Pork tenderloin air fryer style! It only takes 25 minutes and uses fresh ingredients! A juicy pork tenderloin with an easy cranberry orange chutney, perfect for a holiday meal or a Sunday dinner.
Using the air fryer is probably the easiest way to prepare pork tenderloin, also called pork filet or filet mignon of pork. Whether you enjoy this simple air fryer recipe as a part of your big family feast or make it a fun and easy weeknight dinner, it’s a dish the whole family will love!
Love pork? This lean meat is a favorite of ours; try our favorite pork recipes: Shredded Pulled Pork Sliders, Tom Gah Soup, and Asian Pork Tenderloin.
Why You Will Love Marinated Pork Tenderloin in Air Fryer
- Easy Recipe – This main dish only needs a quick 5 minutes of prep and 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time – That’s it! It’s one of my favorite pork tenderloin recipes made in the air fryer.
- Optional Marinade – If you have the time, marinade the pork tenderloins for extra flavor. Otherwise, the recipe is still delicious and has plenty of flavor with the fresh chutney!
- Company Recipe – The cranberry and date chutney make this simple pork tenderloin recipe perfect for the holidays! Try making it for Christmas dinner, a dinner party or New Year’s Eve.
I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!
Simple Ingredients for Pork Tenderloin in Air Fryer
- Fresh fruit juice | Use freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh lemon juice when making homemade chutney – It makes a big difference!
- Cranberries and Dates | Toss in some tangy cranberries and chopped Medjool dates. Fresh cranberries are best, but frozen will also do the trick; do not thaw.
- Salt and pepper | Season the chutney with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Garlic | For subtle spice, add fresh garlic. If necessary, you may use garlic powder instead.
- Oil | Use olive oil or another mild-flavored oil, like vegetable oil or avocado oil, to air fry pork tenderloin.
- Pork Tenderloins | Depending on how many you serve, two or three pork tenderloins should do the trick!
- Seasoning mix | Add flavor to the marinade or dry rub to the juicy air fryer pork tenderloin with kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder for sweetness, and cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
How to Make Pork Tenderloin Air Fryer
Step 1 | Marinate pork tenderloin (optional)
Marinate the pork for a few hours before starting the recipe for a more robust flavor. Pat pork tenderloins dry with paper towels; remove the silver skin if still attached by sliding a sharp knife just under the silver carefully slicing it off. Next, place the tenderloins in a plastic bag, adding the orange juice, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
Then, seal the bag and refrigerate the pork for at least 30 minutes and no longer than four hours. Before continuing the recipe, allow the marinated pork to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Or make dry rub
Sprinkle all sides of the pork with the remaining one teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, rub into the meat.
Proceed directly with recipe, or if you have time, allow the spice rub to soak into the meat for 30 minutes or more. If more than 30 minutes, then place it in a ziplock baggie in the fridge. Bring it out 30 minutes before cooking.
Fresh Tips
- Marinating the pork is not required, nor is adding the dry rub ahead of time and letting it sit; but it produces extra delicious results! It’s a simple step that just takes a little planning.
Step 2 | Make date cranberry orange chutney
Pour the juice of the oranges and lemons into a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the juice is simmering, add the cranberries and cook them for about 5 minutes or until they pop!
Then, add the chopped dates and season the chutney with a dash of salt and black pepper. Remove it from heat, and set it aside for later.
Fresh Tips
- Feel free to double the chutney recipe to enjoy more on top of the tender marinated pork or stir into steamed rice as a side dish! YUM!
- Taste the chutney as it cooks. If it’s a bit too sweet, add more lemon juice.
- Remember that the chutney can be made 4 hours ahead of time when covered and stored in the fridge.
Step 3 | Air fry pork tenderloins
Remove the tenderloins from the bag, patting them dry with a paper towel if needed. Brush or spray them with olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray.
How long to cook pork tenderloin in air fryer?
Then, preheat the air fryer to 400° F (205° C), carefully placing the pork tenderloins into the basket when preheated, and bake them for about 15 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F.
Recommended Tools
- This wireless instant-read thermometer is genius!
