Juicy Air Fryer Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin in 30 Minutes

Nothing makes weeknights easier—or tastier—than my air fryer maple dijon pork tenderloin. I stumbled onto this recipe last fall when I was desperate for something quick but still felt like a “real” meal. The sweet maple and tangy Dijon create this gorgeous caramelized crust in the air fryer, while the pork stays juicy and tender inside. Even my picky kid gobbles it up! What I love most is how little cleanup there is—just whisk the glaze, coat the pork, and let the air fryer work its magic. In under 30 minutes, you’ve got a dinner that tastes like you spent hours.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin

Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for busy nights. Here’s why:

• Crazy fast: From fridge to table in under 30 minutes—no babysitting the oven required!
• Flavor bomb: That sticky-sweet maple dijon glaze caramelizes perfectly in the air fryer, giving you restaurant-quality crust.
• Almost no cleanup: Just one bowl for mixing the glaze, and the air fryer basket wipes clean.
• Foolproof juicy pork: The air fryer’s magic keeps it tender every single time (no more dry pork disasters!).

Seriously, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve cheated dinnertime.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this knockout dinner (and yes, I’ve learned the hard way – substitutions matter!):

• 1 lb pork tenderloin (trimmed of silverskin – trust me, this makes all the difference in tenderness)
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup (none of that pancake syrup stuff – the real deal caramelizes better)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (not whole-grain – we want that smooth tang to blend perfectly)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (helps the glaze cling and keeps things juicy)
• 1 tsp each garlic powder and onion powder (my flavor-boosting secret weapons)
• 1/2 tsp each salt and black pepper (freshly cracked pepper if you’ve got it!)

That’s it! Six pantry staples transform boring pork into something magical.

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How to Make Air Fryer Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so simple, but I’ve got a few tricks to make sure that pork turns out perfect every single time. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a juicy, flavorful tenderloin that’ll make you look like a kitchen rockstar.

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

First things first – grab a small bowl and whisk together that maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper until it’s completely smooth. No lumps allowed! I like to use a fork to really emulsify everything together – you want that glaze to cling to every inch of your pork.

Step 2: Coat and Cook the Pork

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (trust me—this helps get that perfect crust!). While it’s heating, rub that gorgeous glaze all over your pork tenderloin, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Place it in the air fryer basket with some space around it (no crowding!). Cook for about 8 minutes, then flip it carefully with tongs. Cook another 7-8 minutes until that internal temp hits 145°F on your meat thermometer.

Step 3: Rest and Serve

Here’s the step most people skip—but don’t you dare! Let that beautiful pork rest for 5 full minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute so every bite stays moist. Then slice it up and watch everyone’s eyes light up when they taste that perfect maple-dijon crust!

If you love the sweet and savory balance of pork tenderloin, don’t miss this apple cider pork tenderloin sheet pan recipe—an easy one-pan dinner packed with seasonal flavor.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin

After making this recipe dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Thermometer is queen: That 145°F internal temp isn’t a suggestion—it’s the difference between juicy and jerky. Instant-read thermometers are cheap and life-changing!
• Size matters: Got a thicker tenderloin? Add 1-2 minutes per side. Skinny one? Check it early—nothing worse than overcooked pork.
• Don’t peek! Every time you open that air fryer, you lose heat and slow cooking. Just trust the process.
• Glaze leftovers: Save extra glaze to brush on after slicing—it makes for killer Instagram-worthy shine!

Follow these, and you’ll nail it every single time.

Ingredient Substitutions and Notes

Ran out of maple syrup? No worries! Here’s how to adapt without losing that magic flavor:

• Honey works instead of maple syrup, but reduce cooking time slightly—it browns faster (and add a pinch of cinnamon for that maple vibe).
• Dry mustard? Use 1 tsp mixed with 1 tsp water in place of Dijon (but the tang won’t be quite as bright).
• No onion powder? Grate a teaspoon of fresh onion into the glaze—just pat the pork extra dry first.

One golden rule: Never skip trimming the silverskin—that tough membrane will make your pork chewy no matter how perfectly you cook it!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin

This pork shines with simple sides that let that maple-dijon flavor take center stage! My go-to is roasted Brussels sprouts—their crisp edges catch any extra glaze drippings. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes balance the tang perfectly, or for crunch, try an apple-walnut salad. On crazy nights? Just slice it over a bag of microwave rice—still delicious!

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers? (And I say that lightly—this rarely lasts in my house!) Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes—just enough to warm through without overcooking. Pro tip: Brush with a little extra maple syrup before reheating for that just-made shine!

For more quick air fryer dinners and creative pork recipes, check out our boards on Pinterest where we share trending recipes every day.

Air Fryer Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin FAQ

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here’s what readers ask me most about this recipe:

Nutritional Information

Nutritional values are estimates only – they’ll vary based on your exact ingredients and brands. A typical serving provides about 200 calories with a perfect balance of protein and flavor!