Notes: We are currently in the development and testing stage for this pork tenderloin medallions air fryer recipe. Stay tuned for more updates. If you have any tips on making this dish even better, please leave us a comment below. We appreciate your input!
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Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions
Here are all you need to make easy air fried pork medallions.
- Pork tenderloin
- Dry rub
- Avocado oil
- Optional sauce for serving
✦ You can find the exact measurements of the recipe ingredients and customize the serving size in the recipe card after the detailed step-by-step instructions section.
Substitutes
No pork rub on hand? Feel free to use your preferred mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and any other spices you adore. It’s all about creating flavors that make you smile.
If you want to simplify this, you can skip the optional sauce altogether. The medallions are so flavorful that dipping might not even be necessary!
How to Cook Pork Medallions in an Air Fryer?
Preparing these Easy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions is as simple as possible. Even if you’re a rookie in the kitchen, you’ll breeze through this recipe confidently.
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC).
If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, set your desired temperature then let it cook for 5 minutes without food.
🚨 Important: Reduce the cooking temperature to 380°F (193°C) if you’re using a 4-quart air fryer or smaller. They are hotter due to the heating element being closer to the food.
Step 2: Prepare the pork tenderloin.
First, remove the silver skin from the tenderloin. It might sound fancy, but it’s just the silvery membrane on the meat. Trust me, removing it will make your medallions more tender and enjoyable.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing the silver skin from the tenderloin:
- First, take a close look at your pork tenderloin. You’ll notice a thin, silvery membrane on the surface. This silver skin can make your meat tough if left on during cooking.
- Insert a knife under the edge to loosen it, taking care not to cut too deep into the meat.
- Once you’ve loosened the silver skin, use your fingers to hold onto the edge. Pull the silver skin back gently while using the knife to slice and assist. Keep the blade as close to the membrane as possible to avoid wastage.
- Once you’ve removed the silver skin, take a final look at the tenderloin. You should see a clean, smooth surface ready for slicing into medallions. Congratulations, you’ve successfully removed the silver skin and set the stage for a delicious meal!
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your pork medallions are at their best—tender, juicy, and flavorful.
✦ You can get a tenderloin with its silver skin already removed, depending on where you live.
Step 3: Cut the pork tenderloin into medallions and season them.
Next up, it’s time to cut your pork tenderloin into those coveted medallions.
Aim for about 1-inch slices. It’s not only easier to cook, but it also means more surface area for that delicious rub and crispy texture.
- Place the trimmed tenderloin on a clean cutting board. Measure and mark 1-inch intervals along its length.
- Secure the tenderloin with one hand and slice through the marked intervals with a sharp chef’s knife. Maintain a steady downward motion for uniform slices.
- Continue slicing until the entire tenderloin is transformed into medallions.
Now that your medallions are prepped gather them in a bowl and drizzle a little avocado oil over them. Distribute the oil evenly.
Next, grab your favorite pre-made pork rub and generously sprinkle it on each medallion. Make sure that all sides of the pork medallions are fully seasoned. Use your hands to rub the seasoning evenly.
Step 4: Air fry the pork tenderloin medallions for 8 – 12 minutes at 400ºF (204ºC).
Arrange the seasoned pork medallions in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You don’t want to overcrowd them, so you might need to cook in batches if you’ve got a big batch.
Set the temperature to 400ºF (204ºC) and air fry for 8 – 12 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through.
After the 8 – 12-minute timer, confirm that your pork is perfectly cooked. The safe internal temperature for pork, ensuring it’s both safe to eat and deliciously tender, is 145ºF (63ºC). To accurately check, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a medallion.Â
💡 Pro Tip: You can actually remove the medallions from the air fryer when they reach 140ºF (60ºC); the resting time will allow them to get the ideal 145ºF (63ºC) temperature. This little waiting game results in even juicier and more flavorful medallions.
Step 5: Make that optional sauce.
While your medallions are sizzling away, let’s chat about the optional sauce. This is your opportunity to kick things up a notch.
