How Long To Cook A Pork Tenderloin In Air Fryer | Guide

If you are trying to pin down how long to cook a pork tenderloin in air fryer, you are really asking about two things: time and internal temperature. Time tells you when to start checking, while temperature tells you when the meat is actually safe and tender. Get both right, and you end up with pork that is juicy, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight.

Air fryers cook by blasting hot air around the meat, which means pork tenderloin usually cooks faster than it would in a standard oven. The catch is that thickness, weight, and how crowded the basket is will nudge that time up or down. This article gives you a clear time range, a practical chart, and a simple method you can use every time you air fry pork tenderloin.

Before you start, grab a digital meat thermometer. Time charts are handy, but the thermometer is what tells you when the center has reached a safe 145°F and had a few minutes to rest. That single habit does more to improve your results than any fancy seasoning blend.

Quick Answer: How Long To Cook A Pork Tenderloin In Air Fryer

For a typical 1 to 1½ pound pork tenderloin, plan on 20–25 minutes at 375–400°F in the air fryer. Start checking the internal temperature around the 18-minute mark. Once the center hits 145°F, let the meat rest on a plate or cutting board for 3–5 minutes before slicing.

Thinner, smaller tenderloins finish closer to 18–20 minutes, while thicker or marinated ones can run toward 25–28 minutes. Bacon wrapping and stuffing also add a few minutes. Think of the time as a window rather than an exact clock number; you still rely on your thermometer to confirm doneness.

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Cooking Time By Size

This chart gives you practical starting points for different pork tenderloin sizes. Use it as a baseline, then adjust slightly based on your air fryer model and how brown you like the outside.

Tenderloin Size	Air Fryer Temp	Approx Cook Time*
0.75 lb (about 340 g)	375°F (190°C)	16–18 minutes
1.0 lb (about 450 g)	375°F (190°C)	18–20 minutes
1.25 lb (about 570 g)	375–400°F (190–200°C)	20–22 minutes
1.5 lb (about 680 g)	375–400°F (190–200°C)	22–25 minutes
1.75 lb (about 790 g)	400°F (200°C)	24–26 minutes
2.0 lb (about 900 g)	400°F (200°C)	26–30 minutes
Stuffed or bacon-wrapped (1.25–1.5 lb)	375°F (190°C)	25–30+ minutes
*Always cook to 145°F in the thickest part and rest 3–5 minutes.

These times assume a single, whole pork tenderloin placed in a roomy basket so hot air can flow around it. If your air fryer basket is small or you stack slices, the airflow changes and the time can shift. When in doubt, check the temperature early; you can always add a couple of minutes, but you cannot undo dry pork.

Factors That Change Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Time

Tenderloin Size And Shape

Weight matters, but thickness matters even more. A short, thick tenderloin takes longer than a long, slim one at the same weight. If the center is much thicker than the ends, the tips can dry out while you wait for the middle to finish. In that case, tuck the thin tail end under or tie the meat so it cooks more evenly.

If you often buy from the same butcher or brand, pay attention to how that specific tenderloin behaves the first time you cook it. Once you know the sweet spot for that shape, repeat the same time and temperature next time and you will get very similar results.

Starting Temperature And Prep

Pork that goes into the basket straight from a cold fridge will take a little longer than pork that sat on the counter for 15–20 minutes while you seasoned it. You do not need a long rest at room temperature; just avoid putting rock-cold meat into a very hot air fryer if you want predictable timing.

Marinades and wet glazes can also lengthen the cook time slightly. A thick sugary sauce slows browning at first and can caramelize near the end, so be ready to give the tenderloin a couple of extra minutes. Dry rubs without much sugar tend to behave more predictably.

Air Fryer Size And Basket Style

Larger drawer-style air fryers usually handle a full pork tenderloin with space around it. Compact units can crowd the meat, especially if you try to cook vegetables at the same time. The more crowded the basket, the slower the hot air can move, and the more the time stretches out.

If your air fryer comes with a rack, use it so the tenderloin sits slightly above the base of the basket. That allows fat to drip away and exposes more surface to the hot air, which leads to better browning and more even cooking.

Cuts That Are Not True Tenderloin

Pork loin and pork tenderloin are not the same cut. Loin is wider and usually has a cap of fat, while tenderloin is thin and very lean. Times in this article are for pork tenderloin only. If your piece looks much wider than a typical tenderloin, check the label; you may need a different time and temperature pattern closer to a small roast.

Step By Step: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Method

Now that you have a sense of how long to cook a pork tenderloin in air fryer, here is a simple process you can follow. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, but keep the steps and temperatures the same.

1. Trim And Season The Pork

1. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels.
2. Use a sharp knife to remove any silver skin from the surface. This thin, shiny membrane stays chewy if left on.
3. Rub the meat with 1–2 tablespoons of oil so the seasoning sticks and the surface browns nicely.
4. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any herbs you like. Paprika adds color; dried thyme or rosemary add a simple savory note.

If you like a wet marinade, you can soak the pork for 30–60 minutes in the fridge before drying and seasoning. Just know that a heavy marinade may add a few minutes to the time in the basket.

2. Preheat The Air Fryer

1. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Some cooks prefer 400°F for deeper browning; if you choose that, stay near the lower end of the time range in the chart and watch closely.
2. Let the air fryer preheat for 3–5 minutes so the basket and air are already hot when the pork goes in.

A hot basket helps set a light crust on the meat, which keeps more juices inside. If your model does not have a preheat function, just run it empty at your chosen temperature for a few minutes.

