There’s something magical about the sizzle of bacon meeting tender pork in a hot pan but who has time for all that stovetop babysitting? These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions are trending online for good reason. They’re crispy, juicy, and ridiculously simple for a weeknight that feels fancy.

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Think of these as your easy dinner solution wrapped in bacon heaven. Tender pork tenderloin medallions get hugged by smoky bacon, then air-fried to golden perfection. Just salt, pepper, and maybe a whisper of garlic powder. Full details in the blog!

I’ve been experimenting with herb and spice pairings for years, and this combo never fails me. The secret? A tiny sprinkle of smoked paprika before cooking it deepens that bacon flavor beautifully. Trust me, your kitchen will smell like pure comfort.

Why These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions Will Win Your Heart

There’s something deeply satisfying about watching bacon transform tender pork into something extraordinary. These medallions remind me of those special Sunday dinners where simple ingredients create pure magic except now we can have that magic on a Tuesday night.

The air fryer does all the heavy lifting here, creating that perfect contrast of crispy bacon exterior and juicy pork center. No stovetop splattering, no oven preheating drama. Just that beautiful golden-brown finish that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy bistro.

Weeknight friendly: Only 25 minutes from start to finish
Minimal cleanup: One basket, no messy pans
Naturally gluten-free: Perfect for various dietary needs
Elegant enough for guests: Looks fancy but feels effortless

Your Simple Ingredient Lineup

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions on white napkin with glass of water warm lighting

I love recipes that prove you don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients to create something memorable. This dish celebrates the beauty of simplicity each ingredient has a purpose and plays its part perfectly.

The pork tenderloin is naturally lean and tender, while the bacon brings that smoky richness we all crave. A whisper of garlic powder adds depth without overwhelming the meat’s natural flavor.

Ingredient	Purpose	Why It Matters
Pork tenderloin	Main protein	Tender, lean, cooks quickly
Bacon	Flavor wrapper	Adds fat, smoke, and crispy texture
Olive oil	Moisture + browning	Helps bacon crisp beautifully
Garlic powder	Flavor enhancer	Complements both pork and bacon
Salt & pepper	Seasoning base	Essential flavor foundation

How the Magic Happens in Your Air Fryer

The beauty of this technique lies in understanding how the air fryer’s circulation works with the bacon’s natural fat. As the bacon renders, it bastes the pork while the hot air crisps the exterior it’s like having a tiny convection oven doing all the work.

Start by seasoning your medallions generously. The salt helps draw out moisture for better browning, while the garlic powder blooms in the heat. Wrapping each piece snugly with bacon creates a protective, flavorful cocoon.

Temperature matters: 400°F gives the perfect balance of crispy bacon and tender pork
Single layer placement: Allows even air circulation around each medallion
The flip: Halfway through cooking ensures even browning on both sides
Rest time: Let juices redistribute for maximum tenderness

Timing Your Perfect Cook

Getting the timing right is crucial for these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions. The bacon needs time to crisp while the pork stays juicy it’s all about that sweet spot where both elements shine.

Step	Time	Temperature	What to Look For
Preheat	3-5 minutes	400°F	Air fryer fully heated
First cook	6-7 minutes	400°F	Bacon starting to brown
Flip & finish	6-8 minutes	400°F	Bacon crispy, pork 145°F internal
Rest	3 minutes	Room temp	Juices settling

Smart Swaps and Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how adaptable it is to your family’s preferences and dietary needs. The basic technique stays the same, but you can easily customize the flavors.

Pro Tip: If your bacon is particularly thick, you might need an extra 2-3 minutes cooking time. Thin-cut bacon crisps faster but can sometimes get a bit too crispy, so keep an eye on it.

Original	Swap Option	Cooking Adjustment
Regular bacon	Turkey bacon	Reduce time by 2-3 minutes
Olive oil	Avocado oil	None needed
Garlic powder	Onion powder	None needed
1-inch medallions	1.5-inch medallions	Add 3-4 minutes total

Troubleshooting Common Questions

Even the simplest recipes can have their little quirks, and I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. Most issues come down to timing or temperature, both easy fixes once you know what to watch for.

Bacon not crispy enough? Add 2-3 minutes and check every minute
Pork seems dry? Your medallions might be too thin aim for 1-inch thick next time
Uneven cooking? Make sure your air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded
Bacon unwrapping? Secure with toothpicks, removing them before serving

Note: If your air fryer runs hot, start checking at the 10-minute mark. Every model is slightly different, and it’s better to check early than overcook.

Serving and Storage Made Simple

These medallions are fantastic served immediately while the bacon is at its crispiest, but they’re also surprisingly good as leftovers. I love how they maintain their flavor even when reheated just a quick minute in the air fryer brings back that crispy exterior.

For serving, they’re elegant enough for company but casual enough for family dinner. Pair them with roasted vegetables or a simple salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels both comforting and special.