This marinated pork tenderloin in the air fryer comes out ridiculously juicy with a caramelized, flavor-packed crust every single time. It’s the kind of easy dinner that tastes like you worked way harder than you actually did.
If you want a dinner that’s big on flavor without wrecking your evening, this marinated pork tenderloin in the air fryer is it.
The marinade soaks into every bite, giving you juicy, tender pork with a lightly caramelized crust on the outside.
It cooks fast, slices beautifully, and tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant, only you made it at home in under 30 minutes.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- It’s crazy juicy. The marinade works its magic, so every slice stays tender instead of dry and disappointing.
- Fast dinner win. From fridge to table in about 30 minutes, which means no hovering over the stove all night.
- Big flavor, simple ingredients. Nothing fancy here—just pantry staples doing some serious heavy lifting.
- Perfect caramelized crust. The air fryer gives you that golden, slightly crisp outside without dragging out a grill.
- Leftovers are gold. Slice it for sandwiches, toss it on salads, or stuff it into wraps—next-day lunch just handled itself.
If you are looking for some other great Air Fryer Pork Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER TERIYAKI PORK TENDERLOIN, AIR FRYER GINGER PORK DUMPLINGS, AIR FRYER PORK RIB TIPS, and AIR FRYER PORK ROAST.
Ingredients Needed
- Pork tenderloin: One whole pork tenderloin trimmed of excess fat
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil for marinade and cooking
- Soy sauce: Adds salty savory depth to the pork
- Honey: Sweetens the marinade and helps caramelize exterior
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic for bold aromatic flavor
- Dijon mustard: Provides tangy slightly spicy kick to marinade
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens flavor and tenderizes
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for subtle heat and seasoning
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the marinade
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes, cayenne, or sriracha to the marinade for heat.
- Herb Lover’s Version: Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano.
- Citrus Twist: Swap lemon juice for orange or lime juice for a bright, tangy flavor.
- Maple Glaze: Replace honey with maple syrup for a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- Asian-Inspired: Add ginger, sesame oil, and a splash of rice vinegar.
- Smoky Flavor: Stir in smoked paprika or a bit of liquid smoke for depth.
- Garlic Lovers’ Dream: Double the garlic for a bold, savory punch.
How To Make Air Fryer Marinated Pork Tenderloin
Step 1: Trim any excess fat from your pork tenderloin and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick and ensures even cooking.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Remove the pork from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place it in the air fryer basket and cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Let the pork rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices and keeps it tender. Slice into medallions and serve with your favorite sides, or use leftovers for sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
Marinated Pork Tenderloin in Air Fryer Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip patting it dry. Removing moisture from the pork ensures the marinade sticks and helps the air fryer give a nice caramelized crust.
- Marinate longer if you can. Even 30 minutes works, but 2-4 hours lets the flavors really penetrate.
- Use a meat thermometer. Pork is done at 145°F (63°C). Overcooking dries it out fast.
- Flip halfway through. This ensures even cooking and a golden exterior all around.
- Let it rest. Give the pork 5-10 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute and it stays tender.
- Adjust marinade sweetness and saltiness. Taste as you whisk and tweak honey, soy sauce, or mustard to suit your preference.
- Get creative with leftovers. Sliced tenderloin works great in sandwiches, wraps, or salads for next-day meals.
Serving Suggestions
This is a great meal, and you can easily serve it with a plate of Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Green Beans, Air Fryer Cauliflower, Air Fryer Grilled Zucchini, or even with Air Fryer Stuffing!
Storing and Reheating Instructions
- Storing: Let the cooked pork tenderloin cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Oven: Preheat to 325°F (160°C), cover with foil, and heat for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Microwave: Slice the pork and cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes, checking to avoid drying out.
Air Fryer Marinated Pork Tenderloin Recipe Faqs
Can I use frozen pork tenderloin? It’s best to thaw the pork completely before marinating and air frying. Cooking from frozen will result in uneven cooking and dry spots.
How long should I marinate the pork? At least 30 minutes works for flavor, but 2-4 hours in the fridge lets the marinade fully penetrate.
What internal temperature should I cook the pork to? Cook until the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C) for juicy, safe-to-eat pork.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey? Yes! Maple syrup, brown sugar, or agave work well and add a slightly different flavor.
How do I prevent the pork from drying out? Don’t overcook and always let the tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, but make sure your air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded. Cook in batches if needed for even results.
More Easy Air Fryer Meal Recipes
Easy Air Fryer Shepherd’s Pie Recipe
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Marinated Pork Tenderloin in Air Fryer
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound Pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 3 tablespoons Soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from your 1 pound Pork tenderloin and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons Olive oil , 3 tablespoons Soy sauce ,2 tablespoons Honey, minced 2 cloves Garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon Lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon Salt, and 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper until smooth.
- Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Remove the pork from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place it in the air fryer basket and set cook time for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let the pork rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices and keeps it tender.
Equipment
- Air Fryer, or Air Fryer Oven
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper
Nutrition
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