Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Juicy, herb-crusted pork tenderloin with a caramelized brown crust and a tender pink center in 18 minutes.
air-fryer Timer
Set for 18 mins @ 400°F (204°C) (Flip at 10m)
Ingredients
Base recipe calibrated for 4 adults.
Get to the Point Execution
Trim silver skin from 1.25 lb pork tenderloin. Rub with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic, rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Place tenderloin in air fryer basket (curve gently if needed to fit).
Air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes, turning once at 10 minutes.
Pull when internal temp reaches 145°F and rest on board for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step-by-Step Guided Instructions
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.
Removing silver skin is vital; it is connective tissue that tightens and curls the tenderloin into a tough knot during high heat cooking.
Place tenderloin in center of air fryer basket, gently curving it into a crescent if needed. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
400°F locks in juices and chars the exterior herbs into a savory crust.
Flip 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.
Do not cook pork tenderloin past 150°F or this ultra-lean muscle cut will dry out instantly.
Transfer tenderloin to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 5 minutes. Slice across the grain into 1/2-inch medallions.
Resting redistributes intracellular moisture throughout the tenderloin, keeping each medallion succulent.
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.
Slice into thin bite-sized medallions and drizzle with a spoonful of warm apple sauce or honey mustard.
- Mashed potatoes with butter
- Roasted asparagus spears
- Warm applesauce
Slice thin and warm in air fryer at 350°F for 2 minutes, or eat cold in lunchtime sandwiches.