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.

Pork tenderloin is really an excellent lean cut of pork. But because of this, you do not wish to overcook it. Over time, I’ve found approaches to cooking pork tenderloin to ensure that it’s brown externally while still being juicy and delicious on the inside.

When I made this air fryer pork tenderloin, I was more delighted than ever about a recipe I’ve made recently. The seasoning rub flavors are perfect, and it also worked wonderfully with these pork steaks. The pork is juicy; you can see just how juicy it is in the video instructions I’ve added at the end of the article!

What is Pork Tenderloin?

If you have ever asked yourself what filet mignon of pork, it is pork tenderloin. It is a very tender and lean piece of pork. It can be made in numerous ways and works excellently with various seasoning mixtures.

If you want to smoke your pork, I suggest you use pork lion cut (check out the recipe) because it’s thicker and more suitable for smoking. 

Preparing Air-Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin cooked in the air fryer is a delicious, wholesome, homemade choice that is ideal for a hectic weekday.

Indeed, one of my favorite ways to prepare pork recipes is by using a seasoning rub mixture of brown sugar, onion powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground mustard, pepper, and salt. And possibly just a splash of cayenne for only a little heat.

The seasoning mix, combined with the simplicity of an air fryer, will create a pork tenderloin you will enjoy eating and sharing with others. The exterior of pork tenderloin will crisp up, and the brown sugar will caramelize to make an explosion of flavors.

High-speed circulating heat from the air fryer and near the heating element is ideal, so your pork tenderloin stays juicy and delicious inside.

Pork tenderloin may be prepared in the oven, a pan, or — my newest favorite — the Air Fryer. With this simple air-fryer recipe, that’s what we’re doing today.

The tenderloin is quickly coated with a delicious mustard and spice mixture before being placed directly into the air fryer basket. Dinner is ready in around 20 minutes!

What do our readers think about this recipe

We care about our readers and want to help them easily make the best recipes. You’re under no obligation to believe me. Many readers have tried this dish and have talked about it. Below are just some testimonials that we’ve gotten from Pinterest users.

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 whole pork tenderloin (about 1–1.5 lbs)

• 2 Tbsp brown sugar

• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground mustard

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp ground black pepper

• ⅓ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

• ½ Tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Make the Spice Rub
   In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, ground mustard, onion powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using).

2. Prep the Pork
   Trim any silver skin or excess fat from the pork tenderloin. Pat it dry with a paper towel for better browning.

3. Season
   Rub the pork all over with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture, pressing it gently so it sticks.

4. Air Fry
   Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Place the pork tenderloin in the basket and cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 145–160°F (63–71°C), depending on your preference.

5. Rest & Serve
   Transfer the pork to a cutting board, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice into medallions and spoon over any juices collected on the board.

Serving Tip: Pair with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Freezer-Friendly Instructions

• Before Cooking: You can season the raw pork tenderloin and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before air frying.

• After Cooking: Slice the cooked pork, place it in airtight freezer-safe containers with its juices, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until warmed through.

Give that photo below a click and pin it to your Pinterest board. After all, good food is worth sharing – even if it’s just a picture!

Air Fryer with the Best Pork Tenderloin Seasoning Rub

This recipe for air fryer pork tenderloin could not be much more straightforward. I’ve used a medium-sized bowl and combined together with the dry ingredients.

Before rubbing the ingredients on the tenderloin, we’ll need to cut off any of the “silver skin,” which is a thin membrane that’s usually on the exterior area of the pork tenderloin.

You can do this using a sharp knife and just peel it away. After that, coat the pork tenderloin with olive oil and rub it in all of the seasoning mix.

Temperature to Cook Pork Tenderloin in Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 400 F. When the air fryer is heated, keep a consistent temperature of 400 F, select air fry, and set the time for 20 – 23 minutes. Most pork tenderloins are often between 1.25 Lbs to 2 Lbs.

For smaller-size pork tenderloin, opt for 20 minutes. For bigger-size pork, choose 23 minutes. It is suggested to cook pork tenderloin to an interior temperature of 145 F to 160 F.

Let The Pork Tenderloin Rest After Cooking in Air-Fryer

When the cooking is completed, slowly remove the pork loin from your air fryer, put it on a dish or cutting board, and allow it to rest for about 3 – 5 min before slicing.

Pork Tenderloin Leftovers

Pork tenderloin leftovers can be kept in an airtight container for up to four days in the fridge. For up to four weeks, freeze slices in small zip-lock bags. Make sure to label the bag with the date.

Air-Frier Pork Tenderloin Video Recipe

Since this Air-Fryer Pork tenderloin recipe is so popular, it was updated with additional information based on your questions and suggestions with the video instructions below. 

FAQs

My Pork Tenderloin I a bit Pink; is that ok?

You might be slightly frightened if your pork tenderloin is pink inside when you cut into it. Be at ease, though! You may be sure the pork is cooked adequately if the thickest area has the proper internal temperature (145 °F). It’s acceptable if the hue is a little pink.

Can I Store and reheat Pork tenderloin?

Any leftovers should be carefully wrapped in tin foil or plastic wrap for simple storage. Zip-top bags are another option and are so simple! Four days or more in the refrigerator.

To reheat, roast the remaining pork at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or cook it in a covered pan over low heat. Pork will get tough if you cook it too long.

If you like this recipe, be sure to check

Air-Fryer chicken nuggets recipe 

Air Fryer Corn Dogs Recipe