Fresh Tip
- Air Fryers all heat a little differently, it’s okay to peek at your pork tenderloins midway through. If browning too much, flip them over. Check the internal temperature after about 15 minutes using an instant read thermometer. I love this wireless meat thermometer that I can check on my phone!
- Don’t overcrowd your air fryer. Place tenderloins in single layer in air fryer basket, cooking in batches if needed. Keep cooked tenderloins on a plate covered in foil.
Step 4 | Rest, slice, and serve!
Once the tenderloins are cooked, transfer them to a cutting board, cover them loosely with aluminum foil, and rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
In the meantime, reheat the cranberry chutney on low heat. Then, slice the pork with a sharp knife and spoon the chutney over the top of the sliced tenderloin. Serve fresh, and enjoy!
Fresh Tips
- I prefer the pork to have a little pink in the center. As long as the internal temperature reaches 145° F, it is safe to consume.
- If necessary, air fry the tenderloins in batches, depending on your air fryer basket size.
- Transfer any extra juices from air frying the tenderloins to the cranberry chutney – Yum!
Oven Baked Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Chutney
Not everyone has an air fryer – So here’s a simple oven recipe! Preheat the oven to 375° F (190° C) and prepare the pork tenderloins as directed. Then, sear the pork in a large skillet with a tablespoon of oil, cooking on all sides for a couple of minutes.
Next, set the tenderloins on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145° F.
This is my favorite meat thermometer if you don’t yet own one. It also makes for an excellent Christmas gift!
Air Fryer 101
If you’re still on the fence about investing in an air fryer, I say go for it! We use our air fryer all the time, making our favorite cuts of meat, veggies, and other foods quick and easy!
It uses less oil than other cooking methods and makes delicious food. See for yourself by trying out some of my favorite recipes for your first time using the air fryer, like this Roasted Turkey Breast, Korean Fried Chicken Recipe, and this buttery Air Fryer Halibut Recipe!
Air Fryer Recommendations
- Turn your Instant Pot into an air fryer with this air fryer lid — one less appliance!
- Cosori Air Fryer is the next up, a dedicated air fryer with a larger square basket.
- Ninja Foodi Air Fryer & Indoor Grill — a nice wide and easy-to-operate air fryer and grill.
- Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro (it does it all!), love, love this air fryer, countertop oven.
Variations & Substitutions
Air Fryer Pork Chops: This recipe is also delicious with pork chops instead of tenderloins. Air fry at the same temperature, slightly reducing the cook time because it’s a thinner cut, flipping halfway through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 145° F.
More Fruit: If you’d like, add more fresh fruit to the chutney, like diced apples.
Spicy Chutney: A great way to add a hint of heat to the sweet and tangy cranberry chutney is to include red pepper flakes and chili powder or increase the cayenne pepper.
Pork Tenderloin Cooking Temperature Guide
For medium rare pork tenderloin, cook until it reaches 145-150° F. Or, cook the pork between 150-155 degrees F for medium, 155-160° F for medium-well, or 160° F for well-done pork.
Storage Tips
Fridge | Store leftover pork tenderloin in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze | Air-fried pork tenderloin can also be frozen for up to three months in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
How to reheat pork tenderloin (without drying it out)
- How to reheat pork tenderloin medallions in the air fryer | Easy, slice into medallions if not already done so, preheat air fryer to 350° F (175° C) and lightly spritz pork slices with spray oil, air fry for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
- Reheat pork tenderloin in the oven | Place pork tenderloin in an oven-safe dish, loosely covered with aluminum foil, adding a little chicken broth or water to the bottom and bake for 20-30 minutes.
- Rewarm pork tenderloin in skillet | Add a thin layer of oil and heat over medium heat until hot. Place the pork tenderloin, whole or in slices, in a single layer in the pan and promptly cover it with a lid. Rotate it periodically until thoroughly heated, ensuring you always keep it covered when not flipping.
- Sliced Tenderloin: Flip it approximately every minute, and it should take around three minutes in total for half-inch slices.
