Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin with Honey & Dijon

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If you’ve got 25 minutes and one piece of meat, you’ve got dinner. That’s the whole pitch of this air fryer pork tenderloin. You whisk a quick honey-Dijon rub, coat the pork, and let the air fryer handle the rest while you deal with literally anything else.

The flavor is simple but not boring: smoky paprika, garlic, a little sweetness, and that sharp Dijon edge that makes pork taste like more than “plain protein.” Slice it, serve it with whatever’s in your fridge, and you’re done.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin (680 g)

• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/2 tsp fine salt)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 2 teaspoons honey

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes or chili powder (optional)

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for the sauce)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

2. Trim and season: Remove any silver skin from the tenderloin. Season all over with salt and pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes (this helps the seasoning work into the meat).

3. Mix the coating: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili (if using), brown sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.

4. Coat the pork: Pat the tenderloin dry, then rub the mixture all over.

5. Air fry: Place pork in the basket and cook for 16–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

6. Check temperature: Insert a thermometer into the thickest part. Remove when it reaches 142–145°F (61–63°C).

7. Rest: Transfer to a cutting board and rest 8–10 minutes.

8. Make the sauce (quick): Stir 1–2 tablespoons of the resting juices into a small bowl with 1 teaspoon Dijon + 1 teaspoon honey (and lemon juice if using). Spoon over sliced pork.

9. Slice and serve.

If this pork tenderloin made your dinner easier, save it for later—pin the image below to your Pinterest board so you can find it again anytime.

Serving Ideas

Serve with roasted potatoes, rice, green beans, broccoli, or a simple salad.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes, just until warmed through.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 16–20 minutes

• Total Time: ~30 minutes

• Servings: 4

Video Recipe

FAQs

What temperature should pork tenderloin be cooked to?
Pork tenderloin is best cooked to 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part, then rested for a few minutes before slicing. The temperature will usually rise slightly as it rests.

How long does pork tenderloin take in the air fryer?
Most 1 to 1½-pound pork tenderloins take 16–20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through. Exact timing depends on thickness and your air fryer model.

Should I flip pork tenderloin in the air fryer?
Yes. Flipping halfway through helps it cook more evenly and prevents one side from browning more than the other.

Do I need to marinate pork tenderloin first?
Not necessarily. This recipe uses a quick honey-Dijon rub that adds flavor without a long wait. If you have time, letting it sit for 15–30 minutes after seasoning can boost flavor, but it’s not required.

Why did my pork tenderloin turn out dry?
The most common reason is overcooking. Pork tenderloin is lean, so it dries out quickly if it goes much past 145°F. Using a thermometer and resting before slicing makes a big difference.

Can I use pork loin instead of pork tenderloin?
Not for the same cook time. Pork loin is thicker and needs longer cooking at a lower temperature. Stick with tenderloin here, or expect to adjust both time and temperature.

Can I stack or crowd the pork in the basket?
No. Leave space around the tenderloin so the hot air can circulate. Crowding can lead to uneven cooking and slower browning.

Should I line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment?
You can, but it may reduce airflow. If you use parchment, make sure it’s air fryer-safe and doesn’t block vents. A light spray of oil on the basket also helps prevent sticking.

How do I know when it’s done without a thermometer?
A thermometer is strongly recommended for tenderloin. If you don’t have one, slice into the thickest part: it should be just slightly pink and the juices should run mostly clear.

What’s the best way to reheat pork tenderloin without drying it out?
Reheat gently: air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid overheating—lean pork dries out fast.

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