Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe | Quick & Easy Dinner Idea
Pantry-Spice Air-Crisped Pork Tenderloin
Juicy pork tenderloin rubbed with brown sugar and smoked paprika, air-fried to a golden crust and finished with a quick skillet sear for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Brush pork all over with olive oil. Generously rub the spice mix into every side of the tenderloin.
- Optional: For a deeper crust, sear the pork 1 minute per side in a hot skillet before air‐frying.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C) for 5 minutes. Place pork inside on a parchment‐lined rack.
- Air‐fry for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until a thermometer reads 145 °F (63 °C) at the thickest part.
- Transfer to a cutting board, tent with foil, and rest 5–10 minutes. Slice and drizzle any collected juices over the meat.
Pantry-Spice Air-Crisped Pork Tenderloin
This quick, flavor-packed pork tenderloin is coated in a simple brown sugar-paprika rub, air-fried to juicy perfection, then given a fast skillet sear for an irresistible crust.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1¼ teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1.5 pounds)
Instructions
- Combine all dry spices and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Lightly coat the pork with olive oil, then press the spice mix onto every surface.
- (Optional) In a hot skillet over medium-high heat, sear the tenderloin 1 minute per side for extra color.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C) for at least 5 minutes.
- Place the pork in the basket on a piece of parchment. Air-fry 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until it reaches 145 °F (63 °C).
- Let rest under foil for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Spoon any pan juices over the meat.
Chef’s Special Tip
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the pork before seasoning—it helps the spices cling and adds a subtle tang.
Additional Notes
- Line the air fryer with parchment for easy cleanup—just cut a circle with perforations for airflow.
- Always use an instant-read thermometer: start checking at 18 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- No air fryer? Roast at 400 °F (375 °F convection) on a lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes.
- Resting is crucial: tenting the meat redeploys juices for maximum tenderness.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 202 kcal
- Carbs: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 8 g (Sat Fat 2 g)
- Cholesterol: 88 mg | Sodium: 654 mg
Source link: https://www.melskitchencafe.com/air-fryer-pork-tenderloin/
