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Easy • Pork

Crispy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Achieve perfectly cooked, juicy pork tenderloin with a delicious crispy crust in your air fryer.

Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Servings
4
Level
Easy
Crispy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Say hello to your new favorite way to cook pork tenderloin! This Crispy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin is a game-changer, delivering incredibly juicy meat with an irresistible golden crust, all with minimal fuss. The air fryer works its magic to make quick and easy work of a lean and flavorful cut of pork, making it perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 (1-1.5 lb) pork tenderloin, trimmed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pat the pork tenderloin completely dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispier exterior. Cut the tenderloin into 1-inch thick medallions.

  2. Step 2

    In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

  3. Step 3

    Drizzle the pork medallions with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with the seasoning mix, ensuring all sides are coated. Gently press the seasoning into the meat.

  4. Step 4

    Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

  5. Step 5

    Place the seasoned pork medallions in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook in batches.

  6. Step 6

    Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping the medallions halfway through, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F (63°C). The outside should be golden brown and crispy.

  7. Step 7

    Remove the pork from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Tips

  • To ensure even cooking, try to cut all the medallions to a similar thickness.
  • If you don't have all the spices listed, a good all-purpose seasoning blend can work too.
  • Serve with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

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