This Air Fryer Pork Loin turns out tender and juicy on the inside, and nice and browned on the outside. This recipe only takes about 20 minutes, total. If you are trying to eat healthier for the New Year, this recipe is for you!
Have you told yourself you really want to eat healthier this year? I know I have. I need to lose at least 15 pounds this year. This holiday season found me overindulging. (Of course, being a food blogger really doesn’t help, since I have to come up awesome recipes for you guys every week.) 🙂
To that end, let’s take the journey together and cook more in our air fryers! I have talked to many people that got air fryers for Christmas, but are intimidated to use it! I am here to tell you, don’t be intimidated. This air fryer recipe really couldn’t be easier.
A Word About Using Your New Air Fryer
I always make each recipe that I show you guys, at least 4 or 5 times, to make sure that my measurements are right. I want to make sure that the finished product comes out consistently good.
With the air fryer, it is not that easy. Different air fryers cook with different wattages. Some air fryers have a set temperature control, that can not be changed. My air fryer is the Cuisinart TO-60A. It has a temperature control setting, so for this recipe, I set the temperature at 400°F.
Depending on your Air Fryer, the times, in particular, may vary from mine! When you are learning how to use your air fryer, make sure you keep a vigilant eye on your food. The air fryer cooks so much faster than traditional cooking methods, it is easy to let food go too long and burn it!
Once you get the knack of your particular air fryer, you will be able to approximately gauge the timing of whatever you are cooking. Here’s a good article that covers the benefits of air frying.
Is food cooked in the air fryer healthier?
As with all great human inventions they are only effective if used as intended. (and the common sense of the user, of course) Air fried dishes will not be any healthier, if they are slathered with butter or oil. The beauty of the air fryer is that you do not need the extra oil to make the food crispy and delicious. Here is an interesting article regarding air fried food.
Why does this recipe work?
- Takes less than 30 minutes.
- Just 3 ingredients.
- Pork is juicy and succulent.
- Totally customizable with spices and flavoring.
What you need
- Either pork tenderloin, or a small pork loin roast
- garlic scape pesto (or your favorite pesto and add garlic)
- salt and pepper
- no stick spray, or a light brush of olive oil
How to make air fryer pork loin
- Thoroughly dry pork loin. Salt and pepper both sides.
- Spread garlic pesto or roasted garlic on top side of roast.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes set on 400°F, if you can change the temperature of your air fryer.
- Carefully remove from air fryer and flip over. Baste the other side with pesto or roasted garlic.
- Return to air fryer. Continue cooking for 8-10 more minutes.
Remove from air fryer and check internal temperature where the meat is thickest. Temperature should be 135-140°F. Then let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes, loosely covered with aluminum foil. NOTE: USDA suggests cooking all pork to 145°F
Spices that are great on pork
- Fresh or dried rosemary
- oregano
- Fresh or dried thyme
- Italian seasonings
- Tarragon
- Paprika
- Parsley
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cumin
- Chili Powder
You could even put some BBQ Sauce on this delicious Garlic Air Fryer Pork Loin
Suitable sauces for air fryer pork loin
That is how easy it is to make Air Fryer Pork Loin! I love the fact that it takes less than 30 minutes total!
Let me know what you think about this recipe in the comments below. Don’t miss my Air Fryer Chicken Wings! They are crispy and juicy! So much better than take out!
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Air Fryer Pork Loin
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb pork tenderloin, about 1.5 lbs. If using a boneless loin roast, use one that is about 2 pounds
- cooking spray
- 2 tbsp garlic scape pesto (recipe link below) or 2 small heads roasted garlic
- kosher salt
- black pepper
Instructions
For pork tenderloin
- Pat tenderloin dry. lightly coat all sides with non stick cooking spray.
- Salt and pepper both sides. Rub with garlic scape pesto, or plain roasted garlic.
- Spray air fryer basket or rack and tray of air fryer with cooking spray. (NOTE: My air fryer specifies to use cooking spray or olive oil. A reader pointed out that a lot of air fryers suggest NOT using any oil, so check your manufacturer's instructions!!)
- Cook on air fry setting, at 400°F for 8-10 minutes on first side. Carefully remove from air fryer. Flip.
- Return to air fryer and cook for 8-10 more minutes. Check internal temperature with meat thermometer. We cook ours to an internal temperature of 135°F. Then let rest 5-10 minutes.
