Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin - Quick, Healthy, and Delicious

The air fryer has revolutionized cooking by giving us a quick and healthy cooking method that rivals deep frying. Air frying is the perfect way to cook pork tenderloin cutlets for a fast weeknight dinner. The high heat of an air fryer cooks the pork cutlets in minutes while keeping them juicy and sealing in flavor. Read on for tips on using this gadget for easy and delicious air fryer pork tenderloin.

Prep the Pork

Choose a pork tenderloin that is 1-2 pounds. Trim off any excess fat or silverskin for even cooking. Slice the tenderloin crosswise into 1-inch thick medallions. Pound them to an even 1⁄2 inch thickness using a meat mallet.

Pat the pork cutlets very dry, then rub both sides with olive oil or avocado oil. Generously season with salt, pepper, and any other spices like garlic powder, paprika or Italian seasoning.

Get the Air Fryer Ready

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Use a light coating of oil spray on the fryer basket to help prevent sticking, about 1-2 seconds of spray should suffice. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Have a baking sheet ready layered with paper towels. This helps absorb excess oil as the cooked pork comes out of the air fryer.

Cook the Pork

Place the seasoned pork cutlets in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, without overlapping. Air fry for 4-5 minutes on the first side.

Flip the pork cutlets and air fry another 3-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The total air fry time will be 7-10 minutes.

Check for doneness by taking the internal temperature of a cutlet with an instant read thermometer. It should reach 145°F.

Remove and Drain

As the pork cutlets finish cooking, immediately remove them to the prepared baking sheet to allow any excess oil to drain off. Don't let them sit in the air fryer or they will overcook.

Allow the cooked pork to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices.

Sauces and Serving

These quick cooking air fried pork cutlets take well to a wide variety of easy sauces and serving ideas:

- Apple Chutney

Serve cutlets with an apple cider chutney for a perfect sweet and savory balance.

- Spicy Slaw

Top cutlets with a creamy, spicy coleslaw for some crunch.

- Parmesan Herb Sauce

Coat cutlets in a fast lemon parsley sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Air fryer pork tenderloin cutlets make for a quick, healthy dinner option the whole family will love. The air fryer gives you juicy, flavorful pork in just minutes without added oil or fat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer?

7-10 minutes total is sufficient to cook 1-inch thick cutlets to 145°F internal temperature.

What temperature do you cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer?

Cook at 400°F for best results. Higher heat ensures browning.

Can you put a whole pork tenderloin in an air fryer?

It’s best to slice a whole tenderloin into 1-inch cutlets to ensure even cooking.

Should you flip pork tenderloin in the air fryer?

Yes, flip the cutlets halfway during cooking for an evenly browned exterior.

What oil should you use to coat pork tenderloin for the air fryer?

Use olive, avocado, or vegetable oil to lightly coat the cutlets before air frying.

With minimum prep and quick cooking time, air fryer pork tenderloin makes for a fast, healthy dinner option everyone will love. The air fryer delivers juicy, browned cutlets without the excess fat of deep frying.