Air Fryer Dry Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Broccoli: A Quick & Healthy Meal

Are you searching for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy dinner option? Look no further! This Air Fryer Dry Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Broccoli recipe is a game-changer. It combines succulent, flavorful pork tenderloin with perfectly tender-crisp broccoli, all cooked in the air fryer for a quick and mess-free meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or anyone looking to add a healthy and protein-packed dish to their repertoire. The dry rub infuses the pork with amazing flavor, and the air fryer ensures it cooks evenly and stays incredibly juicy. Plus, the broccoli cooks alongside the pork, making it a complete and convenient one-pan (or one-air fryer basket!) meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, including prep time!
* **Healthy and Lean:** Pork tenderloin is a lean protein source, and the air fryer uses minimal oil.
* **Flavorful:** The dry rub adds a burst of savory and aromatic flavors.
* **One-Pan Meal:** The broccoli cooks right alongside the pork for easy cleanup.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize the dry rub and vegetables to your liking.
* **Perfect for Weeknights:** It’s a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want a nutritious and satisfying meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pork Tenderloin:** About 1-1.5 pounds, trimmed of silver skin.
* **Broccoli Florets:** Approximately 4 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **Olive Oil:** Or your favorite cooking oil.
* **Dry Rub Ingredients:**
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
* 1 tablespoon garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Air Fryer:** Any air fryer will work, but make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the pork tenderloin and broccoli.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For the dry rub.
* **Small Bowl:** For tossing the broccoli with oil and seasoning.
* **Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:**

* Remove the pork tenderloin from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the dry rub adhere better and promotes browning.
* Trim any silver skin from the pork tenderloin. Silver skin is a thin, silvery membrane that can be tough and chewy. To remove it, slide a sharp knife under the silver skin and gently pull it away from the meat.

**2. Make the Dry Rub:**

* In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

**3. Rub the Pork Tenderloin:**

* Generously rub the dry rub mixture all over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides. Use your hands to press the rub into the meat.

**4. Prepare the Broccoli:**

* In a small bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the broccoli is evenly coated with oil and seasoning.

**5. Air Fry the Pork Tenderloin and Broccoli:**

* Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
* Place the pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket. Arrange the broccoli florets around the pork tenderloin, ensuring they are in a single layer.
* Air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer. Flip the pork tenderloin halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The broccoli should be tender-crisp and slightly browned.

**6. Rest and Slice:**

* Once the pork tenderloin is cooked to the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork tenderloin.
* Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and serve immediately with the air-fried broccoli.

## Tips for the Best Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Cook the pork tenderloin and broccoli in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the pork tenderloin is cooked to a safe internal temperature without overcooking it. Aim for 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
* **Let the Pork Rest:** Resting the pork tenderloin for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork tenderloin.
* **Adjust the Cooking Time:** Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the pork tenderloin. Keep an eye on the pork and adjust the cooking time as needed.
* **Customize the Dry Rub:** Feel free to adjust the dry rub ingredients to your liking. Add more or less of any spice, or try different combinations of spices.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the air fryer along with the broccoli, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
* **Don’t Skip the Oil:** Tossing the broccoli with oil is important for preventing it from drying out in the air fryer. It also helps it brown nicely.
* **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheating the air fryer helps ensure even cooking and browning.
* **Consider Marinades:** If you prefer a marinade over a dry rub, feel free to marinate the pork tenderloin for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before air frying. Pat it dry before cooking to help with browning.
* **Spray the Basket:** Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the pork from sticking. This makes cleanup easier.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegetables:** Substitute broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, green beans, bell peppers, or zucchini.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices in the dry rub, such as cumin, chili powder, or coriander.
* **Sweetener:** Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar in the dry rub for a different flavor profile.
* **Herbs:** Try fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage instead of dried herbs.
* **Marinade:** Use a marinade instead of a dry rub. Consider a soy sauce-based marinade, a honey-garlic marinade, or a lemon-herb marinade.
* **Gluten-Free:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free spices.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve the air fryer pork tenderloin and broccoli with a side of rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
* Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
* Drizzle with your favorite sauce, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or teriyaki sauce.
* Serve with a fresh salad or coleslaw.
* Make pork tenderloin sliders by slicing the pork thinly and serving it on mini buns with your favorite toppings.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

* You can prepare the dry rub and toss the broccoli with oil and seasoning ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
* The pork tenderloin can be rubbed with the dry rub up to 24 hours in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.

## Storage Instructions

* Store leftover air fryer pork tenderloin and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* Reheat in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Protein: 40-45 grams
* Fat: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. However, it may release more moisture during cooking, so you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Make sure to pat the broccoli dry before tossing it with oil and seasoning.

**Q: Can I use a different cut of pork?**

A: Pork tenderloin is the best choice for this recipe because it’s lean and cooks quickly. However, you could also use pork loin, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

**Q: How do I prevent the pork from drying out?**

A: Don’t overcook the pork. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Also, let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to the air fryer?**

A: Yes, you can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

**Q: Can I make this recipe in the oven?**

A: Yes, you can make this recipe in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pork tenderloin and broccoli on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

**Q: My air fryer is small. Can I still make this?**

A: Absolutely! You may need to cook the pork tenderloin and broccoli in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will ensure everything cooks evenly.

**Q: Can I use a different type of oil?**

A: Yes, you can use any cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil.

**Q: What if I don’t have all the spices for the dry rub?**

A: Don’t worry! Use what you have. You can adjust the ratios of the spices you do have, or substitute with other spices you enjoy. A simple combination of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper will still be delicious.

**Q: How can I make this spicier?**

A: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the dry rub, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

This Air Fryer Dry Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Broccoli recipe is a winner for its simplicity, health benefits, and incredible flavor. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! Enjoy!