Weeknight chaos, but you still want real food? These Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions hit that perfect sweet spotgolden, juicy, fast. Everyone’s pinning them on Pinterest for good reason. Done in under 25 minutes, no finesse required.
Think thin-sliced pork fillet, rubbed with garlic and paprika, turned crisp on the edges and tender in the middle. Just pantry staples, nothing fancy. Pairs perfectly with a green veggie or leftover mashed potatoes. Full details in the blog!
I grew up eating home-grilled pork under grandma’s oak treebarefoot, mustard on my shirt. This version keeps the soul, skips the grill fuss. I tested it six times, tweaked the seasoning, and guess what? You’ll love the garlic-honey twist.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions
Quick and easy: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes. No fuss, no mess, just delicious results.
Family-friendly: The simple seasoning works for picky eaters while still delivering bold flavor.
Nostalgic comfort: The garlic and paprika rub will remind you of those cookout nightsbut without the grill hassle.
Health-conscious: Naturally gluten-free and cooked with minimal oil, this dish is wholesome without compromising taste.
Key Ingredients and How They Work
To keep things simple and practical, this recipe relies on just a handful of pantry staples:
Ingredient
Role
Pork tenderloin
The star of the dishits lean cut and tender texture shine when air-fried.
Olive oil
Helps the seasoning stick and creates that golden, caramelized finish.
Garlic powder & onion powder
Classic aromatics that provide depth and a touch of savoriness.
Paprika
Adds warmth, color, and just a hint of smoky sweetness.
Salt & pepper
Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the pork.
Pro Tip: If your pork tenderloin is uneven in thickness, gently pound it with a rolling pin or meat mallet for even cooking.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Here’s how to pull it all together. Let the air fryer do the heavy lifting!
Prep the pork: Slice the tenderloin into medallions, about ½-inch thick. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Season: In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the medallions in the mixture until evenly coated.
Preheat: Heat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a crisp exterior right from the start.
Cook: Place the pork medallions in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway. Check with a meat thermometer145°F (63°C) is your goal.
Rest: Remove the medallions and let them rest for 5 minutes to lock in all the juices.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the basket. If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in batches for even results!
Troubleshooting and Helpful Adjustments
Feel like something’s off? Try these tips:
Pork feels dry: Make sure you’re not overcooking. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Seasoning looks uneven: Toss the medallions in the spice mix until every surface is coated. A light coat of oil helps with adhesion.
No air fryer? You can bake these in a 425°F oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet for a similar effect. Cooking time may be slightly longer.
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
Fix
Pork is undercooked
Cook for another 1–2 minutes and recheck temperature.
Overcrowded basket
Cook in batches to ensure even air circulation.
Spices clumping
Use fresh, dry spices and coat medallions evenly before cooking.
Serving and Storing Your Medallions
This dish is as versatile as it is quick! Try some of these pairing ideas and storage tips:
Serve it up: Pair with steamed green beans, roasted potatoes, or a crispy side salad.
Storage: Leftovers? No problem! Let them cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Pop the medallions back in the air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes to restore their crispness.
Storage Tip
Details
Fridge
Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat (Air Fryer)
300°F for 3–4 minutes.
Reheat (Microwave)
Covered on medium power for 1 minute (may lose crispness).
Note: These medallions freeze beautifully! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Expert Insight: Perfecting Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
Mastering Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions
It took many rounds in the kitchen to get these Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions just right. Early attempts taught me the perfect timing and seasoning balance, turning what began as tough bites into tender, juicy medallions that still feel special enough for family dinners.
What temperature should I cook air fryer pork tenderloin medallions?
Cook your air fryer pork tenderloin medallions at 400°F (200°C) for the best results. This temperature ensures the outside gets beautifully golden and slightly crispy while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The high heat helps seal in all those delicious flavors quickly, which is perfect for our 15-minute cooking time. Always preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes before adding the medallions for even cooking.
How do I know when pork tenderloin medallions are done?
The best way to check if your pork tenderloin medallions are done is with a meat thermometer – they should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can also tell they’re ready when they feel firm to the touch and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The outside should have a lovely golden-brown color, and if you cut into one, it should be slightly pink in the center but not red. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Should I flip pork tenderloin medallions in the air fryer?
Yes, you should definitely flip your pork tenderloin medallions halfway through cooking for the most even results. After about 7-8 minutes, carefully flip each medallion using tongs to ensure both sides get that gorgeous golden-brown finish. This also helps prevent any hot spots in your air fryer from overcooking one side. Don’t worry if they stick slightly at first – they’ll release easily once they develop a nice crust.
What seasonings work best for air fryer pork tenderloin medallions?
The beauty of pork tenderloin medallions is they pair wonderfully with so many seasonings! A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika creates amazing flavor, while herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage add a lovely aromatic touch. For something bolder, try a BBQ rub, Italian seasoning, or even a sweet and savory combo with brown sugar and chili powder. Just remember to pat the medallions dry before seasoning and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Can I cook frozen pork tenderloin medallions in the air fryer?
While it’s possible to cook frozen pork tenderloin medallions in the air fryer, I’d recommend thawing them first for the best results. Frozen medallions will take longer to cook (about 18-20 minutes) and may cook unevenly, with the outside getting too brown before the center is properly cooked. If you must cook from frozen, lower the temperature to 375°F and add 5-7 extra minutes to the cooking time. For food safety, always ensure they reach that crucial 145°F internal temperature before serving.
Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions
You’ll love how these Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions come out tender, juicy, and golden in under 25 minutesperfect for busy nights when you want homemade without the hassle. The simple pantry ingredients and quick cook time make a weekday dinner feel special.
Feel free to swap paprika for smoked chili powder for a little kick, or drizzle with honey mustard for a touch of sweetness. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer, keeping that crispy edge just righta handy tip from my kitchen experiments.
Give this recipe a try and share your tweaks or photosI’m always curious, did you grow up with a family favorite pork dish like this? Pass it along to someone you love and enjoy that cozy homemade feeling.
Joe Rooney
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions: Easy Delicious Recipe
Enjoy tender and flavorful pork medallions cooked quickly in the air fryer. This gluten-free, easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight tenderloin meal.
