Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Juicy, herb-crusted pork tenderloin with a caramelized brown crust and a tender pink center in 18 minutes.
- Cook temp
- 400°F
- 204°C · preheat
- Total time
- 28 min
- 5 prep · 18 cook · 5 rest
- Flip at
- 10 min
- of 18 min cook
- Pull at
- 145°F
- USDA safe minimum
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin · The Stay At Home Chef
Shows seasoning whole pork tenderloin, air frying at high heat, and checking the internal temperature at 145°F before resting.
- Target //Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 18 mins (flip at 10 mins).
- Doneness //Pull when internal temperature reaches 145°F (USDA safe minimum). Rest 5 mins before slicing.
- Golden Rule //Pork tenderloin is NOT pork loin — tenderloin is as lean as chicken breast. Pull it at exactly 145°F with a light blush of pink in the center. Old-school 165°F pork advice ruins this cut.
- Family Tweak //Slice into thin bite-sized medallions and drizzle with a spoonful of warm apple sauce or honey mustard.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbsPork Tenderloin, silver skin trimmed
- 1 tbspOlive Oil
- 1 tspDried Rosemary, crushed between fingers
- 1 tspGarlic Powder
- 1 tspSmoked Paprika
- 1 tspKosher Salt
- 1/2 tspBlack Pepper
Send to Kroger
Untick anything you already have. One click sends the rest to your own cart.
Adds to your own Kroger cart — you'll sign in with Kroger the first time. Prices and availability depend on your store. Nothing is ordered until you check out at Kroger.
Get to the point
- 1
Trim silver skin from 1.25 lb pork tenderloin. Rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- 2
Place tenderloin in air fryer basket (curve gently if needed to fit).
- 3
Air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes, turning once at 10 minutes.
- 4
Pull when internal temp reaches 145°F and rest on board for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step by step
Tap a step to cross it offSilver Skin Removal & Herb Rub
Slide a sharp knife under the shiny silver skin of 1.25 lb pork tenderloin and slice it off. Rub meat with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried rosemary, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
WhyRemoving silver skin is vital; it is connective tissue that tightens and curls the tenderloin into a tough knot during high heat cooking.
Basket Alignment & Convection Sear
10 minPlace tenderloin in center of air fryer basket, gently curving it into a crescent if needed. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
Why400°F locks in juices and chars the exterior herbs into a savory crust.
Flip & Thermal Monitor
8 minFlip tenderloin with tongs. Cook for an additional 8 minutes at 400°F. Insert a digital probe into the center — pull at 145°F for juicy medium doneness.
WhyDo not cook pork tenderloin past 150°F or this ultra-lean muscle cut will dry out instantly.
Foil Tent Rest & Medallion Carving
Transfer tenderloin to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 5 minutes. Slice across the grain into 1/2-inch medallions.
WhyResting redistributes intracellular moisture throughout the tenderloin, keeping each medallion succulent.
- Dad pro tip
- Pork tenderloin is NOT pork loin — tenderloin is as lean as chicken breast. Pull it at exactly 145°F with a light blush of pink in the center. Old-school 165°F pork advice ruins this cut.
- Kid & toddler adjustment
- Slice into thin bite-sized medallions and drizzle with a spoonful of warm apple sauce or honey mustard.
- Serve with
- Mashed potatoes with butter · Roasted asparagus spears · Warm applesauce
- Reheating
- Slice thin and warm in air fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes, or eat cold in lunchtime sandwiches.
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbs
- 1 g
- Fat
- 8 g
Nutrition source: USDA FoodData Central #168250. Cook-time basis: Ninja Foodi 400°F whole tenderloin test; USDA FSIS 145°F pork guideline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you reheat leftover air fryer pork tenderloin without ruining the texture?
Slice thin and warm in air fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes, or eat cold in lunchtime sandwiches.
What is the target internal temperature for this recipe?
Confirm internal core temperature reaches 145°F using an instant-read digital probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to let carryover heat equalize and lock in juices.
How do I adapt this meal for picky kids or toddlers?
Slice into thin bite-sized medallions and drizzle with a spoonful of warm apple sauce or honey mustard.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this?
Recommended sides include Mashed potatoes with butter, Roasted asparagus spears, Warm applesauce.