Air Fryer Garlic & Herb Pork Tenderloin

Need an easy dinner that tastes like you spent much more time in the kitchen than you actually did? This Air Fryer Garlic & Herb Pork Tenderloin is juicy, buttery, loaded with garlic and herbs, and incredibly simple to prepare.

The air fryer is perfect for pork tenderloin because the circulating hot air helps create a flavorful exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Add plenty of melted butter and garlic herb seasoning, and you’ve got an easy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy fall meal.

Pair it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a simple salad for a complete dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

This recipe requires very little prep and only a handful of ingredients. It’s also an easy way to cook pork tenderloin without turning on the oven.

The buttery garlic and herb coating adds plenty of flavor, while cooking the pork to temperature rather than relying solely on cooking time helps prevent it from becoming dry.

Best of all, most of the cooking is completely hands-off.

Air Fryer Garlic & Herb Pork Tenderloin

Servings: Approximately 4–6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Air Fryer Temperature: 400°F

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin, approximately 1–2 pounds
• ½ cup butter, melted
• Garlic and herb seasoning, to taste
• Meat thermometer

How to Make Garlic & Herb Pork Tenderloin in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, if your particular air fryer recommends preheating.

Remove the pork tenderloin from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.

Brush the tenderloin generously with melted butter, coating all sides.

Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket.

Air fry at 400°F. Begin checking the internal temperature well before the end of the estimated cooking time, since cooking time can vary significantly depending on the size and thickness of the tenderloin and your particular air fryer.

Partway through cooking, carefully remove the pork tenderloin and brush it again with melted butter.

Generously season all sides with garlic and herb seasoning.

Return the pork tenderloin to the air fryer and continue cooking until the thickest portion reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Remove the pork from the air fryer and allow it to rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing.

Slice into medallions and serve warm.

How Long Does Pork Tenderloin Take in the Air Fryer?

A 1–2 pound pork tenderloin may take roughly 20–30 minutes at 400°F, but don’t use cooking time alone to determine whether your pork is done.

Pork tenderloins can vary considerably in size and thickness, and air fryer models cook differently.

The safest and most reliable method is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. According to USDA guidance, whole cuts of pork should reach 145°F followed by at least a 3-minute rest.

Don’t Confuse Pork Tenderloin with Pork Loin

This is important when making this recipe.

Pork tenderloin is a relatively small, long, narrow cut of meat that is typically around 1–2 pounds.

Pork loin is a much larger and thicker cut.

They’re not interchangeable when it comes to air fryer cooking times, so make sure your package says pork tenderloin.

Don’t Skip the Butter

The melted butter adds richness while helping the garlic and herb seasoning coat the pork.

Brush the tenderloin generously before cooking and again when adding the seasoning.

You don’t necessarily have to use every drop of the ½ cup of melted butter. Use enough to thoroughly coat the pork, and discard any butter that has come into contact with raw meat.

What Garlic & Herb Seasoning Should I Use?

This recipe is flexible, so use your favorite garlic and herb seasoning blend.

Look for one containing flavors such as garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, onion, or black pepper.

If your seasoning blend contains a lot of salt, start with a lighter coating. You can always add more seasoning after cooking.

Tips for Juicy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

The biggest secret is simple: use a meat thermometer.

Pork tenderloin is extremely lean, so overcooking can quickly make it dry.

Insert the thermometer into the thickest portion of the tenderloin to check the internal temperature.

Also, don’t skip the resting period. Giving the meat a few minutes to rest before slicing helps keep those flavorful juices inside the pork instead of running onto your cutting board.

What to Serve with Garlic & Herb Pork Tenderloin

This is an especially good recipe for fall because it pairs beautifully with classic comfort-food sides.

Try serving it with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Green beans
• Glazed carrots
• Roasted squash
• Macaroni and cheese
• Dinner rolls
• Apple or cranberry salad

For an especially cozy fall dinner, serve the pork with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and warm rolls.

How to Store Leftover Pork Tenderloin

Allow leftover pork to cool before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating it promptly.

When reheating, be careful not to cook it much longer than necessary. Pork tenderloin can dry out when repeatedly heated.

Leftovers are also delicious sliced thin for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or grain bowls.

An Easy Fall Air Fryer Dinner

Fall recipes don’t always have to involve pumpkin and cinnamon. This Air Fryer Garlic & Herb Pork Tenderloin is exactly the kind of warm, savory dinner that’s nice to have when the weather starts cooling down.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but sliced pork tenderloin looks impressive enough to serve when you have company.

Add a couple of your favorite fall side dishes and dinner is done.

Print Pin

Air Fryer Garlic & Herb Pork Tenderloin

Make juicy Air Fryer Garlic & Herb Pork Tenderloin with butter and simple seasonings for an easy, flavorful dinner that's ready in about 30 minutes.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Pork Roast

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin approximately 1–2 pounds
• ½ cup butter melted
• Garlic and herb seasoning to taste

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, if your particular air fryer recommends preheating.
• Remove the pork tenderloin from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
• Brush the tenderloin generously with melted butter, coating all sides.
• Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry at 400°F. Begin checking the internal temperature well before the end of the estimated cooking time, since cooking time can vary significantly depending on the size and thickness of the tenderloin and your particular air fryer.
• Partway through cooking, carefully remove the pork tenderloin and brush it again with melted butter.
• Generously season all sides with garlic and herb seasoning.
• Return the pork tenderloin to the air fryer and continue cooking until the thickest portion reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Remove the pork from the air fryer and allow it to rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing.
• Slice into medallions and serve warm.