pork tenderloin, according to the USDA, is 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest time. At this temp, the pork will be slightly pink in the center, which is completely safe and keeps the meat tender and juicy.
If you prefer it a little more cooked, you can go up to 150°F (65.5°C) for medium doneness, but anything beyond that will dry out your pork. 

Nutrition

Calories: 199kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 609mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 103IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 2mg