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Air Fryer Mustard Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes and Green Beans: A Quick and Easy Recipe

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Air Fryer Mustard Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes and Green Beans: A Quick and Easy Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further than this air fryer mustard crusted pork tenderloin recipe, complete with perfectly cooked potatoes and crisp green beans. This recipe is a game-changer – it’s quick, minimizes cleanup, and delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. The air fryer ensures the pork is juicy and tender inside with a beautiful, flavorful crust, while the potatoes become golden brown and the green beans retain a satisfying snap.

This recipe is perfect for busy individuals and families who crave wholesome, home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer’s rapid cooking time dramatically reduces the time needed to prepare a complete dinner, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights. The mustard crust adds a delightful tangy and savory flavor that complements the pork perfectly, and the potatoes and green beans round out the meal with essential nutrients and textures.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Quick & Easy:** The air fryer cuts down cooking time significantly compared to traditional oven roasting.
* **Healthy:** Pork tenderloin is a lean protein, and the air fryer requires less oil than other cooking methods.
* **Flavorful:** The mustard crust creates a beautiful and delicious outer layer, locking in the pork’s juices.
* **One-Pan Meal (Almost!):** Everything cooks in the air fryer (except for the initial preparation), minimizing cleanup.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt the vegetables to your liking or what you have on hand.

## Ingredients

Before you begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Pork Tenderloin:** 1.5 – 2 pounds, trimmed of silver skin
* **Potatoes:** 1.5 pounds, small to medium size, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, quartered
* **Green Beans:** 1 pound, trimmed
* **Dijon Mustard:** 2 tablespoons
* **Whole Grain Mustard:** 1 tablespoon (for added texture and flavor, but Dijon can be substituted)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, divided
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Optional:** Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
* **Optional:** Lemon wedges, for serving

## Equipment

* **Air Fryer:** A large capacity air fryer is recommended to accommodate the pork tenderloin, potatoes, and green beans without overcrowding. If your air fryer is smaller, you may need to cook in batches.
* **Mixing Bowls:** Two mixing bowls will be helpful – one for the potatoes and green beans, and another for the mustard crust.
* **Cutting Board:** For prepping the vegetables and trimming the pork tenderloin.
* **Knife:** A sharp knife for slicing and dicing.
* **Measuring Spoons & Cups:** To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Meat Thermometer:** A digital meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect air fryer mustard crusted pork tenderloin with potatoes and green beans.

**Step 1: Prepare the Pork Tenderloin**

1. **Trim the Silver Skin:** The silver skin is a thin membrane on the surface of the pork tenderloin. It can be tough and chewy, so it’s best to remove it. To do this, slide a sharp knife under the silver skin and carefully peel it away. Use a paper towel to grip the silver skin for a better hold.
2. **Pat Dry:** Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. This helps the mustard crust adhere better and promotes browning.

**Step 2: Make the Mustard Crust**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. **Coat the Pork:** Generously coat the entire pork tenderloin with the mustard mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered. This crust will create a flavorful and beautiful exterior.

**Step 3: Prepare the Potatoes and Green Beans**

1. **Wash and Cut:** Wash the potatoes and quarter them. Trim the green beans.
2. **Toss with Olive Oil and Seasonings:** In a larger mixing bowl, toss the potatoes and green beans with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.

**Step 4: Air Fry the Pork and Potatoes**

1. **Preheat (If Necessary):** Some air fryers require preheating. Check your air fryer’s manual and preheat if necessary to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Arrange in Air Fryer Basket:** Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Place the mustard-crusted pork tenderloin on top of the potatoes, or alongside, ensuring there’s enough space for air circulation.
3. **Cook Time:** Air fry for 15 minutes.

**Step 5: Add the Green Beans and Continue Cooking**

1. **Add Green Beans:** After 15 minutes, carefully add the green beans to the air fryer basket, distributing them around the potatoes and pork tenderloin.
2. **Continue Cooking:** Continue air frying for another 8-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden brown, and green beans are crisp-tender. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork at its thickest part.

**Step 6: Rest and Serve**

1. **Rest the Pork:** Once the pork is cooked to the desired 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.
2. **Slice and Serve:** Slice the pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch thick medallions.
3. **Serve:** Serve the sliced pork with the air-fried potatoes and green beans. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, resulting in unevenly cooked food. Cook in batches if necessary.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature without overcooking it. Pork tenderloin should be cooked to 145°F (63°C).
* **Adjust Cooking Time as Needed:** Air fryers can vary, so adjust the cooking time as needed based on your specific air fryer model.
* **Preheat Your Air Fryer:** Preheating helps ensure even cooking and browning.
* **Experiment with Seasonings:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mustard crust.
* **Flip the Pork Halfway Through:** For even browning, consider flipping the pork tenderloin halfway through the cooking process.
* **Add a touch of sweetness:** Mix a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the mustard mixture for a hint of sweetness. This will also help with caramelization.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences and dietary needs.

* **Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute the potatoes and green beans with other vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Mustard:** If you don’t have both Dijon and whole grain mustard on hand, you can use all Dijon mustard. You can also try other types of mustard, such as honey mustard or spicy brown mustard.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, sage, or Italian seasoning.
* **Spices:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish, or try smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Sweeteners:** If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the mustard mixture.
* **Gluten-Free:** This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free:** This recipe is dairy-free.
* **Lower Carb:** Substitute potatoes for radishes and increase the green beans. The radishes will roast similarly to potatoes.

## Serving Suggestions

This air fryer mustard crusted pork tenderloin with potatoes and green beans is a complete meal on its own. However, you can also serve it with the following:

* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with mixed greens, vegetables, and vinaigrette.
* **Side Dishes:** Quinoa, rice, or couscous.
* **Sauces:** A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
* **Bread:** Crusty bread for soaking up the delicious pan juices.
* **Wine Pairing:** A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, or a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

* **Mustard Crust:** The mustard crust can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful crust.
* **Vegetables:** The potatoes and green beans can be washed and cut in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Marinating:** For even more flavor, you can marinate the pork tenderloin in the mustard mixture for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

However, it’s best to cook the pork tenderloin and vegetables fresh for the best results.

## Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover pork tenderloin, potatoes, and green beans in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave or oven.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 4 oz pork, 1/2 cup potatoes, 1/4 cup green beans)*

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

## Recipe Card

**Air Fryer Mustard Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Potatoes and Green Beans**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 23-27 minutes
**Rest Time:** 5-10 minutes
**Total Time:** 43-52 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 – 2 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed
* 1.5 pounds small to medium potatoes, quartered
* 1 pound green beans, trimmed
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard (optional)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
* Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Trim the silver skin from the pork tenderloin and pat dry.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard (if using), minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the pork tenderloin with the mustard mixture.
4. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes and green beans with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if required.
6. Place potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Place the pork tenderloin on top of the potatoes or alongside.
7. Air fry for 15 minutes.
8. Add the green beans to the air fryer basket.
9. Continue air frying for another 8-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) and the potatoes and green beans are tender.
10. Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
11. Slice the pork tenderloin and serve with the potatoes and green beans. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

Enjoy this simple and delicious meal!

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