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GET IT NOWMy Super Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Has An Irresistible Glaze
When I first tested this air fryer pork tenderloin, I didn’t expect everyone to love it this much. My parents were visiting, and it disappeared so fast I had to make a second batch.
I’ve baked pork tenderloin and slow cooked tenderloin before, but pork tenderloin in the air fryer somehow combines the best of both. You get that golden crust like the oven version, and the tender, juicy texture of the slow cooker — only much faster. Here’s why you’ll want to try it:
- Juicy inside, golden outside – My air fryer pork tenderloin recipe gives you that perfect texture without any guesswork. It turns out by far the juiciest and most tender I’ve ever tried, with a lightly crisp edge.
- Irresistible maple Dijon glaze – Just a few pantry staples whisked together, but wow, does it make a difference. It soaks in fast to make the pork tender, and also leaves it with a caramelized, sticking coating on top.
- Easiest way to cook pork tenderloin – No oven, no stovetop, and hardly any cleanup. Just season, air fry pork tenderloin in the basket, and it’s done in 20 minutes. I love this for a quick weeknight dinner.
Whether you’re tired of drying out this lean cut using other methods, are looking for faster cooking, or just want to try an upgraded glaze, this air fried pork tenderloin checks all the boxes. Make it with me!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fryer pork tenderloin recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Pork Tenderloins – Most pork tenderloins weigh about a pound, so I used two here to make enough for my family. Just don’t confuse this with pork loin roast, which is a totally different cut and needs a different method (use my slow cooker pork loin recipe if that’s what you have!).
- Olive Oil – Avocado oil works just as well.
- Unsalted Butter – Melting the butter adds richness and helps the glaze stick to the pork as it cooks. If you only have salted butter, just go a little lighter on the added salt.
- Maple Syrup – I use Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Maple Syrup for that classic sweet flavor without the sugar. Regular maple syrup works if that’s what you prefer, or you can swap in brown sugar or Besti Brown for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a little tang that balances the sweetness and helps tenderize the pork. Red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or even lemon juice will do the same thing.
- Dijon Mustard – I love how this gives the glaze a subtle sharpness without overpowering the pork. If you don’t have it, spicy brown or yellow mustard works, but I recommend a little less as they’re more intense.
- Spices – I kept it simple with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. If you want to mix it up, try a pinch of paprika, onion powder, or even chili powder for a little kick.
How To Cook Pork Tenderloin In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Prep the pork. Trim off any silver skin or extra fat from the pork tenderloin, then pat it dry so the seasoning sticks better.
- Make the glaze. Whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, maple syrup, vinegar, Dijon, and garlic powder, until smooth.
- Coat and season. Brush the glaze all over the pork, then season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Air fry the pork tenderloin. Cook pork tenderloin in the air fryer (I have this one), flipping halfway through, until browned on the outside and just cooked through in the center. I can’t usually fit two pork tenderloins in the basket straight side by side, but they should fit just fine if you curve them in opposite directions. See my picture below for a visual!
- Let it rest. I always tent the top with foil and give it a few minutes to lock in the juices before slicing. This air fryer pork tenderloin comes out tender, flavorful, and ready for whatever sides you’re craving!
My Tips For Super Tender Results
- Flipping isn’t totally required, but I always do it for better browning. The top gets nice and golden while the bottom tends to stay pale if you skip it.
- For extra tender pork, try brushing on the marinade and letting it sit for a bit before cooking. Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but you can also refrigerate it overnight for extra tenderness.
- After cooking, give the pork a few minutes to rest under foil. It helps lock in the juices, so they don’t leak out when you cut into it.
- Slice against the grain. This one’s easy to forget, but makes a big difference. Look for the lines running through the meat because that’s the grain. You want to cut across those lines, not in the same direction, so each bite stays extra tender instead of chewy.
How Long To Air Fry Pork Tenderloin?
I always cook air fryer pork tenderloin to an internal temperature of 140 degrees F, not 145, as it turns out juicier that way. I like using my probe thermometer because I can set it and it beeps when it’s ready. An instant-read thermometer works too — just start checking it around the 15-minute mark.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
My air fryer pork tenderloin recipe cooks fast, stays juicy, and has a maple Dijon glaze. An easy weeknight dinner in half an hour!
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
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Trim any excess fat and silver skin from the pork tenderloin. Pat dry with paper towels.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, maple syrup, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Brush the mixture over the pork tenderloins on all sides.
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Season all sides of the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
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Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).
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Remove the basket, tent the top with foil, and rest for 5-10 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
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Slice the air fryer pork tenderloin and enjoy!
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/3 pound pork tenderloin, or 1/6 of the entire recipe
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best texture, great flavor, and accurate timing for this air fryer pork tenderloin recipe.
- Storage: Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to slice it first so its ready to go for quick meals.
- Meal prep: You can make the marinade ahead and store it in the fridge, or even let the pork soak in it overnight to save time later.
- Reheat: I warm up slices in the microwave or air fryer until just heated through. Try not to overdo it so the pork stays juicy.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked pork tenderloin for up to 3 months. I usually slice it first and store it in a freezer bag for easy portions.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Serving Ideas
Not sure what to serve with this air fryer pork tenderloin recipe? Here are some of my favorite sides to round out the meal:
- Veggies – I usually keep it simple with a quick veggie on the side. Air fryer green beans and roasted broccoli are go-tos for me, but sautéed cabbage is a cozy option when you want something warm and buttery.
- Starchy Base – That sweet and savory glaze tastes amazing with something starchy. I like it with mashed cauliflower, but my girls love it with roasted potato cubes drizzled with melted butter.
- Comforting Casseroles – For comfort food vibes, try my loaded cauliflower casserole, cheesy broccoli casserole, or squash casserole.
- Salads – Leftovers are great sliced over salad! I like it on my pear salad or kale salad, but if you need something quick, just toss it over a spring mix salad and lunch is done.
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