- Whole tenderloin: Turn every two to three minutes; the process typically takes 12 to 15 minutes to complete.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as microwaves tend to toughen meat as it reheats. If you must, place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second bursts until warmed. Be sure to cover with a damp paper towel and if possible add a little water or broth to the dish to help it from drying out.
- Frozen pork tenderloin should be first thawed in the refrigerator overnight and then reheated the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure! Because you’re cooking them, you shouldn’t experience any difference. Do not thaw frozen cranberries.
The oil in the pork marinade helps the tenderloin retain moisture and the quick cooking with air circulation ensures more tender pork. Be sure to marinate it or allow the dry rub to sit on it for 30 minutes or more.
When cooking pork tenderloin in the air fryer, I recommend keeping it uncovered so it forms that satisfying crispy crust the air fryer produces.
The best way to meal prep for this air fryer recipe is to add the marinade and pork to a plastic bag and allow it to sit in the fridge overnight to air fry the following day. The chutney can also be made a day in advance when stored in an airtight container or small bowl tightly covered with plastic wrap.
Pork Roast vs. Pork Tenderloin
Roast and tenderloin differ in cut, size, tenderness, and cooking methods. Pork roasts are larger, often tougher, and require slow cooking. Pork tenderloin is a smaller, very tender cut that cooks quickly and has a milder flavor.
What to serve with marinated pork tenderloin in air fryer
- Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
- Crispy Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli
- Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes with Ham
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Glaze
- Try a big green salad, tossed with our Zesty Italian Dressing.
Favorite side dishes for juicy pork tenderloin
Try this crowd-pleasing Green Bean Casserole made without canned mushroom soup and creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes! Or this Festive Holiday Salad recipe, and this fall-favorite Squash Soup.
Ultimate Green Bean Casserole Recipe (No Mushroom Soup)
The ultimate green bean casserole with no mushroom soup is ready for the oven in 20 minutes! With fresh green beans, Worcestershire sauce with crispy bacon and fried onions or crispy panko!
The Best Festive Holiday Christmas Salad Recipe
For a beautiful Holiday Salad Recipe this year, add a healthy punch of bold flavors to your holiday menu. Simple greens, fruits, and veggies topped with goat cheese and crunchy nuts — it is a festive Christmas Salad topped with pomegranate arils and a pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette.
Creamy Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Dreamy, roasted garlic mashed potatoes; enhanced with the flavorful elegance of roasted garlic, these will become your go-to mashed potatoes.
Easy Panera Autumn Squash Soup Recipe (Copycat)
A healthier copycat recipe for Panera Autumn Squash Soup that the whole family will love. This easy, vegetarian copycat autumn squash soup recipe is silky smooth and delicious.
Best desserts to serve with air fryer pork tenderloin
End the meal with more cranberry flavor! Try my classic Nantucket Cranberry Pie, our famous Cranberry Christmas Cake, these tangy Lemon Cranberry Bars, or sweet Oatmeal Cranberry Bars.
Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe with Butter Sauce
I can’t imagine the holidays without this easy Cranberry Christmas Cake! It’s a doubly good dessert or breakfast treat with tangy cranberries and a rich, warm vanilla butter sauce. This cranberry cake is sweet enough to tantalize a smile out of any grinch. Plus for those baking a high altitude cake, I've got the perfect adjustments for you!
Nantucket Cranberry Pie {Easy Cranberry Dessert Recipe}
I am a pie lover, and I love variations on the classics. This Nantucket Cranberry Pie isn't technically a pie, more of a cake really. It has a juicy layer of sweet-tart fresh cranberries on the bottom and that crispy, buttery, cakey-cookie topping! Easiest holiday pie ever!
Lemon Cranberry Bars
Lemon Cranberry Bars are refreshing and bright with sassy and sweet tones. They are wonderfully refreshing after a big meal and so festive with layers of yellow and red.
Oatmeal Cranberry Bars
I love the bright reds in the holiday season, and these Oatmeal Cranberry Bars look festive and taste amazing. The fresh cranberries in the middle are tart and the one bowl, brown sugar crumb doubles as the crust and topping! This recipe is popular with both kids and adults, so pull out a pan and let’s get baking!
