Remember those Sunday roasts that made your whole house smell like a hug? These Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions are giving that same cozy energybut faster, juicier, and way less cleanup. They’re popping on TikTok for a reason. Just 20 minutes to tender, golden bites.
It’s lean pork tenderloin, sliced thick, kissed with garlic and smoked paprika, and crisped up in the air fryer. Pantry staples, no fuss. Think “weeknight meets dinner party” but without the panic cleaning. Full details in the blog!
This one came from a last-minute “what’s for dinner” flop that turned into a total win. I grew up watching my mom coat meats in breadcrumbs and hope for the bestnow I just hit a button and pray. I tested it. You’ll love the little marinade twist!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15-17 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner fast but still want something delicious.
Minimal Cleanup: The air fryer does all the work (goodbye, greasy stovetop mess). Just a small bowl and one trusty fryer basket to clean.
Cozy and Nostalgic: With a garlic and paprika kick, these golden medallions remind me of my mom’s Sunday pork roastsonly faster and juicier!
Perfect for Beginners: No fancy techniques here. Slice, season, pop in the air fryer. Done.
Ingredients Breakdown
The beauty of this recipe? You likely already have everything you need in your pantry. Let’s take a closer look:
Ingredient
Purpose
1 pound pork tenderloin
The star of the dish. Tender, juicy, and perfect for medallions.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Helps the spices stick and ensures a golden finish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Gives a cozy, savory depth to the seasoning.
1 teaspoon onion powder
Adds subtle sweetness and more flavor balance.
1 teaspoon paprika
Smoky, earthy, and essential for that gorgeous color.
Salt and pepper
Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking these medallions is so simple it almost feels like cheating. Grab your air fryer, and let’s do this:
Preheat your air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) for optimal crisping. This takes 3-5 minutes max.
Season the pork: In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the pork tenderloin medallions in this mixture until evenly coated.
Arrange and cook: Place the medallions in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Check for doneness: The pork is ready when the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Let it rest: Remove from the air fryer and let the medallions rest for 5 minutes before serving. This locks in all those juices.
Step
Time
Preheat the air fryer
3-5 minutes
Cook medallions
10-12 minutes
Rest before serving
5 minutes
Tips and Variations
Thickness matters: Thicker medallions may need an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Check the temperature to be sure.
Marinade magic: Got some extra time? Toss the pork in the seasoning mix a few hours ahead for even more flavor.
Sidekick ideas: Pair these medallions with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Make it your own: Swap smoked paprika for regular or add a pinch of cayenne for heat. The seasoning mix is totally tweakable!
Storing Leftovers
Sometimes leftovers happen (though with this recipe, they rarely last long!). Here’s how to store them:
Storage Method
Instructions
Duration
Refrigerator
Place cooled medallions in an airtight container.
Up to 3 days
Freezer
Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag.
Up to 2 months
Reheating
Use your air fryer: 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
N/A
Expert Insight: Perfecting Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions
Cooking pork tenderloin medallions in an air fryer is a smart way to achieve a juicy interior with a crisp, caramelized exterior. The high, even heat minimizes cooking time while preserving tenderness, making air fryer pork tenderloin medallions an efficient and flavorful option for busy cooks seeking precise, consistent results.
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The Long Road to Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions
I honestly lost count of how many times I tested these Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions. At one point, I ended up with something more “charcoal” than tender, but each attempt taught me exactly how to get that perfect juicy center and crispy edges my family actually fights over now.
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 outjuicy, tender, and golden in under 20 minutes. It’s the kind of easy, reliable dish that makes weeknight cooking feel like less of a scramble and more like a warm, cozy win.
Feel free to swap smoked paprika for a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat, or marinate overnight for extra flavor depth. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryerbecause who wants soggy pork? A simple, flexible recipe that plays nicely with whatever’s in your pantry.
Give this a try and let me know how it turns outdid it remind you of any favorite family meals? Share your photos or tweaks; this recipe loves company. Pass it on, because a cozy kitchen win is even sweeter when shared.
Quick and easy air fryer pork tenderloin medallions cooked to juicy perfection in under 20 minutes. A flavorful gluten-free main dish suitable for any weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Toss the pork medallions in the spice mixture until well coated.
Place the medallions in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the medallions
For extra flavor, marinate the pork for a few hours before cooking
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
