There’s something magical about how the air fryer turns a simple pork tenderloin into a juicy, flavorful dinner in under 20 minutes—perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without the fuss. My husband and I stumbled onto this recipe during a crazy week when we were both exhausted, and it’s been our go-to ever since. The spice rub? Just a few pantry staples you probably already have. And cleanup? Almost nonexistent. Whether it’s a busy Tuesday or a lazy date night in, this air fryer pork tenderloin for two is my little secret for keeping dinner easy, tasty, and totally stress-free.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Oh, where do I even start? This recipe checks every single box for busy nights (or lazy nights—no judgment here!). Let me count the ways:
- Crazy-fast: From fridge to plate in 20 minutes flat—even faster than ordering takeout!
- Juicy every time: That air fryer magic seals in all the good juices so each bite melts in your mouth.
- Almost zero cleanup: One basket, one cutting board—done. (My dishwasher thanks me.)
- Perfectly portioned: No leftovers languishing in the fridge—just enough for two hungry people.
- Pantry-friendly spices: No fancy ingredients needed—just grab whatever’s in your spice drawer.
Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked pork tenderloin any other way.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Here’s the beautiful part—you only need a handful of simple ingredients to make magic happen. I’ve made this so many times I could probably do it in my sleep (and some nights, it feels like I have!). Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin (trimmed) – Look for one that’s nice and pink, not too much fat. Pro tip: If there’s any silvery skin left, give it a quick trim with kitchen shears.
- 1 tbsp olive oil – Just enough to help those spices stick and give us that gorgeous golden crust.
- 1 tsp salt – I use kosher salt because it sticks better than table salt, but use what you’ve got!
- 1 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked if you can—it makes all the difference in flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – My secret weapon for that deep, savory taste without chopping garlic.
- 1 tsp paprika – Sweet or smoked, whichever you prefer. I go back and forth depending on my mood!
That’s it! Six ingredients that somehow transform into something way more impressive than the sum of their parts. Now let’s get cooking!
Equipment Needed
Here’s all you’ll need—seriously, it’s almost embarrassingly simple:
- Air fryer (obviously!)
- Meat thermometer – Non-negotiable for perfect doneness
- Tongs – To flip that tenderloin like a pro
Bonus if you have a small mixing bowl for the spice rub, but honestly? I often just mix everything right on the cutting board—less to wash!
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Okay, here’s the fun part—turning that beautiful hunk of pork into the most tender, flavorful dinner you’ve ever made in under 20 minutes. I’ve cooked this so many times I could do it blindfolded (though I don’t recommend trying that with hot oil!). Follow these simple steps and you’ll be golden—literally.
Step 1: Season the Pork
First things first—let’s get that pork dressed to impress! Pat your tenderloin dry with paper towels (this helps the seasoning stick better). Drizzle on the olive oil and rub it all over like you’re giving it a little massage. Then, mix your salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika together—I just use my fingers to sprinkle everything evenly over the pork. Don’t be shy—get in there and make sure every inch is coated. That gorgeous spice crust is where all the flavor lives!
Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat that air fryer to 400°F—this helps get that perfect sear. When it’s ready, carefully place your pork in the basket. Don’t overcrowd! If your tenderloin is particularly long, you might need to curve it to fit. Cook for 6-7 minutes, then flip with tongs—you should see a beautiful golden crust forming. Cook another 6-7 minutes. Now comes the most important part—check the temperature! Slide your meat thermometer into the thickest part. We’re looking for 145°F—any more and it’ll start drying out. (Mine usually hits 145°F right at 14 minutes total, but all air fryers vary slightly.)
Step 3: Rest and Slice
Here’s where patience pays off. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes—I know, I know, it smells amazing and you want to dig in, but trust me! Those juices need time to redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut too soon, all that delicious moisture will run right out onto the cutting board instead of staying in the pork where it belongs. After the wait, slice it into pretty little medallions and watch how juicy and tender each piece is. That’s the magic of proper resting!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
After making this recipe more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips:
- Pat that pork dry! A quick blot with paper towels helps the seasoning stick and gives you a better crust.
