If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, let me introduce you to my 15 minute air fryer pork tenderloin medallions. Seriously, this dish is a game-changer! I can whip it up in no time, and it always impresses with its juicy flavor and tender texture. The air fryer is my best friend for busy weeknights—it cooks the medallions perfectly while keeping them moist and packed with flavor.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. Just a handful of ingredients, a quick prep, and you’re ready to go! You won’t believe how easy it is to get restaurant-quality pork tenderloin right from your kitchen. Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your weeknight rotation—it’s that good! Plus, the clean-up is a breeze, which is always a win in my book. So, let’s dive into how to make these delightful medallions!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into medallions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients are super straightforward, and I love how they come together to create such rich flavor! The olive oil is key for that lovely crispy exterior, while the garlic and onion powders add a savory depth. The paprika? It gives a subtle warmth and color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes. Feel free to tweak the seasoning to suit your palate—it’s all about making it your own!
How to Prepare 15 Minute Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, let’s get that air fryer preheating! Set it to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your pork tenderloin medallions cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust we all love. It only takes a few minutes, so while you’re at it, you can get everything else ready!
Prepare the Pork Tenderloin
Now, grab that lovely pork tenderloin and slice it into medallions, about 1-inch thick. The key here is to keep the thickness uniform, so they cook evenly. I like to cut them on a slight diagonal for a nice presentation, but that’s totally optional. Just make sure they’re all about the same size for the best results!
Mix the Seasoning
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix with a whisk or a fork until it’s all combined. This is where the magic happens! You want the olive oil to coat the dry spices evenly, so you get that delicious flavor in every bite.
Season the Medallions
Next, toss those beautiful medallions in the seasoning mixture. I like to use my hands to make sure each piece is well-coated—just be careful not to get too messy! You want every medallion to soak up that flavor, so don’t hold back. If you feel like it needs a little more seasoning, go ahead and adjust it to your taste!
Air Fry the Medallions
Once your medallions are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This is where you’ll want to keep an eye on things! Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)—that’s the sweet spot for juicy pork!
Rest and Serve
After they’re cooked to perfection, let the medallions rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite incredibly tender. Serve them up with your favorite sides—think roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or even some creamy mashed potatoes. You can’t go wrong!
Tips for Success
To make sure your 15 minute air fryer pork tenderloin medallions turn out absolutely perfect every time, here are a few tips I swear by:
- Adjust the Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to tweak the seasoning! If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili powder. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, dial back on the garlic or onion powder. It’s all about your taste preferences!
- Check Thickness: The thickness of your medallions can affect cooking time. If they’re thicker than 1 inch, you might want to add a couple of extra minutes to ensure they cook through. Just keep checking that internal temperature!
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure to place the medallions in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you overcrowd them, they won’t cook evenly, and you might end up with some undercooked pieces. Give them room to breathe!
- Let Them Rest: Seriously, don’t skip the resting step! Letting the medallions sit for a few minutes after cooking makes a world of difference. It helps lock in those juices, so every bite is tender and flavorful.
- Experiment with Marinades: If you have a little extra time, consider marinating the pork tenderloin for a couple of hours before cooking. It can really enhance the flavor. Just make sure to pat it dry before seasoning to avoid any sogginess.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be whipping up the juiciest, most flavorful pork tenderloin medallions in no time. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each serving of my 15 minute air fryer pork tenderloin medallions. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
These medallions are not just quick and tasty, but they’re also a healthy option! Packed with protein and low in carbs, they make for a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or whenever you’re looking for something delicious without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I marinate the pork tenderloin?
Absolutely! Marinating the pork tenderloin is a fantastic way to infuse even more flavor into your medallions. I recommend letting it soak in your favorite marinade for at least an hour, or even overnight if you have the time. Just be sure to pat it dry before seasoning to keep that crispy texture when you cook it!
What should I serve with the medallions?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing these medallions with a fresh garden salad or some roasted veggies for a light and healthy meal. You can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of quinoa either. If you want to keep it simple, steamed broccoli or green beans are always great options. Whatever you choose, your medallions will shine on the plate!
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Sure thing! While pork tenderloin is my go-to for this recipe, you can definitely use other cuts like pork loin or pork chops. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. For thicker cuts, you might need to increase the cooking time a bit, so always check that internal temperature to ensure they’re cooked through!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: In just 15 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can master this dish.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices creates a savory, mouthwatering flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Healthy Option: Lean pork tenderloin is a great source of protein, making this dish both nourishing and satisfying.
- Low-Fat: With minimal oil and no added sugars, this recipe fits perfectly into a low-fat diet without sacrificing taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about what to do with any leftovers from your 15 minute air fryer pork tenderloin medallions. If you find yourself with some extra medallions (which is always a nice problem to have!), here’s how to store and reheat them to keep that delicious flavor intact.
First, let the medallions cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent condensation from forming in the container, which can make them soggy. Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember to label it if you’re like me and tend to forget what’s hiding in the back of the fridge!
When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, reheating them is super simple. I recommend using the air fryer again for the best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C), then place the medallions in a single layer and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. This method keeps them juicy and helps revive that lovely crispy texture.
If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of broth or water to the pan to keep things moist, and cover it with a lid. This will help them heat evenly without drying out.
And just like that, you can enjoy your flavorful pork tenderloin medallions again! Trust me, they’re just as delightful the second time around.
15 Minute Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions You’ll Treasure
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Quick and easy air fryer pork tenderloin medallions cooked in 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the medallions in the seasoning mixture.
- Place medallions in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Serve with your choice of sides.
- Cook time may vary based on the thickness of the medallions.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: air fryer pork tenderloin, quick pork recipe, 15 minute meals
