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Pork Tenderloin in the Air Fryer

This pork tenderloin that you cook in the air fryer is artfully presented as a braided masterpiece, perfect for a holiday meal. It beautifully combines tender, juicy pork with savory seasonings and the creative braiding technique. It’s a low-carb dish, with only 5 grams of total carbs, that you can bring out for special occasions or whenever you want to make it.

Grilled pork tenderloin garnished with sesame seeds and herbs, surrounded by fresh parsley and small red berries on a plate. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a succulent taste.
Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Pork Tenderloin in the Air Fryer

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This dish may appear intricate, but you’ll find that this air fryer pork tenderloin braiding recipe is actually quick and easy to prepare. It’s an excellent option for busy holiday gatherings, allowing you to create a stunning presentation that will impress your family and friends.

The star ingredient, pork tenderloin, is a lean and tender cut of meat that acts as a blank canvas for a variety of flavors. In this recipe, we’ll infuse it with a delightful blend of herbs and spices, resulting in a savory seasoning that enhances every bite.

Braiding the tenderloin not only adds an element of surprise but also helps distribute the flavors evenly, ensuring that each bite is just as delicious as the last. Mastering this technique is simpler than it may seem at first, and it’s sure to spark conversation at your holiday feast.

Cooked pork tenderloin air-fried to perfection, garnished with herbs and sesame seeds, elegantly presented on a wooden cutting board and a white plate. Text reads "Pork Tenderloin in the Air Fryer.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon tamari
  • 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper mix
  • 1 teaspoon dried coriander
  • 1 teaspoon pork spice mix
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 bunch of parsley
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds

How to Braid a Pork Tenderloin

Begin by trimming the pork tenderloin of any excess fat and silvery skin. Pat the meat dry with paper towels. Next, cut the tenderloin into three equal pieces lengthwise, stopping about 1/2 inch from the edge. Season the pieces with salt and pepper.

Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Combine olive oil, syrup, tamari and dry spices in a small bowl. FYI, Tamari is a Japanese condiment that is similar to soy sauce but not the same thing. It is made from soy and rice. You’ll see it sold as tamari soy sauce.

Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Rub the flavorful mixture evenly over the tenderloin. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or for optimal results, refrigerate and marinate for several hours to allow the flavors to meld.

While the pork is marinating, preheat the air fryer to 400 F for about 5 minutes. Prepare the parsley as shown in the recipe.

Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Braid the pork and parsley together to form a braid, securing the ends with toothpicks. Brush the braid with the remaining marinade and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Then, place the prepared pork tenderloin braid into the preheated basket of the air fryer.

Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Cook at 400 F for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145 F. The braid may be flipped midway through cooking.

After cooking, remove the braid from the fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring the juiciness and tenderness of the dish.

Slice your beautiful braided tenderloin. Now it’s ready to be the star of your holiday table or a dinner party you might be hosting. This dish will leave you and your guests full and satisfied.

air fryer pork tenderloin
Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Notes

I’ve suggested braiding the pork loin so you’ll wow the guests at your table. However, you can easily make this tenderloin in the air fryer with the same ingredients, just not the braiding.

Grilled pork tenderloin garnished with sesame seeds and herbs, surrounded by fresh parsley and small red berries on a plate. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a succulent taste.

Pork Tenderloin in the Air Fryer

This pork tenderloin that you cook in the air fryer is artfully presented as a braided masterpiece, perfect for a holiday meal. Cooking it in the air fryer means you get it done much faster and easier than using a traditional oven. It's a low-carb dish, with only 5 grams of total carbs, that you can bring out for special occasions or whenever you want to make it.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 275kcal
Author: Leah Ingram

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper mix
  • 1 teaspoon dried coriander
  • 1 teaspoon pork spice mix
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 bunch of parsley
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon tamari

Instructions

  • Start by cleaning the pork tenderloin of excess fat and silvery skin. Pat the meat dry with paper towels. Cut the tenderloin into 3 equal pieces lengthwise on reaching the edge about 1/2 inch. Season with salt and pepper.
  • In a small bowl, combine olive oil, keto syrup, tamari and dry spices.
  • Rub this flavorful mixture evenly over the tenderloin. Leave to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes or, for best results, place in the refrigerator and marinate for several hours to allow the flavors to combine. Preheat the fryer: While the pork is marinating, preheat the fryer to 400 F for about 5 minutes. Lay out the parsley as pictured.
  • Braid the pork and parsley into a braid. Secure the ends with toothpicks. Brush the braid with the remaining marinade and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Place the prepared pork tenderloin braid in the preheated basket of a deep fryer. Cook at 400 F for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature of pork reaches 145 F. The braid may be flipped midway through cooking.
  • After cooking, remove the braid from the fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the juiciness and tenderness of the dish. Slice your beautiful braid and it’s ready to be the star of your holiday table.

Notes

I’ve suggested braiding the pork loin so you’ll wow the guests at your table. However, you can easily make this tenderloin in the air fryer with the same ingredients, just not the braiding.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 341mg | Potassium: 696mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 57IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 2mg