Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe!

I have to confess—pork tenderloin and I weren’t always friends. For years, I avoided cooking pork tenderloin because every attempt ended in the same tragic fate: dry, flavorless meat that needed a gallon of sauce to make it remotely edible. But then, my air fryer waltzed into my life like a kitchen fairy godmother, and suddenly, pork tenderloin became the juicy, mouthwatering star of my weeknight dinner lineup.

The inspiration for this recipe? One chaotic Tuesday. My kids were in full post-school meltdown mode, my husband was “working late” (aka conveniently missing the madness), and I had exactly 30 minutes before total dinnertime disaster struck. I needed something fast, something delicious, and something that didn’t require me to hover over the stove like a short-order cook. Enter: my trusty air fryer and a beautiful pork tenderloin just waiting for its moment of glory.

I threw together a quick spice rub, tossed the pork in the air fryer, and crossed my fingers. Fifteen minutes later, I sliced into the most succulent, perfectly cooked pork I’d ever made. My kids actually ate it without complaints (a small miracle), and I felt like a kitchen rockstar. Since that night, this juicy air fryer pork tenderloin has been a regular in our meal rotation. And trust me—once you try it, you’ll see why!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

1. Juicy, Tender, and Packed with Flavor
   
   If you’ve ever struggled with dry pork, this recipe is about to change your life. The air fryer locks in moisture, giving you a pork tenderloin that’s perfectly juicy with just the right amount of crispiness on the outside.
   
2. Ridiculously Fast and Easy
   
   This is one of those air fryer pork recipes that proves delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. In under 20 minutes, you’ll have a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
   
3. Minimal Cleanup
   
   No oil splatters. No greasy pans. Just a quick rinse of the air fryer basket, and you’re done. It’s the kind of no-fuss cooking that makes life easier.
   
4. Versatile and Customizable
   
   This recipe is a blank canvas! Keep it simple with classic seasonings, or jazz it up with a maple glaze, a spicy rub, or even a garlic herb butter finish.
   
5. Perfect for Meal Prep
   
   Cook once, eat twice. Slice up leftovers for sandwiches, salads, or a quick protein boost in a grain bowl. It reheats beautifully without losing its juiciness.
   
6. Healthy and Low-Carb
   
   Looking for a protein-packed, low-carb meal? This pork loin air fryer recipe checks all the boxes. No heavy sauces, no unnecessary carbs—just pure, flavorful goodness.
   
7. Crowd-Pleasing
   
   Whether you’re feeding picky kids, a hungry spouse, or impressing guests, this dish delivers. Serve it up with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even as the star of a holiday meal.
   

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pork Tenderloin:

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1.25 – 1.5 lbs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for a slight caramelized touch)

Equipment:

• Air fryer
• Meat thermometer
• Small mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Cutting board & sharp knife

How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

1. Prep the Pork
   
   • Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a great sear.
   • Rub olive oil all over the pork to create a flavorful crust.
2. Season It Right
   
   • In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and brown sugar.
   • Massage the spice rub all over the pork tenderloin, making sure it’s evenly coated.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
   
   • Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
4. Cook the Pork
   
   • Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket.
   • Cook for 10 minutes, then flip using tongs and cook for another 7-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
5. Let It Rest
   
   • Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices and keeps it tender.
6. Slice and Serve
   
   • Cut the pork into thin slices and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes & Tips for the Best Pork Tenderloin

1. Use a Meat Thermometer
   
   • This is the secret to never overcooking your pork. Aim for 145°F for a perfect, slightly pink center.
2. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
   
   • Cutting too soon will cause all those glorious juices to spill out. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Adjust Seasonings to Your Taste
   
   • Love a spicy kick? Add cayenne or chili powder. Prefer an herby profile? Try rosemary and sage.
4. Marinate for Extra Flavor
   
   • If you have time, let the pork sit in the seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
5. Pair It with Delicious Sides
   
   • Serve with roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or even some air fryer asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
6. Leftovers Are Gold
   
   • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to keep it juicy.

Macronutrients for the Recipe

• Calories: Approximately 180 per serving
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fats: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

Bonus Pro Tips for the Recipe

1. Use a Meat Thermometer
   • This is the secret to never overcooking your pork. Aim for 145°F for a perfect, slightly pink center.
2. Don’t Skip the Resting Time
   • Cutting too soon will cause all those glorious juices to spill out. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
3. Adjust Seasonings to Your Taste
   • Love a spicy kick? Add cayenne or chili powder. Prefer an herby profile? Try rosemary and sage.
4. Marinate for Extra Flavor
   • If you have time, let the pork sit in the seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
5. Pair It with Delicious Sides
   • Serve with roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or even some air fryer asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
6. Leftovers Are Gold
   • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to keep it juicy.

Q & A Section: “Tenderloin Talks”

1. What should I serve with this air fryer pork tenderloin?
   • This pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a light salad. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower mash or sautéed greens.
2. Can I use a different cut of pork?
   • Yes! While this recipe is for pork tenderloin, you can also try pork loin, though cooking times may vary. For a similar experience, air fryer pork chops work great too.
3. How do I make the pork even juicier?
   • Brining the pork in a saltwater solution for an hour before cooking can help lock in extra moisture.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! You can season the pork ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
5. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
   • Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to retain its juiciness.
6. Can I make this recipe spicy?
   • Yes! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a spicy dry rub to give it some heat.