Garlic Mustard Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

This recipe has an easy, sweet and tangy marinade that makes this pork tenderloin super tender while infusing it with amazing flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

For more easy air fryer meals, try our Juicy Air Fryer Pork Chops.

Pork tenderloin is a long, slender cut of meat taken from the muscle along the backbone of the pig. Don’t confuse it with the loin which is much bigger. Pork tenderloin is usually found in the meat section of most grocery stores, either packaged whole or pre-cut into smaller portions. You’ll usually find 2 tenderloins in a package that will weigh between 1 1/2 to 2 pounds.

Ingredient Notes

• Pork Tenderloin: These typically come trimmed and ready to go. Generally, there are 2 tenderloins per package. If you happen to get a tenderloin with a little skin or extra fat feel free to trim it off.
• Olive Oil: Used in the marinade, so use an EVOO/other high-quality olive oil.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh will always have the best flavor, but bottled works too.
• White Wine Vinegar: You want a mild vinegar. Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes.
• Whole Grain Mustard: You can always use regular Dijon mustard. Whole grain has the mustard seeds, which are pretty and add texture.

Pork Tenderloin vs. Pork Loin

Don’t confuse the two! Pork tenderloin is a small, thin strip of meat that comes from the backbone area. It is always sold boneless and only weighs 1 to 1 1/2 pounds. Pork tenderloin is the most tender cut of pork. It is best suited for quick cooking using high heat.

Pork loin is a large, lean piece of meat cut from the back area. It is best suited for cooking over medium heat or slow-roasted in the oven.

Pork tenderloin and pork loin cannot be used interchangeably. 

Pink is Right!

Can pork tenderloin be a little pink? Yes! And it actually SHOULD be a pale pink color in the middle. The USDA recommends that pork be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. At 145 degrees Fahrenheit, you will have the juiciest pork tenderloin possible which will be a pale shade of pink in the center, but still fully safe to eat. Even overcooked tenderloin can still have a pink hue. Remember, pork is a red meat like beef.

Air Fryer Tips

Don’t Overcrowd: Air fryers come in all different sizes. Cut your pork tenderloin as needed so that it will fit. Give your food some breathing room in the air fryer basket and cook in batches if needed.

Keep an Eye on Things: Air fryers work fast, and nobody wants overcooked pork. Use a meat thermometer if you can (to reach a safe internal temperature of 145°F) and check on things toward the end so you nail that perfect doneness.