Irresistibly Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Pork Tenderloin

air fried breaded pork tenderloin, served as a sandwich with fries on the side

Irresistibly Crispy Air Fryer Breaded Pork Tenderloin

https://fryit.co/air-fryer-breaded-pork-tenderloin-recipe/

Get ready to indulge in crispy perfection with this easy-to-follow air fryer breaded pork tenderloin recipe. A golden and succulent dish that will leave your taste buds dancing!

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 21

Makes

Ingredients

1 lb pork tenderloin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs beaten
Avocado oil
Optional: Burger buns, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mayo, pickles

Instructions

Set up the breading station. Mix all-purpose flour with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow dish. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Lastly, add the breadcrumbs to the third dish.
Slice the pork. Begin by cutting the pork tenderloin crosswise into 4 even pieces. Then, make another crosswise cut on each piece, leaving it connected at one edge to open like a book. Take care not to cut all the way through.
Pound the tenderloin. Using a meat mallet, gently pound each opened piece until they’re approximately 1/2 inch thick. This will help tenderize the meat and ensure even cooking.
Season the pork tenderloin. Season each side of the pork with salt and pepper. Use your hands to massage the meat and evenly distribute the seasoning.
Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC) for 5 minutes.
Bread the pork tenderloin. Dredge each pork slice in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip each flour-coated pork slice into the beaten egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off. Transfer the egg-coated pork slices to the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the pork is evenly coated with the breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere.
Spray with avocado oil. Lightly spray avocado oil onto the breaded pork slices.
Air fry breaded pork tenderloin. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer. You might need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry the pork slices for 3 - 5 minutes. Carefully flip the pork slices and spray with more avocado oil. Then, cook for 3 - 5 minutes more or until the pork is cooked through and the breading is deep golden and crunchy.
Check doneness. Make sure the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145ºF (63ºC) using a meat thermometer. This ensures the pork is cooked to a safe temperature while remaining juicy.
Once cooked, transfer the air-fried breaded pork tenderloin slices to a serving platter. Then, let them rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve and enjoy. For a delicious Iowa-style twist, place each air fried breaded pork tenderloin on a burger bun and add fresh lettuce and tomato to mimic a classic breaded pork tenderloin sandwich. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauce or sides, and savor the crispy, flavorful delight!

Notes

Remove them from the air fryer for perfectly juicy and tender pork when the internal temperature is 140ºF (60ºC). The resting time will let the temperature increase to a safe temperature.
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).
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.
You can skip preheating by adding 2 - 4 minutes to your cooking time. Increment gradually to prevent burning the breaded pork tenderloin.
I used a 6-quart (air fryer) to test the breaded pork tenderloin. 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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