The smell of crispy bacon always takes me backMom in her robe, Sunday tunes humming through the kitchen, and that glorious sizzle. These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions are all over Pinterest right now, and for good reason. They’re rich, juicy, and beginner-friendly. Just 20 minutes to golden, smoky perfection.
Tender pork, salty bacon, a touch of brown sugar if you’re like me and can’t help adding a little sweet. No fancy ingredients herejust a few pantry staples and some faith in that air fryer. Think bite-sized comfort with crisp edges. Full details in the blog!
When I first tested these, I knew the recipe had legsmy mom made a version in her old oven that took forever, but we always loved it. I trimmed the fuss, kept the flavor. I even threw in a little twist that’ll make your guests think you’re a genius. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
Quick & Easy: From start to finish, they’re ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without the stress.
Minimal Ingredients: Just pork, bacon, and a handful of pantry staples. No wild shopping trips required!
Crispy & Juicy: The air fryer delivers heavenly crispy bacon while locking in the pork’s tenderness.
Customizable: You can tweak the seasoning or even swap bacon out for turkey bacon to suit your style.
What You’ll Need
Just a short list of essentials! Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible medallions:
Ingredient
Quantity
Notes
Pork Tenderloin
1 pound
Trimmed and cut into 1-inch medallions
Bacon
8 slices
Regular or turkey for a lighter option
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon
For brushing on bacon for extra crispiness
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon
Adds savory depth
Salt & Pepper
To taste
Basic seasoning for the pork
How to Make Them (Beginner-Friendly!)
This recipe is all about simplicity. With just a few steps, you’ll have a stunning dish in no time:
Preheat: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you prep the pork medallions.
Season the Pork: Rub each medallion with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This step makes a big flavor difference!
Wrap in Bacon: Take one slice per medallion, wrap it tightly, and secure with a toothpick if needed. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectbacon fixes everything.
Brush & Air Fry: Lightly brush the wrapped medallions with olive oil and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crispy and the pork is done.
Rest & Serve: Let the medallions rest for a few minutes before digging in. Serve as-is or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Step
Time
Tips
Preheat Air Fryer
5 minutes
Starting with a hot fryer ensures crispy bacon!
Prep & Wrap Medallions
10 minutes
Use toothpicks for easier handling.
Cook in Air Fryer
12–15 minutes
Flip medallions halfway for even crisping.
Rest
3 minutes
This helps retain juiciness.
Troubleshooting & Tweaks
Bacon Not Crispy? Cook for an extra 1–2 minutes, but keep a close eye to avoid overcooking the pork.
Pork Overcooked? Use a meat thermometer. Pork is done when it hits 145°F internally.
No Garlic Powder? Swap in onion powder or smoked paprika for a twist.
Pro Tip: If you notice bacon unraveling during cooking, next time wrap it a little tighter and overlap slightly where the ends of the bacon meet.
How to Serve & Store
These medallions are flexible and easy to pair. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Serving: Pair with a fresh green salad, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes for a full meal. A drizzle of barbecue or honey mustard sauce is also a crowd favorite.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes to maintain that crispy texture.
Freezing: You can freeze uncooked wrapped medallions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before air frying.
Storage Method
How Long
Reheating Instructions
Fridge
3 days
Reheat in air fryer for 3–4 minutes.
Freezer
2 months (uncooked)
Thaw, then air fry as usual.
Expert Insight: Perfecting Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions
Cooking bacon wrapped pork medallions in an air fryer ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the pork tender and juicy. The dry heat circulates efficiently, rendering the bacon fat evenly without overcooking the meat, making it a reliable method for quick, flavorful results in this popular dish.
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The Journey to Perfecting Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
Getting these Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions just right wasn’t instant. After a few crispy bacon misfires and uneven cooking moments, I finally nailed a juicy center wrapped in perfectly crisp bacon. This recipe is the sum of plenty of trial, error, and hungry family taste tests.
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 It Up on Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions
You’ll love how these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions come together in about 25 minutescrispy on the outside, juicy and tender inside. Easy enough for weeknights, tasty enough to steal the show at family dinners. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.
Feel free to swap bacon for turkey or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle twist. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryer, keeping that oh-so-satisfying crisp. A little tip I picked up: letting them rest just a few minutes really locks in the juiciness.
Did this recipe take you back to a special kitchen moment? I’d love to hear your thoughtsor your own spin on this classic comfort. Snap a pic, share your story, and pass it onbecause good food tastes even better when shared with the people you love.
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions are a savory dish that combines tender pork with crispy bacon. Perfectly seasoned and quick to prepare, this gluten-free recipe makes a delicious main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound pork tenderloin cut into 1-inch medallions
8 slices of bacon
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Season the pork medallions with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Wrap each medallion with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
Brush the wrapped medallions with olive oil.
Place the medallions in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crispy and pork is cooked through.
Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the medallions
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.
