Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions: Easy Delicious Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-488168H35M49S
Total time: PT-488168H35M49S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound pork tenderloin cut into medallions; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

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There’s something magical about slicing into perfectly cooked pork and hearing that gentle sizzle. Air fryer pork tenderloin medallions have been popping up everywhere lately, and honestly? I get it. Twenty minutes from start to finish, beginner-friendly, and they come out golden and juicy every single time.

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Think of these as fancy dinner vibes with zero fuss. Just pork tenderloin, a few pantry spices, and that trusty air fryer working its crispy magic. It’s like having a restaurant meal at your own kitchen tablebut in your pajamas if you want. Full details in the blog!

I’ve been tweaking this recipe for months, stealing moments between family chaos to get the timing just right. There’s no trendy nonsense here, just good old-fashioned cooking made simple. I tested every temperature combo, and trust methere’s a little secret that makes these absolutely perfect.

Why These Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions Will Win You Over

You know that feeling when dinner needs to happen now, but you still want something that looks like you actually tried? These medallions are your answer. They’re the kind of meal that makes everyone think you’re more organized than you actually aregolden, juicy, and ready in the time it takes to set the table.

What I love most is how forgiving they are. Pork tenderloin can be intimidating, but sliced into medallions, it cooks so evenly in the air fryer. No more guessing games or dry disappointments. Just tender, flavorful pork that reminds me of Sunday dinners, but happens on a Tuesday.

Let’s Talk About Your Ingredients and Tools

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicityjust six ingredients that probably live in your kitchen right now. We’re talking olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Nothing fancy, nothing you’ll use once and forget about.

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions plated on white napkin with glass of water and seasonings

Ingredient	What It Does	Easy Swap
Olive oil	Creates golden crust, helps spices stick	Avocado oil or melted butter
Garlic powder	Adds savory depth	Fresh minced garlic (use less)
Paprika	Beautiful color and mild smokiness	Smoked paprika for extra flavor
Onion powder	Sweet, mellow onion flavor	Onion salt (reduce other salt)

For tools, you just need your air fryer and a meat thermometer if you have one. I slice my tenderloin about an inch thickany thinner and they cook too fast, any thicker and the outside gets overdone before the center catches up.

How the Magic Happens Step by Step

The process is wonderfully straightforward. First, you’ll mix all those spices with olive oil to create a paste that coats every bit of pork. It’s like giving each medallion its own little flavor jacket.

Prep time is your friend: Don’t rush the coating stepmake sure every surface gets covered
Single layer is key: Give each medallion space to breathe in that air fryer basket
Flip once: At the halfway mark, just a quick turn to ensure even browning

The air fryer does most of the work here, circulating hot air around each piece until you get that perfect golden crust. Meanwhile, the inside stays incredibly tenderit’s like having a tiny convection oven working just for your dinner.

Step	Time	What to Look For
Preheat air fryer	3-5 minutes	Reaches 400°F
Mix spice coating	2 minutes	Paste-like consistency
First cook	5-6 minutes	Golden edges forming
Flip and finish	5-6 minutes	Internal temp 145°F
Rest	5 minutes	Juices redistribute

When Things Don’t Go Quite Right

Let’s be realsometimes the first attempt isn’t perfect, and that’s completely normal. If your medallions are cooking unevenly, check the thickness. I’ve learned that even a quarter-inch difference can throw off the timing.

Too dry? Your air fryer might run hottry reducing the temperature to 375°F and adding a minute or two
Not browning enough? Pat the pork completely dry before coating, and don’t skip the olive oil
Cooking too fast? Thicker medallions (1.5 inches) need lower heat and longer time

The internal temperature is your best friend here. Pork tenderloin is safe at 145°F, and it’ll continue cooking slightly as it rests. Better to check early than end up with tough, overcooked medallions.

Making It Your Own

This base recipe is like a blank canvasperfect as is, but ready for whatever inspiration strikes you. Sometimes I add a pinch of brown sugar to the spice mix for a hint of sweetness that reminds me of my grandmother’s pork chops.

The beauty of air fryer pork tenderloin medallions is how they adapt to different flavor profiles. Italian herbs, cajun spices, or even a simple lemon pepper blend all work beautifully with this same technique.

Flavor Profile	Spice Additions	Perfect With
Mediterranean	Oregano, thyme, lemon zest	Roasted vegetables, rice pilaf
Southwest	Cumin, chili powder, lime juice	Black beans, corn salad
Comfort Classic	Sage, rosemary, black pepper	Mashed potatoes, green beans

Serving and Storing Your Success

These medallions are gorgeous on the platethose golden edges catch the light just right. I like to let them rest for those full five minutes before serving; it makes such a difference in how juicy they stay.

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, and they’re actually wonderful cold, sliced thin for sandwiches or salads. To reheat, a quick 2-3 minutes in the air fryer at 350°F brings back that crispy exterior without drying them out.

Storage Method	Duration	Reheating Tips
Refrigerator	4 days	Air fryer 350°F, 2-3 minutes
Freezer	3 months	Thaw overnight, then reheat
Meal prep	3 days	Store sauce separately

Expert Insight: Mastering Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions

Cooking pork tenderloin medallions in an air fryer locks in moisture while achieving a crisp, caramelized exterior with less oil. This method ensures even cooking through the tender cuts, making air fryer pork tenderloin medallions a quick yet impressive protein option for any meal.

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Mastering Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions at Home

I must confess, it took quite a few attempts to get these Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions just right. Between adjusting seasoning and perfecting cooking time, the kitchen smelled like a warm embrace of spices and family chatter. This recipe is the sum of those patient, flavorful trials that turned into a comforting favorite.

FAQs ( 15-Minute Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions You’ll Adore )

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.

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions plated on white napkin with glass of water and seasonings_pin

Your New Go-To Weeknight Winner

Air fryer pork tenderloin medallions deliver restaurant-quality results in just 20 minutes, and honestly, they’ve become my secret weapon for those nights when I want to impress without the stress. You’ll love how that golden crust gives way to incredibly tender, juicy pork that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The beauty is in the simplicity – just a handful of pantry spices creating something truly special.

Try swapping in smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or add a pinch of brown sugar to the spice mix for subtle sweetness that reminds me of Sunday dinners. These medallions are perfect for meal prep too – slice them thin for salads or sandwiches later in the week. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to four days, and reheat gently in the air fryer to keep that beautiful texture.

I’d love to hear how this recipe works in your kitchen! Did you try any flavor variations, or does this remind you of a family favorite? Share your photos and tweaks – there’s something so wonderful about watching a simple recipe travel from one home kitchen to another, creating new memories along the way.