How long to cook pork tenderloin in an air fryer

At-a-glance cooking parameters

Temperature

400 °F

204 °C

Total time

22 min

per single layer

Flip at

11 min

flip once

Internal temp

145 °F

63 °C

A whole pork tenderloin (1–1¼ lb) cooks in 22 minutes at 400 °F (204 °C) with a single flip at 11 minutes. Pull at 145 °F (63 °C) internal — modern pork is safe and juicy at this temperature, and the high convection heat builds a crust that rivals a cast-iron sear. Rest 5 minutes, slice into ½-inch medallions.

Per serving

Approximate values for a single portion of pork tenderloin (USDA baseline, cooked, includes light air-fryer oil spray).

Calories

220 kcal

Protein

32 g

Fat

9 g

Carbs

0 g

Pork Tenderloin in popular air fryer brands

Adjusted for how each brand actually heats. Tap a brand name to see every food we calibrate for it.

How to tell it’s done

Exterior is deeply browned and crusty; interior is faintly blushing pink at the centre when sliced, with clear (not pink) juices pooling on the cutting board.

Internal temperature: 145 °F / 63 °C. Always verify with an instant-read thermometer.

Step-by-step method

1. 1

   Prep

   Bring ingredients close to room temperature. Brush all sides with olive oil — tenderloin is extremely lean and needs oil to brown.

2. 2

   Season

   Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, rosemary, Dijon mustard rub (optional).

3. 3

   Load

   Arrange 1 whole tenderloin, 1–1¼ lb, trimmed of silver skin for best convection airflow.

4. 4

   Cook

   Set the air fryer to 400 °F (204 °C) and cook for 22 minutes total, flipping once at 11 minutes.

5. 5

   Check & rest

   Verify the internal temperature reaches 145 °F / 63 °C and rest 2–3 minutes before serving.

6. 6

   Store

   Slice cold for sandwiches — slicing warm bleeds out the juices. Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat at 350 °F for 3 minutes; longer drives it past 145 °F and the cut goes chalky.

Watch out for

• !Trim the silver skin (the silvery, sinewy membrane on the surface) before cooking. It does not render and contracts during cooking, twisting the loin and toughening the bite where it lies.
• !Pull pork at 145 °F / 63 °C — the USDA dropped the safe minimum from 160 °F in 2011. Higher is dry; 145 °F gives a juicy, faintly-blushing centre that is fully safe.
• !Rest the loin 5 minutes tented with foil before slicing. Carry-over heat finishes the centre to a uniform doneness; cutting immediately spills the juices onto the board.
• !If the loin is over 1¼ lb, fold the thin tail end under itself and tie with twine so the whole piece is the same thickness. Otherwise the tail overcooks while the centre is still raw.

FAQ about pork tenderloin in an air fryer

What temperature should I cook pork tenderloin at in an air fryer?

Cook pork tenderloin at 400 °F (204 °C). The convection air at this temperature browns the exterior quickly without drying the centre.

How long does pork tenderloin take in an air fryer?

Pork tenderloin takes 22 minutes total at 400 °F (204 °C). Flip the food once at 11 minutes so both sides cook evenly.

Do you need to flip pork tenderloin in an air fryer?

Yes — flip pork tenderloin once at 11 minutes. The side touching the basket grate develops a darker, more crusted surface; flipping evens out the cook so both sides match.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for pork tenderloin?

Preheating is optional for pork tenderloin — most modern air fryers reach temperature in under 2 minutes and the food's total cook time already accounts for the ramp-up. If you do preheat, reduce the total time by 1–2 minutes and check earlier than usual.

What internal temperature is pork tenderloin safe to eat?

Pork tenderloin should reach an internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C) measured at the thickest point with an instant-read thermometer. Visual checks alone are not a reliable substitute for protein — always confirm with a probe.