- If you would like to serve with roasted vegetables, while pork is resting, add cut up veggies, coated with no stick spray (and salt and pepper) to the rack of air fryer. Cook 5-8 minutes, depending on the size of your vegetable pieces, until tender and browned.
For boneless loin roast
- Prepare as above.
- Set air fryer to 400°F and preheat. Cook roast for 10-12 minutes on first side. Flip.
- Continue to air fry another 10-12 minutes, if the outside is getting too brown, drape a piece of foil over top. Let rest for 5-10 minutes.
- NOTE: USDA suggests all pork should be cooked to 145°F! Check temperature with a instant read meat thermometer.
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Notes
Air Fryers vary in wattage, and therefore in cooking times. This recipe is based using my Cuisinart TOA60. If your air fryer is different, carefully watch food the first time you make it, so that it doesn’t burn. Preheating your air fryer will give you the best, crispiest result. Check your brand of air fryer user manual to see if preheating is recommended. Air fryers preheat in about 3-4 minutes. Use cooking spray or a fine mist sprayer to spray food prior to cooking, with the exception of baked goods. Don’t overcrowd foods so air can circulate all around. Flip foods over half way through cooking.
Nutrition
Originally published 1/21/2019
Dee
Can you cook a pork tenderloin along with vegetables at the same time in the air fryer?
Beth Neels
It depends how many vegetables. I don’t like to over crowd the pan. I cooked the veges just after the pork and the pork rested, tented while the veges cooked. It comes out very nicely! Thanks for checking out the recipe Dee!
Jennifer Martinez
This is the easiest to make and it tastes great.
Beth Neels
Thanks for letting me know Jennifer! So glad you liked it!
Lisa Horan
I haven’t tried the pork yet, but I cook steaks, chicken and burgers.
I also use it to cook french fries, Schwan’s frozen breaded blue hake fish and chicken tenders.
Curious if there is a good way to do a meatloaf?
Beth Neels
I haven’t done a meatloaf yet, but I plan to do so soon. Keep posted! Thanks for checking out the recipe Lisa!
Michelle
This looks delicious! The potatoes & carrots look delicious too, but you don’t mention how they are cooked. Were they cooked with the roast? In the oven? In the air fryer when the roast was resting? I’m new to using an air fryer and I’m not sure what’s the best route! Thanks!
Beth Neels
Hi Michelle! I just tossed them with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and air fried them. I have to do them a few more times before I can publish that recipe to make sure it is consistent. In my air fryer, at 350°F, they took at about 5 minutes on the first side, then I flipped them and did them about 5 more more minutes, until tender and nicely browned. Thanks for checking out the recipe!
Suzette P
Well I got my Air fryer for Christmas and have used it every day trying different recipes. Today being New Years we have to have pork so I am going to do this recipe in mine today…would it be okay to use those already seasoned from the store?
Beth Neels
Sure you could Suzette!
Steph
Looking forward to trying it but did want to mention the USDA changed their pork temperature recommendations to 145F.
Beth Neels
Thanks Steph. I did change that recommendation in the post, just forgot the recipe card. I’ll change it now. Let me know how you like it!
George Kallus
This is the perfect way to cook Port Tenderloin. I brined my tenderloins for a couple of hours in the fridge before starting. I heated 1 10.5 oz can of Turkey Gravy with 1/4 cup white wine and a tablespoon of soy sauce on the stove and it simmer until thickened to the original consistency. I served this over the tenderloin and mashed potatoes. It was unbelievably good. You must try it this way.
Beth Neels
We love it cooked in the air fryer. That sounds very good George, I’ll have to give that a try! I’m so glad you liked it!
Bonita Hackett
Stop talking about “pork loin” in the narrative when you really mean “pork tenderloin”. Some inexperienced people don’t know they are two different things as referenced by the person who said her “tenderloin” was 3.93 lbs. That’s a loin, not a tenderloin.
Beth Neels
The recipe can certainly be used for both tenderloin and loin. As stated in the recipe card and in the post, the time would vary, depending on the size of the roast. You are correct, my happens to be a tenderloin. The reader who commented that hers is 4 pounds was most likely referring to a double pack of vacuum packed tenderloins, but she hadn’t opened it yet to realize there were 2 in the package. A 4 pound whole loin is not possible, unless it were loin cut into roasts. Either way, they would both work with this recipe. Thanks for checking out the recipe.
