What makes air fryer pork tenderloin a good choice?
Cooking pork tenderloin is much faster than using a traditional oven. The constant air flow ensures the meat cooks evenly from all sides at the same time. You do not have to wait a long time for a large oven to preheat, which saves energy and time. This method also helps to lock in the juices so the pork does not become dry or tough.
Follow these simple steps for air fryer pork tenderloin
Preparation: Remove any silver skin from the meat and pat it dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and dried thyme together. Rub the olive oil over the entire surface of the meat so the spices stick well.
Seasoning: Sprinkle the spice mix over the meat and press it down with your hands. Ensure every side is covered evenly with the herbs and spices. Preheating the for a few minutes at 200C can help create a better crust immediately.
Cooking: Place the meat in the basket and cook at 200C for 18 to 20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 63C. You can flip the meat halfway through the cooking time if you want a very even colour.
Resting: Remove the meat from the and place it on a clean board. Let it rest for 10 minutes before you start cutting it into slices. This allows the juices to settle so the meat stays moist when served.
Tips and tricks for air fryer pork tenderloin
Always make sure to pat the meat dry before adding the oil and spices to help the seasoning stick better. If the piece of meat is very long, you can cut it in half to make it fit better in the basket. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your pork tenderloin is cooked perfectly without being overdone.
Try not to overcrowd the basket if you are cooking other items at the same time as the air flow is important. Letting the meat rest is the most important step for a juicy finish. You can vary the spices by adding a little onion powder or dried rosemary if you prefer a different flavour profile.
For a little more variety, you can also try
air fryer turkey leg,
air fryer naan bread or
air fryer cod.