Name: Air Fryer BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 lb. pork tenderloin; 1 tablespoon avocado oil; 1/2 cup sugar-free BBQ sauce

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Air fryer BBQ pork tenderloin is the perfect weeknight or weekend meal. This easy to make recipe consists of a simple homemade spice blend that doesn’t skimp on the flavor, fresh pork tenderloin, and sweet BBQ sauce. This sweet combination creates the juiciest, most delicious air fryer pork tenderloin you will ever taste.

Indulge in the irresistible fusion of smoky barbecue flavors and succulent pork perfection with our air fryer BBQ pork tenderloin recipe. This quick and hassle-free recipe transforms a humble pork tenderloin into a mouthwatering masterpiece, creating a beautiful crust while keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.

Ingredients

Brown Sugar Substitute
Smoked Paprika
Kosher Salt
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Cumin
Black Pepper
Pork Tenderloin
Avocado Oil
Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce

How To Make Air Fryer BBQ Pork Tenderloin

Mix the brown sugar substitute, smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder and onion powder, cumin, and black pepper in a small bowl until combined to make the BBQ rub.

Brush the pork tenderloin all over with avocado oil.

Sprinkle the over all sides of the pork tenderloin, making sure to massage it into the meat.

Place the pork tenderloin in an airtight container and let it marinate for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Set the air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 5 minutes.

Put the pork tenderloin into the basket. Cook it for 10 minutes.

Brush the pork tenderloin with BBQ sauce. Flip it over, brush it with more BBQ sauce, and air fry it for another 10-15 minutes until it has an internal temperature of 145°F.

Let the pork tenderloin rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Tips For Making Air Fryer BBQ Pork Tenderloin

Take the pork tenderloin out of the fridge for at least 20-30 minutes before you air fry it. This allows the meat to come to room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly.

Pat the pork tenderloin dry using paper towels. It will help the oil and seasonings stick to the meat.

If you are using a small air fryer, cut the pork tenderloin in half horizontally. This will help it cook more evenly.

Check the pork tenderloin’s internal temperature after 20 minutes. Every air fryer is different. Some models may cook faster than others. So, it’s best to check the temperature after 20 minutes to prevent it from overcooking.

Let the pork tenderloin rest for 5 minutes before serving. If you cut the pork tenderloin right away, the juices will run out of the meat, making it dry. Letting the pork tenderloin rest allows the juices to be redistributed back into the meat.

Variations

This air fryer BBQ pork tenderloin recipe is absolutely exquisite. However, this recipe is customizable. Feel free to experiment with these variations based on your taste preferences to create your own unique twist on this air fryer BBQ pork tenderloin recipe.

Maple Chipotle Pork: Combine maple syrup, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and a clove of minced garlic for a spicy-sweet glaze that adds depth to the pork.
Asian-Inspired Teriyaki Pork: Create an Asian twist by marinating the pork in teriyaki sauce, ginger, and garlic before air frying. Top with sesame seeds and green onions once it’s finished cooking, and you’ve got the perfect teriyaki pork tenderloin.
Garlic Rosemary Pork Tenderloin: Infuse the pork with aromatic flavors by rubbing it with minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, and a few tablespoons of olive oil before air frying.
Citrus Marinated Pork: Marinate the pork in a mixture of orange juice, lime juice, and zest for a bright and citrusy flavor profile.
Cajun Spice Rubbed Pork: Rub the pork with a blend of Cajun spices, paprika, and thyme before air frying to give it a bold and zesty Cajun kick.

What Serve With Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

Pairing your air fryer BBQ pork tenderloin with sides that complement the dish makes the meal even better. Here are some delicious and versatile options:

Roasted Vegetables: Roast seasonal vegetables such as carrots, asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini. Drizzle them with olive oil, fresh rosemary or thyme, dried Italian seasoning, or herbs de Provence sprinkle and roast until tender.
Mashed Potatoes: Whip up some rich and creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic and salty parmesan cheese for the ultimate side dish.
Coleslaw: A crisp and tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the smoky, sweet pork. Consider a classic cabbage slaw or a variation with apple slices for sweetness.
Quinoa Salad: Prepare a light and refreshing quinoa salad with sautéed zucchini, fresh tomatoes, and a zesty lime herb dressing for a hearty side dish that pairs perfectly with the smoky pork tenderloin.
Sweet Potato Fries: Serve your pork tenderloin with crispy air-fried sweet potato fries for a delightful and healthier alternative to regular fries.
Wild Rice Pilaf: Cook wild rice with sautéed onions, mushrooms, and herbs for a flavorful and wholesome side dish.

How Do You Cook Pork Tenderloin Without Drying Out?

The trick to cooking air fryer BBQ pork tenderloin without drying it out is to cook it to the right temperature. Pork tenderloin is finished cooking when it has a temperature of 145°F. If it is cooked any higher than this, it will start to dry out.

Should I Cook Pork Tenderloin Covered Or Uncovered?

While foil does help keep pork tenderloin moist, it’s best to cook the pork tenderloin uncovered if you are going to air fry it. If you tent the pork tenderloin with foil, it will fly around in the air fryer. The foil needs to be weighted down to prevent it from touching the heating element. Even if you wrap the pork tenderloin tightly with foil, it will prevent the pork from developing a rich, crisp crust. So it is better to air fry pork tenderloin uncovered.

What’s The Difference Between Pork Tenderloin And Pork Loin?

Pork tenderloin and pork loin sound similar, but they are actually quite different. Pork tenderloin is a slender, long, boneless cut of pork that is carved from the muscle that runs down the backbone. Pork tenderloin is a flatter, wider cut from the loin between the ribs and back fat. Pork tenderloin is boneless, while pork loin can be bone-in or boneless.

Storing Air Fryer BBQ Pork Tenderloin

Store leftover air fryer BBQ pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. You can also wrap the pork tenderloin tightly with plastic wrap. Wrap the pork tenderloin tightly with aluminum foil before storing it in the fridge.

You can also freeze the pork tenderloin by placing it into a freezer-safe container. Alternatively, you can wrap the pork tenderloin tightly with plastic wrap, then add it to a ziplock bag. The air fryer BBQ pork tenderloin will last in the freezer for 2-3 months.

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