Pork, Bacon & Sausage
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin: Juicy in About 20 Minutes
Juicy air fryer pork tenderloin: 400°F for 18–24 minutes, flipped halfway, until 145°F. A brown sugar garlic rub, times by size, and frozen and bacon-wrapped options.
Quick answer
Cook pork tenderloin in the air fryer at 400°F205°C for 18–24 minutes, flipping halfway, until the thickest part reaches 145°F63°C. A 1 lb tenderloin usually takes 18–20 minutes, and a 1½ lb tenderloin takes 20–24. Rest it for 5–10 minutes before slicing. The center will still be slightly pink, which is safe and keeps it juicy.
- Time
- 18–24 min (1–1½ lb)
- Flip
- Yes, halfway
- Done when
- 145°F63°C, then rest
Brown Sugar Garlic Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin air fryer times
| What you're cooking | Temp | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pork tenderloin, about 1 lb | 400°F205°C | 18–20 min | Flip halfway |
| Pork tenderloin, 1¼–1½ lb | 400°F205°C | 20–24 min | Flip halfway |
| Two tenderloins, 2–3 lb total | 400°F205°C | 20–25 min | Single layer, cut in half if needed |
| Marinated or pre-seasoned tenderloin | 380°F195°C | 20–25 min | Pat dry, sugars brown fast |
| Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin | 380°F195°C | 22–28 min | Use thin-cut bacon |
| Frozen pork tenderloin | 380°F195°C | 30–40 min | Season after 15 minutes |
| Pork tenderloin medallions, 1 inch | 400°F205°C | 8–10 min | Flip halfway |
| Reheating sliced pork | 350°F175°C | 3–4 min | Wrap in foil with a splash of broth |
Times are for a preheated 5–6 quart basket air fryer with food in a single layer. Oven-style and very large air fryers can run 1–3 minutes slower. Always check doneness with an instant-read thermometer.
Pork tenderloin is one of the best things you can make in an air fryer. It’s lean, tender and ready in about 20 minutes, with a caramelized crust you’d normally need a hot pan and an oven to get. It’s an easy weeknight dinner, and a quick holiday main that leaves the oven free.
How to cook pork tenderloin in the air fryer
- Trim the silver skin and pat the pork dry.
- Rub with oil and seasoning. The brown sugar garlic rub below is a favorite.
- Air fry at 400°F205°C for 18–24 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Check for 145°F63°C in the thickest part.
- Rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice.
How long to air fry pork tenderloin
Thickness matters more than weight. Most tenderloins are about 2 inches thick, so a 1 lb tenderloin takes 18–20 minutes and a 1½ lb one takes 20–24. Two tenderloins take about the same time as one, as long as they’re in a single layer with space between them. Cut them in half if they don’t fit flat.
Seasoning ideas
- Brown sugar garlic: the recipe below.
- Garlic herb: olive oil, garlic, rosemary and thyme, with a squeeze of lemon after slicing.
- Honey mustard: brush with 1 tablespoon each of honey and Dijon mustard for the last 4–5 minutes.
- Bacon-wrapped: wrap the tenderloin in 6–8 strips of thin-cut bacon and cook at 380°F195°C for 22–28 minutes. Thick bacon won’t crisp before the pork is done.
For Christmas dinner
Two tenderloins feed 6 people and cook in under 30 minutes, so they’re a good main for a small Christmas dinner. While the pork rests, make a side or two in the air fryer, like roasted potatoes or garlic parmesan green beans. For a bigger roast, see our air fryer pork loin, roast beef and glazed ham.
Tips for juicy pork tenderloin
- Use a thermometer. Pull it at 145°F63°C. Pork tenderloin dries out quickly once it’s past done.
- Don’t skip the rest. Slicing straight away lets the juices run out onto the board.
- Give it space. Tenderloins touching each other steam instead of browning.
- Watch sugary rubs. If the crust darkens before the center is done, drop the heat to 380°F195°C.
Storing and reheating
Refrigerate sliced pork for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap the slices in foil with a splash of broth and heat at 350°F175°C for 3–4 minutes. See our reheating guide for other leftovers.
Brown Sugar Garlic Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 22 min
- Total
- 32 min
- Air fryer
- 400°F205°C
- Makes
- 6 servings
- Calories
- 210 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 2 lb total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Tap a step to check it off.
- Trim. Pat the tenderloins dry with paper towels. Slide a thin knife under the shiny silver skin and trim it off, so the meat doesn't curl as it cooks.
- Season. Mix the brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, thyme and pepper. Rub the tenderloins with the olive oil, then press the rub all over them.
- Preheat. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F205°C for 3 minutes.
- Air fry. Place the tenderloins in the basket in a single layer with space between them, cutting them in half if they don't fit. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, and cook another 8–14 minutes, until the thickest part reaches 145°F63°C.
- Rest and slice. Move the pork to a cutting board, tent it loosely with foil and rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice into ½-inch rounds and spoon any juices over the top.
Notes
- Start checking with a thermometer at 16 minutes. Thin ends cook faster than the middle, so check the thickest part.
- If the rub darkens too quickly, lower the heat to 380°F195°C for the last few minutes.
- Leftovers keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator and make great sandwiches.
Nutrition is an estimate calculated from typical ingredient values and will vary by brand and portion.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you cook pork tenderloin in the air fryer?
At 400°F205°C, a 1 lb pork tenderloin takes 18–20 minutes and a 1½ lb tenderloin takes 20–24 minutes, flipped halfway. It's done when the thickest part reaches 145°F63°C. Two tenderloins cook in about the same time, as long as they're in a single layer.
What temperature should pork tenderloin be in the air fryer?
Set the air fryer to 400°F205°C, and cook the pork to an internal temperature of 145°F63°C, followed by a short rest. That's the USDA safe minimum for whole cuts of pork. The center will be slightly pink, which is normal and safe at 145°F63°C.
Do you need to flip pork tenderloin in the air fryer?
Yes. Flip it halfway through so both sides brown and it cooks evenly. Tongs work best.
Can you cook a frozen pork tenderloin in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook it at 380°F195°C for about 30–40 minutes, roughly 50% longer than thawed. Add the oil and rub after the first 15 minutes, once the surface has thawed, and flip it then. Check that the center reaches 145°F63°C.
How do you keep pork tenderloin from drying out in the air fryer?
Trim the silver skin, don't overcook it, and rest it before slicing. Take it out as soon as the thickest part hits 145°F63°C. Pork tenderloin is very lean, so even 5 minutes too long can dry it out.
How do you cook pre-marinated pork tenderloin in the air fryer?
Pat it dry, then cook at 380°F195°C for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Marinades usually contain sugar, which burns at 400°F205°C. Check the package for the weight, and cook it to 145°F63°C.
What's the difference between pork tenderloin and pork loin?
Pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, very tender strip of about 1–1½ lb that cooks in about 20 minutes. Pork loin is a much wider roast, often 2–4 lb, with a fat cap, and it takes about an hour. See our air fryer pork loin recipe for that.
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