We used to have “fancy meat night” when I was a kidusually pork chops with something wrapped around them. This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions recipe is the grown-up, TikTok-approved glow up. Golden, juicy, weeknight easy. Done in under 30 minutes, no fuss.
Picture tender pork medallions snug in crispy bacon, kissed with garlic, maple, and a smoky finish. Just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredientsnothing wild, just good flavors doing their thing. Think upscale diner vibes at your dinner table. Full details in the blog!
I grew up flipping pork on cast iron in my grandma’s kitchen. Now I test every version until it’s crisp-perfect and still wholesome. This one strikes that balance. You’ll love the twist I use to keep the pork extra juicy. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
This recipe is the perfect mix of fancy and easybecause who doesn’t love food that feels special but doesn’t take hours? Here’s why you’ll adore making these medallions:
Quick and Easy: With only 25 minutes from start to finish, this is a weeknight winner.
Big Flavor, Few Ingredients: Bacon, garlic, and perfectly seasoned pork medallionsneed I say more?
Healthier Touch: Air frying cuts down on grease while still giving you crispy bacon perfection.
Adaptable: Easy to adjust for picky eaters or lighter options with simple tweaks (hello, turkey bacon!).
Key IngredientsSimple but Flavorful
Let’s break down the key players in this recipe. The ingredient list is short, but the flavors are anything but basic.
Ingredient
Purpose
Pork Tenderloin
Tender, juicy protein that cooks quickly.
Bacon
Crisps up beautifully in the air fryer and adds smoky flavor.
Garlic Powder
Keeps things simple but flavorfulno peeling required.
Olive Oil
Helps crisp the bacon while enhancing flavor.
Salt and Pepper
Simple seasonings that bring out the best in your pork.
Pro Tip: Use center-cut bacon for more uniform wrapping and even crisping.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions in Your Air Fryer
Here’s the rundownit’s straightforward, no fancy gadgets or techniques needed. Just good food, done simply:
Prep the Pork: Slice your pork tenderloin into 1-inch medallions, then sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Wrap It Up: Take one slice of bacon per medallion and wrap it snugly around the pork. Use a toothpick to secure if needed.
Brush and Arrange: Lightly brush olive oil over the bacon-wrapped medallions and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook: Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. The bacon should be crispy, and the pork cooked to at least 145°F.
Rest and Serve: Let the medallions rest for a couple of minutesthis keeps them juicy!
Note: Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your medallions and your air fryer model.
Step
Key Tip
Season and Slice
Keep medallions even for consistent cooking.
Wrap and Secure
A snug bacon wrap ensures it won’t unravel.
Cook
Flip halfway for even crispiness.
Perfect Tweaks and Troubleshooting
Here are some tips if you want to customize or troubleshoot:
Lighter Option: Substitute pork with chicken medallions or the bacon with turkey bacon.
Bacon Not Crisping?: Increase the cooking time in 2-minute increments or preheat your air fryer longer.
Seasoning Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of maple syrup for a smoky-sweet twist.
Pro Tip: Always check the internal temperature of the pork to make sure it’s hit 145°Fit’s the safe zone for juicy, tender meat without overcooking.
Serving and Storing Your Pork Medallions
These pork medallions are versatile and great for leftovers. Here’s how I like to serve and store them for maximum enjoyment:
Serving: Pair with mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or buttery green beans. A side of honey mustard or BBQ sauce makes a fantastic dip.
Reheating: Pop leftovers back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to re-crisp without drying out the pork.
Storage: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Pro Tip
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.
Freezer
Up to 1 month
Wrap individually in foil before freezing for easy reheating.
Pro Tip: Slice leftover medallions and use them in sandwiches or breakfast wraps for an easy next-day meal.
Expert Says: Mastering Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
Air fryer bacon wrapped pork medallions strike the perfect balance between crispy bacon and tender pork. Ensuring the pork is evenly coated and wrapped tightly helps lock in moisture while allowing the bacon to crisp without drying out the meat. This method maximizes flavor and juiciness with minimal fuss.
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Mastering Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
It took several rounds in the kitchen to nail the perfect balance of crisp bacon and juicy pork in this air fryer bacon-wrapped pork medallions recipe. Early attempts had me adjusting timing and seasoning until the flavors and texture finally hit that comforting, healthy spot worth sharing.
What temperature should I cook air fryer bacon-wrapped pork medallions?
Cook your air fryer bacon-wrapped pork medallions at 400°F (200°C) for the perfect balance of crispy bacon and juicy pork. This temperature ensures the bacon gets wonderfully crispy while the pork cooks evenly throughout. Start with 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through for best results. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety.
How do I prevent bacon from unwrapping during cooking?
Use toothpicks to secure the bacon ends, making sure to soak wooden toothpicks in water for 10 minutes before using to prevent burning. Wrap the bacon tightly around each medallion, overlapping slightly for better hold. You can also tuck the bacon ends underneath the medallion to create a natural seal. This keeps everything perfectly wrapped and looking restaurant-quality when done!
What cut of pork works best for bacon-wrapped medallions?
Pork tenderloin is absolutely the best choice for bacon-wrapped medallions because it’s naturally tender and cooks quickly. Cut it into 1.5-2 inch thick rounds for perfect medallions that cook evenly. Pork loin can also work, but tenderloin gives you that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Make sure to trim any excess fat or silver skin before slicing for the cleanest presentation.
Should I pre-cook the bacon before wrapping?
No need to pre-cook the bacon – that’s the beauty of using an air fryer! The circulating hot air crisps the bacon perfectly while the pork cooks through. However, if you prefer extra-crispy bacon, you can partially cook it for 2-3 minutes first, then wrap while still pliable. Regular thickness bacon works best as thick-cut might not crisp up completely in the cooking time needed for the pork.
How long do air fryer bacon-wrapped pork medallions take to cook?
Cook for 12-15 minutes total at 400°F, flipping once at the halfway mark for even browning. Thicker medallions (2+ inches) may need an extra 2-3 minutes, while thinner ones (1 inch) might be done in 10-12 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F rather than relying solely on time. Let them rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking for the juiciest results!
Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions
These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions come together in a flash, with juicy pork and crispy bacon that’ll feel like a tiny celebration on your plate. You’ll love the simple steps and how the kitchen fills with that irresistible aromacomfort food made easy for busy nights.
Try swapping turkey bacon for a lighter twist or sprinkling smoked paprika for extra depth. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryerjust like fresh. Little tweaks like these keep the recipe fresh and family-friendly, a tip I’ve learned from years of balancing tradition and ease.
Give it a go and share your kitchen wins! Did this recipe bring back any mealtime memories for you? Pin it, make it again, and pass it onit’s one you’ll wanna keep handy for cozy dinners and happy gatherings.
Joe Rooney
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions: Irresistibly Easy Recipe
Enjoy tender pork tenderloin medallions wrapped in crispy bacon, cooked perfectly in an air fryer. This gluten-free, quick dinner idea combines bold flavors with simple preparation for an irresistible meal.
