An easy 20-minute air fryer pork tenderloin recipe that’s juicy and tender with a beautifully browned crust.
Why this recipe works
This air fryer pork tenderloin recipe is first marinated then air fried to produce a lovely golden brown crust all while keeping the inside of the meat nice and succulent. Plus, it’s great for those on a low-carb diet as it only contains 3g of carbohydrates per serving.
If you have leftovers, put a slice on a bun for a non-breaded version of our pork tenderloin sandwiches.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
MEAT – It’s important to note that pork tenderloin and pork loin are two different cuts of meat. Be sure to use pork tenderloin for this air fryer recipe! Pork tenderloin is a longer boneless cut of meat, whereas a pork loin is a thicker, more flat cut of meat.
MARINADE – This quick and easy pork marinade is made up of lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, garlic, and parsley.
How to Make Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- In a small bowl, juice the lemon. Add black pepper, minced garlic, olive oil, and dried parsley to the bowl and whisk to combine.
- Place pork tenderloin into a shallow baking dish. Pour seasoning mix over the pork and rub in to thoroughly coat. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 400F.
- Place pork tenderloin into the air fryer. Cook for 20 minutes. Check to be sure it is complete with a meat thermometer reading 145-160F.
- Remove from the air fryer and cut into 1” slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
We do not suggest substituting pork loin for pork tenderloin as these are two different cuts of meat that come from different areas of the animal. Pork loin is a wide slab of meat and can be bone-in and bone-out, whereas pork tenderloin is boneless, long, and some may say, tube-shaped. The cook times and methods vary between the two types of meat and should not be substituted for one another.
Pork tenderloin should be cooked to 145°F to be considered safe. Always be sure to check your pork with a meat thermometer for doneness.
This quick and easy way to make pork tenderloin in the air fryer is one of our new favorite dinner recipes. We love to serve it with scalloped potatoes, roasted asparagus, or baked mac and cheese.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Bratwurst
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Air Fryer Italian Sausage and Peppers
- Air Fryer Roast Beef
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Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 2 lb pork tenderloin
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
- fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- It’s important to note that pork tenderloin and pork loin are two different cuts of meat. Be sure to use pork tenderloin for this air fryer recipe! Pork tenderloin is a longer boneless cut of meat, whereas a pork loin is a thicker, more flat cut of meat.
- Pork tenderloin should be cooked to 145°F to be considered safe. Always be sure to check your pork with a meat thermometer for doneness.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, juice the lemon. Add black pepper, minced garlic, olive oil, and dried parsley to the bowl and whisk to combine.
- Place pork tenderloin into a shallow baking dish. Pour seasoning mix over the pork and rub in to thoroughly coat. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat air fryer for 5 minutes at 400F.
- Place pork tenderloin into the air fryer. Cook for 20 minutes or until internal temperature of the pork reaches 145-160F on a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the air fryer and cut into 1” slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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Anita Barnes says
Love pork tenderloin and this recipe was easy and delicious. LOVE!
Michael Rogowski says
This was so so good 😊 I loved how fast and juicy this was. While it was marinating I had time to get the rest of the meal ready. Love