3. Arrange, Cook, And Flip

1. Place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the basket or on the rack. Leave space around all sides.
2. Cook at 375–400°F for 10–12 minutes.
3. Flip the tenderloin with tongs so the other side browns evenly.
4. Cook another 8–12 minutes, then start checking the temperature in the thickest part.

If the surface gets dark before the center reaches 145°F, you can lower the temperature to 350°F for the last few minutes. That gives the center time to catch up without burning the outside.

4. Check Temperature, Rest, And Slice

1. Insert a digital thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin, avoiding any pockets of fat.
2. When the thermometer reads 145°F, transfer the pork to a plate or board.
3. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 3–5 minutes so the juices settle.
4. Slice across the grain into ½-inch medallions and serve.

According to the USDA’s safe minimum internal temperature chart, whole cuts of pork are safe to eat at 145°F with a short rest. That guideline applies no matter which cooking method you use, including the air fryer.

Checking Internal Temperature Safely

Color alone does not tell you whether pork is done. Pork tenderloin can stay slightly pink in the center even when it has reached a safe internal temperature. A thermometer removes the guesswork and reduces the chance of overcooking the meat just because you are worried about color.

For the most accurate reading, insert the probe into the thickest area from the side, not from the top. Stop the tip in the center of the meat, not touching the basket or any pan underneath. Check in two spots if the tenderloin is uneven. If both readings are at least 145°F, you are in good shape.

Some home cooks like to pull pork tenderloin out of the air fryer when it reads about 140°F, then rely on carryover heat during the rest to bring it up to 145°F. If you follow that pattern, be sure the temperature actually reaches 145°F before you slice and serve.

Internal Temperature And Texture Guide

This second table ties internal temperatures to how the meat feels and tastes. It can help you match the cooking time to your texture preference while staying within safe limits for pork.

Internal Temp (°F)	Texture	Notes
135–140°F	Very soft, quite pink	Below USDA safe temp for pork; not advised.
140–145°F	Juicy, slightly pink center	Carryover heat during rest should reach 145°F or higher.
145–150°F	Moist, faint blush in center	Matches USDA minimum when rested; good balance of safety and tenderness.
150–155°F	Firm, mostly pale	Still pleasant, but a bit less juicy than at 145–150°F.
155–160°F	Quite firm, little to no pink	Safe but on the dry side, especially for lean tenderloin.
165°F+	Dry, fibrous	Better suited to pulled pork cuts; avoid taking tenderloin this high.

If you are used to cooking pork until there is no trace of pink, shifting to 145–150°F can feel like a big change. The USDA pork temperature guidance confirms that this lower temperature with a rest is safe for whole cuts, while also giving a far better texture than older, hotter targets.

Seasoning Ideas For Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin has a mild flavor that pairs nicely with many seasoning styles. The air fryer’s dry heat gives a little roasting effect, so anything that tastes good on a roast or grilled chop usually works here too.

Simple Herb And Garlic

For an easy weeknight version, stick with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme or rosemary. Add a squeeze of lemon over the sliced pork for a fresh finish. This style works well when you plan to serve the meat with roasted potatoes, green beans, or a salad.

Sweet And Smoky

Try a mix of brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of cayenne or chipotle. Coat the tenderloin just before cooking so the sugar does not sit too long and draw out moisture. This blend pairs nicely with corn, slaw, or air-fried sweet potatoes.

Asian-Style Marinade

Whisk together soy sauce, a little honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar. Marinate the pork in the fridge for up to an hour, then pat it dry before air frying. Because of the sugar in the sauce, watch the surface near the end so it browns without burning.

Common Mistakes With Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Even with a good time chart, a few habits can throw off your results. Here are frequent trouble spots and how to fix them.

Cooking Straight From The Package

Skipping the drying and trimming step leaves moisture and silver skin on the surface. That extra moisture steams instead of browns, and the silver skin tightens and makes some bites chewy. A quick dry and trim at the start pays off in better texture.

Overcrowding The Basket

Trying to cook pork and a full load of vegetables in one go often leads to uneven results. The side with better airflow cooks faster, while the side pressed against other food lags behind. If you want a full meal in the air fryer, cook the pork first, let it rest, then air fry the vegetables while the meat sits.

Relying On Time Without A Thermometer

Two air fryers set to the same temperature do not always behave the same way. Relying on a strict time alone can leave you with pork that is underdone in the center or dry around the edges. A quick thermometer check solves that, and it takes only a few seconds.

Skipping The Rest

Cutting straight into the tenderloin the moment it comes out of the air fryer spills a lot of juice onto the cutting board. Letting the meat rest for a few minutes keeps more moisture inside the slices and brings the temperature to a safer level at the same time.

Confusing Loin With Tenderloin

Using pork loin times for tenderloin, or the other way around, throws cooking off by a wide margin. Check labels when you buy and again when you unwrap the meat. If the cut is thick and wide, treat it like a small roast, not a tenderloin, and follow a different cook time reference.

Serving Ideas And Leftovers

Air fryer pork tenderloin slices work well with many side dishes: air-fried potatoes, simple salads, rice, or roasted vegetables. Because the meat is lean, a sauce or pan gravy made from the juices on the board can round out the plate without much extra effort.

For leftovers, cool the slices within about two hours, then store them in shallow, airtight containers in the fridge. Slice the meat before chilling so it reheats quickly. Rewarm in the air fryer at 320°F for a few minutes, in a covered skillet with a splash of broth, or in the microwave at low power until just heated through. Avoid cooking leftovers until they steam aggressively, or they will dry out.

Once you understand how long to cook a pork tenderloin in air fryer for your usual size and seasoning style, the process becomes almost automatic. Time becomes a guideline, the thermometer confirms doneness, and you can focus on flavor and side dishes instead of worrying whether the center is safe.