Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Looking for a main dish that easily transforms weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or even holiday feasts into culinary masterpieces? Look no further than this air fryer pork tenderloin! Made with tender pork tenderloin, wrapped in savory bacon and flavored with tangy mustard and aromatic herbs. It’s a dish that is perfectly suited for just about any occasion.
If you enjoy this dinner you might also love these Cheesy Ranch Chicken, Garlic Steak Bites, and Crockpot Pork Chops.
Why You’ll Love It
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The flavors come together to create an unforgettable taste experience. The combination of smoky bacon, tangy mustard, and aromatic herbs infuses the tender pork with a rich and complex flavor profile everyone will love!
- Crispy Bacon Perfection: Wrapping the pork tenderloin in bacon adds flavor, holds in the moisture, and also creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior on the pork that provides a delightful contrast to the tender, juicy meat inside.
- Effortless Air Fryer Cooking: Using the air fryer for this recipe ensures hassle-free cooking. It cooks the pork evenly and quickly. So say goodbye to the stress of monitoring your oven or grill, and enjoy the ease of cooking pork tenderloin in the air fryer.
- Versatile Main Dish Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner, hosting a special gathering with friends and family, or preparing a memorable holiday feast, this recipe works perfectly. It’s impressive but actually requires minimal prep and cooking time, so you’ll have more time to enjoy the company of your loved ones.
Ingredients
The best air fryer pork tenderloin takes only six ingredients. Here is a look at the highlights but be sure to check the recipe card for the full list and quantities.
- Bacon: I find that using thick-cut smoked bacon works great! It makes a delicious wrap for pork tenderloin and really helps to lock in some moisture while adding flavor.
- Fresh and dried herbs: I like to keep things simple with fresh parsley, scallion, and dried tarragon.
- Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard is a bit spicier than regular mustard and also has white wine added to it which gives it a unique flavor. It works perfectly with the pork tenderloin.
- Pork tenderloin: This premium cut of pork is the most tender cut of pork that you use quick cooking methods such as the air fryer and it still comes out tender and juicy. It’s also a smaller piece of pork which works great in the air fryer.
Tips & Variations
- Change the Herbs. If you aren’t a fan of tarragon you can also try this air fryer pork recipe with rosemary, thyme, or oregano instead.
- Skip the Bacon. It adds great flavor and really helps keep the pork from drying out but the mustard and herbs add plenty of flavor to your pork.
- For a Sweet Mustard Version. Add some brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey to the mustard mixture before brushing it onto the pork.
- Add Some Cheese. Sprinkle blue cheese, Gruyere, or Parmesan over the top of the bacon before adding the pork. This creates a cheesy layer between the bacon and pork that tastes amazing!
- Let it Rest. It’s important to let the pork rest after you take it out of the air fryer. This allows all the juices to reabsorb into the meat so it’s succulent and juicy.
- Make Sure to Roll It Tight. If you roll it up tightly and place the seam side of the bacon down on the air fryer basket, it should all hold together as it cooks.
How To Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Air Fryer
This impressive pork recipe goes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s a look at the highlights.
- Arrange. The bacon slices in a row on a sheet of plastic wrap. Make sure to overlap the pieces of the bacon slightly, creating a rectangle that’s the length of the pork tenderloin. Place the piece of pork across the bacon about a third of the length of the bacon.
- Combine. The parsley, scallion, tarragon, and mustard in a small bowl and brush it on top of the pork.
- Roll the bacon. Around the pork using the plastic wrap to help.
- Cut. The pork in half and place both pieces inside the air fryer basket. Cook until your pork registers 145 F using an internal thermometer. It will need to cook for about thirty minutes.
What To Serve With Pork Tenderloin
Having a holiday party? Here are some suggestions for what to serve at your party!
- Appetizers: As a good party hostess it’s important to offer your guests something to snack on while they wait for the meal especially if they’re coming early! I love to have bowls of Ranch Pretzels out by the bar. Stuffed Mushrooms, Pumpkin Dip, and Zucchini Fries are always a hit too!
- Drinks: This Brandy Slush, Cranberry Punch, Apple Cider, Holiday Punch, and Lemonade for the kids are always a hit!
- Salads: Serve up 7-Layer Salad, Broccoli Salad, Macaroni Salad, Easy Fruit Salad, BLT Pasta Salad, and Cool Whip Fruit Salad along with your pork tenderloin.
- Sides: From Baby Potatoes to Corn on the Cob or Zucchini, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, Glazed Carrots, Corn Casserole, and Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, you can’t go wrong!
- Dessert: Everyone loves Christmas Cookies, Christmas Crack, Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, S’mores Bars, Peppermint Brownies, and more holiday desserts!
Recipe FAQ
How do you keep pork from drying out in the air fryer?
In this recipe, the bacon works to hold the moisture in but you also want to make sure you don’t overcook your pork and use a thermometer to check for doneness rather than simply relying on time. When the internal temperature is 145 degrees F, it’s ready to stop cooking. Also, make sure you preheat your air fryer before cooking.
Can you put raw pork in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! It cooks up great just like any other meat does in the air fryer.
What can I do if my air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option?
If your air fryer doesn’t preheat and tell you when to add the food, simply start your air fryer and allow it to heat up for five minutes before adding the food to it.
Leftovers & Storing
- Store. Leftovers in the fridge for up to four days or you can freeze it for up to three months. Be sure to allow it to fully cook first and then store in an airtight container.
- Reheat. I suggest wrapping the leftovers up in foil and reheating it in the air fryer or oven at 350 F until heated through.
More Air Fryer Recipes
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Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Looking for a main dish that easily transforms weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or even holiday feasts into culinary masterpieces? Look no further than this air fryer pork tenderloin! Made with tender pork tenderloin, wrapped in savory bacon and flavored with tangy mustard and aromatic herbs. It's a dish that is perfectly suited for just about any occasion.
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Ingredients
- 7 sliced thick-cut bacon
- 2 Tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1 scallion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
- 2 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 boneless pork tenderloin, about 1 ¼ pounds, silver skin removed
Instructions
- Arrange bacon slices in a row on a sheet of plastic wrap (overlapping slightly to make a rectangle the length of the tenderloin).
- Combine parsley, scallion, tarragon, and mustard in a small bowl.
- Place pork across the lower third of the bacon.
- Brush the mustard mixture on top of the pork.
- Using the plastic wrap, roll the bacon around the pork. Cut pork in half.
- Place pork in that air fryer basket and air fryer at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Transfer to cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Change the Herbs. If you aren’t a fan of tarragon you can also try this air fryer pork recipe with rosemary, thyme, or oregano instead.
- Skip the Bacon. It adds great flavor and really helps keep the pork from drying out but the mustard and herbs add plenty of flavor to your pork.
- For a Sweet Mustard Version. Add some brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey to the mustard mixture before brushing it onto the pork.
- Add Some Cheese. Sprinkle blue cheese, Gruyere, or Parmesan over the top of the bacon before adding the pork. This creates a cheesy layer between the bacon and pork that tastes amazing!
- Let it Rest. It’s important to let the pork rest after you take it out of the air fryer. This allows all the juices to reabsorb into the meat so it’s succulent and juicy.
- Make Sure to Roll It Tight. If you roll it up tightly and place the seam side of the bacon down on the air fryer basket, it should all hold together as it cooks.
Serving: 1g, Calories: 814kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 102g, Fat: 41g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g, Monounsaturated Fat: 17g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 336mg, Sodium: 737mg, Potassium: 1945mg, Fiber: 0.5g, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 247IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 43mg, Iron: 5mg
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