A tangy BBQ sauce, a creamy garlic aioli, or a refreshing yogurt-based dip can take your medallions from great to incredible.
Whip up your favorite sauce and set it aside for dipping—the finishing touch is worth every bite.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Once the medallions are cooked to perfection, don’t rush into serving. Give them a 5-minute rest before digging in. This resting time is crucial in keeping those juices locked inside the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and full of flavor. It’s the little things that make a big difference.
Now, plate up and serve your Air Fried Pork Tenderloin Medallions. Pair them with the optional sauce you may have prepared. Then, to further elevate the dish, match them with your favorite sides—whether it’s a crisp salad, fluffy mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies—and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s both fuss-free and fantastic.
So, there you have it—a recipe that brings together ease, flavor, and satisfaction. These Easy Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions are a game-changer for anyone who loves fantastic food without the fuss.
✦ There are generally two ways to make pork medallions. One is this: slicing the tenderloin before cooking. The other one is cooking the whole tenderloin and cutting it once cooked. One example is our bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin in the air fryer.
Freezing & Storage
Freezing: Have leftovers? No worries! These medallions freeze beautifully. Simply place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, first, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Then, pop them back into the air fryer at 350ºF (177ºC) for 5 – 7 minutes, and you’re good to go.
Fridge: If you have extras and want to save them for later in the week, store the medallions in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. To reheat, a quick 5 – 7 minutes in the air fryer at 350ºF (177ºC) will restore their delightful crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Air fry pork medallions for 8 – 12 minutes at 400ºF (204ºC). Flip halfway for even cooking. Consider removing them at 140ºF (60ºC) as resting time will bring them to 145ºF (63ºC), enhancing juiciness.
This ingredients checklist is interactive; you can use it as your grocery list.
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin trimmed and cut into 1-inch medallions
- 2 tablespoons pork dry rub
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- Optional sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for 5 minutes.
- Season the pork medallions. While the air fryer is preheating, place the pork medallions in a bowl, drizzle them with avocado oil, and toss by hand. Then, generously sprinkle your favorite pre-made pork rub on all sides of each pork medallion. Toss by hand again to evenly coat the pork tenderloin.
- Air fry pork tenderloin medallions. Once the air fryer is ready, place the seasoned pork medallions in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook at 400ºF (204ºC) for 8-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
- While the pork medallions are air frying, take this time to prepare an optional sauce for dipping. It could be a tangy barbecue sauce, a zesty aioli, or a simple yogurt-based herb dip.
- Check for doneness. Once the pork medallions reach an internal temperature of 145ºF (63ºC), remove them from the air fryer.
- Allow the medallions to rest for 5 minutes at room temperature before serving. This resting period helps retain their juices and flavors, making each bite tender and succulent.
- Serve the juicy air-fried pork tenderloin medallions with the optional sauce on the side. Pair them with your favorite sides, perhaps mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Considering that cooking time varies depending on the meat’s thickness (and your air fryer’s specs), always check with a meat thermometer if your pork is cooked thoroughly. The pork’s safe internal temperature is a minimum of 145ºF (63ºC).
- You can remove the pork medallions from the air fryer at 140ºF (60ºC). With the 5-minute resting period, the pork will continue cooking and attain the recommended safe temperature of 145ºF (63ºC). This technique leads to the most succulent pork medallions you’ll ever relish.
- Avoid stacking or overlapping the medallions, which can result in uneven cooking. If the entire batch of pork medallions doesn’t fit comfortably in your air fryer basket, consider cooking them in separate batches for consistent and thorough cooking.
- If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheating option, you can set the temperature to 380°F (193°C) and then let it cook for 4-5 minutes without food.Â
- You can skip preheating by adding 2-4 minutes to your cooking time. Increment gradually to prevent burning the pork tenderloin medallions.
- I used a 6-quart (air fryer) to test the pork tenderloin medallions. Cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the number of servings you are making. For optimal results, begin with the lower end of the suggested cooking time.
Nutrition
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