Mary Beth
Thank you for pointing that out! I found this recipe when looking for a pork loin recipe for air fryer, and here they are, tenderloins!
Beth Neels
A pork tenderloin is part of the pork loin. As I responded to Bonita, this recipe works for both tenderloin and a whole loin roast. Cooking times will vary, according to the size of the roast. Thanks for checking out the recipe!
Kaylee Hillinger
Hi! Please note that the preferred temperature for pork is 145, not 165! It will be so much tastier, juicer, and just as wonderfully healthy and safe!
Enjoy!
Beth Neels
I stand corrected. They have changed the guidelines, which is good. As I stated in the post and the recipe card, we cook ours to 135°F and then let it rest. The temperature reaches 145°F during the rest. Thank you for stopping by and for your comment, Kaylee! I agree wholeheartedly!
Nancy Nataloni
my tenderloin is a big. It weighs 3.93 lbs Gonna give it a try as I know how tasty this will be from my Cuisinart AF. Gonna have Hasselback potatoes and cole slaw as sides, will fill you guys in tomorrow
Beth Neels
Oh, great! My guess is you have a double pack of pork tenderloins, or perhaps a loin roast? A single pork tenderloin would not weigh that much. I would say to do it a lower temperature and for longer. I haven’t tried one quite that big, but I would say 350°F for 35-40. Turn it a couple times too! Check for internal temperature after 20 minutes. Good luck! and please do, let us know! Can’t wait to hear! Thanks Nancy!
Brian Jones
THat looks and sounds delicious, I love cooking with pork. I have yet to add an air fryer to my kitchen yet though, I’ll be keeping an eye on your recipes and could be tempted in the near future!
Binky
I really like it Brian! I will do my best to sway you! Thanks for stopping by!
Julie Running in a Skirt
What a great use for an air fryer! Looks like a tasty recipe for a weekday or a fancy dinner!
Binky
Also, it would be great with your lifestyle with the twins! It is so quick!
Thanks so much Julie!
Corina Blum
I got an air fryer for Christmas and I am really enjoying experimenting with it at the moment. I haven’t tried cooking meat in it yet though and this pork loin looks delicious – so much flavour!
Binky
I got mine for Christmas too, Corina! I love it! We cook in it most nights! So fast and easy! Thank you for your comment!
Gabi
Pork tenderloin is the perfect meal for my dad the next time he comes to visit me. I love your combination with roasted veggies.
Binky
My dad loves pork tenderloin as well! Thanks for the comment Gabi! I hope your dad enjoys!
Catherine Brown
I still haven’t purchased an air fryer but now I think I really MUST! Love the use of garlic pesto in this recipe… no wonder the outside looks so delicious!
Binky
I love the garlic scape pesto! I could eat it by itself! I am really loving the air fryer Catherine! Thanks!
Ramona
Oh myy!! I have to make this but will try the oven as I do not have an air fryer. I keep on saying to get one but just not much space on my worktop. I have a pork fillet, a great idea! Thanks for this Beth!
Binky
It is still good in the oven Ramona! Just not quite as crispy. I like roasting them at high heat. The air fryer does take up quite a bit of counter space! Luckily I have the room!
Sharon
This pork loin looks amazing! I got an air fryer for Christmas, can’t wait to try this recipe out in it.
Binky
I really am loving it! I have so many other plans for it, I can’t decide what to do next! Thanks Sharon!
Thomas
I’m actually making it today, I’ll let you know how it turns out, I’m loving my air fryer, I made a 4lb prime rib in mine a few weeks ago and I’ve never tasted a better one, let you know how the tenderloin turns out.
Beth Neels
oooohhh! I haven’t tried a prime rib! Can’t wait to give it a try!
Kate Hackworthy
Gosh, it’s absolutely amazing all the things you can cook in an air fryer!
Binky
Yes, I am having quite a bit of fun with the air fryer! Thanks Kate!
Suzy
Now this is a great air fryer recipe! Saving to try.
Binky
Thank you so much Suzy! I hope you enjoy it!
Patty
Oh my world Beth! You know how I love pork tenderloin and this really is a winner, it looks juicy and tender, perfectly cooked and I’m drooling over that garlic pesto, can’t wait to try your recipe!
Binky
Thank you Patty! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!