More cranberry recipes for the holidays
- Fresh Cranberry Relish
- 3-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs (Crockpot)
- Best Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
- Easy Turkey Cranberry Sliders Recipe (Baked)
- Cranberry Walnut Bread (No Knead)
If you have the time, marinate the pork tenderloins for a couple of hours and enjoy extra flavorful bites of pork!
I hope you loved this Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Orange Chutney — if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!
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Ingredients
Date Cranberry Orange Chutney
- ½ cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed, about 1 small lemon
- ⅓ cup cranberries fresh or frozen (do not thaw)
- 1 cup Medjool dates about 4 ounces, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Pork Tenderloins
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 pounds pork tenderloin about 2 or 3 tenderloins
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ¼-½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Three options for your spice rub/marinade. Remove tenderloins from package and pat dry with paper towels. Option 1 | Place them in a ziplock baggie and add orange juice, lemon juice, salt, pepper, onion powder, cayenne pepper and garlic. Seal and refrigerate up to 4 hours, but at least 30 minutes. Remove pork from fridge 30 minutes before cooking.Option 2 | Do a dry rub, brush pork tenderloins with oil, then sprinkle garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper and cayenne and rub all over tenderloins. If time, allow them to rest for 30 minutes, up to 4 hours (refrigerated). Option 3 | Do the above and air fry right away.
Make Date Cranberry Orange Chutney
- Juice the oranges to get ½ cup, do the same with the lemons and place the juice in a small saucepan set over medium heat.
- Once the juice starts to simmer, add the cranberries and allow them to cook for 5 minutes or until they pop.
- Stir in the chopped dates and season with ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Remove the pork from the marinade and pat dry the pork with a paper towel and brush with olive oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400° F (205° C). Once the air fryer is ready carefully place the pork into the air fryer basket and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140-145°F.
- Transfer pork to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. Any accumulated juices can be put into the saucepan with the cranberry chutney.
- While the pork rests, reheat the cranberry chutney on low heat. Slice the pork and spoon the chutney over top, serving immediately.
Notes
- How to reheat pork tenderloin medallions in the air fryer | Easy, slice into medallions if not already done so, preheat air fryer to 350° F (175° C) and lightly spritz pork slices with spray oil, air fry for 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
- Reheat pork tenderloin in the oven | Place pork tenderloin in an oven-safe dish, loosely covered with aluminum foil, adding a little chicken broth or water to the bottom and bake for 20-30 minutes.
- Rewarm pork tenderloin in skillet | Add a thin layer of oil and heat over medium heat until hot. Place the pork tenderloin, whole or in slices, in a single layer in the pan and promptly cover it with a lid. Rotate it periodically until thoroughly heated, ensuring you always keep it covered when not flipping.
- Sliced Tenderloin: Flip it approximately every minute, and it should take around three minutes in total for half-inch slices.
- Whole tenderloin: Turn every two to three minutes; the process typically takes 12 to 15 minutes to complete.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as microwaves tend to toughen meat as it reheats. If you must, place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second bursts until warmed. Be sure to cover with a damp paper towel and if possible add a little water or broth to the dish to help it from drying out.
- Frozen pork tenderloin should be first thawed in the refrigerator overnight and then reheated the next day.
Nutrition
Bobby
This was my first time making pork tenderloin in the air fryer and it turned out delicious. Will definitely be making this recipe again!
Thanks so much Bobby, so glad you loved it!
Alison Corey
I appreciate the efficiency of this recipe – taking only 25 minutes in the air fryer means a flavorful and satisfying meal can be prepared in no time. The use of fresh ingredients, especially the cranberry orange chutney, adds a burst of tangy and zesty flavors that must complement the pork beautifully.
So glad you liked it!! Thanks for your kind comment!
justine
Moist and great flavors, will make again for sure.
So glad you loved it!
Eliza
I just got an air fryer, and this was the first recipe I tried. The pork was just as you promised – tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked. The cranberry chutney is divine and I’m going to make it separately for Thanksgiving. Another fantastic recipe from The Fresh Cooky!
Thank you, Eliza!!
Sharon
Wow, I love your recipe, it’s so informative. I can’t wait to try this recipe, thanks!!
Thanks!