- Resting is non-negotiable. Those 5 minutes make the difference between juicy and dry—I set a timer so I don’t cheat!
- Play with spices! Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne for heat or swap smoked paprika for regular. Make it yours.
Little things—big results!
Serving Suggestions
Okay, let’s talk about the best part—what to serve with this gorgeous pork tenderloin! Here’s what we love:
- Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts – Toss them in the air fryer while the pork rests for a one-pan meal. For more air fryer vegetable ideas, check out these air fryer vegetable recipes.
- Creamy mashed potatoes – Because pork and potatoes are a match made in heaven.
- Simple arugula salad – Just toss with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness
Sometimes I’ll even slice the pork over rice if we’re extra hungry—it soaks up all those delicious juices beautifully. Whatever you choose, keep it simple and let that perfectly cooked pork shine!
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? (Though in our house, that’s rare!) Store any extra pork in an airtight container in the fridge—it’ll stay juicy for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until just heated through. Pro tip: Add a tiny splash of water or broth to the basket to keep it from drying out. That quick blast of heat makes it taste almost as good as fresh!
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Variations
Don’t be afraid to play with flavors! Swap smoked paprika for regular, or mix in dried rosemary for an herby twist. Sometimes I rub the pork with brown sugar and mustard for a sweet-tangy kick—endless options for your perfect version!
Nutritional Information
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the general scoop on what you’re getting with this air fryer pork tenderloin—keeping in mind that these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients and brands (especially with different spice blends or oil amounts).
Each serving packs a solid protein punch while keeping carbs low—perfect if you’re watching that sort of thing. The olive oil adds healthy fats, and since we’re air frying instead of drowning the pork in butter or heavy sauces, you’re looking at a pretty lean meal overall. That said, my philosophy? Good food is about balance and enjoyment first—numbers second!
Common Questions About Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
I’ve gotten so many great questions about this recipe from friends (and even strangers at the grocery store when they see me buying pork tenderloin for the third time in a week!). Here are the ones that come up most often:
Can I use pork loin instead of tenderloin?
Oh, I get this one all the time! While you can substitute pork loin, it’s not quite the same—tenderloin is much leaner and cooks faster. If you do use loin, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time (probably add 5-7 minutes) and watch the temperature closely. But trust me, tenderloin’s tenderness is worth seeking out!
How do I prevent my pork from drying out?
Three words: thermometer, thermometer, thermometer! Pulling it at exactly 145°F is crucial—that last 5 degrees makes all the difference. And don’t skip the resting time! Those 5 minutes let the juices redistribute so they stay in the meat instead of running onto your cutting board. Also—shhh—sometimes I brush the sliced pork with a tiny bit of extra olive oil before serving for extra moisture.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just don’t crowd your air fryer basket—you might need to cook two tenderloins separately or use a larger air fryer. The cook time stays about the same since we’re not changing the thickness, just the quantity. Pro tip: If cooking back-to-back, let the air fryer reheat for a minute between batches.
Why is my spice rub not sticking?
This usually happens when the pork is too wet. Always pat it dry with paper towels first—it makes all the difference! And don’t be afraid to really rub that oil and spice mixture in like you’re giving it a massage. The more contact, the better the flavor sticks.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can season the pork up to 24 hours in advance—just wrap it tight and refrigerate. But for best texture, cook it right before serving. The good news? It’s so quick that “make ahead” almost isn’t necessary!
Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Ready in Just 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Quick and easy air fryer pork tenderloin recipe perfect for two.
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 lb)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Rub pork tenderloin with olive oil.
- Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Coat pork evenly.
- Place pork in air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Check internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Let pork rest for juicier results.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: air fryer pork tenderloin, easy pork recipe, quick dinner