Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes: A Quick & Healthy Dinner

Looking for a simple, healthy, and incredibly delicious dinner? This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes recipe is your answer! Pork tenderloin is lean, flavorful, and cooks quickly in the air fryer, while sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and a boost of nutrients. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you just want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience juicy, tender pork and perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, all made in the convenience of your air fryer.

Why Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes?

• Quick & Easy: The air fryer cooks food much faster than a conventional oven, making it a time-saver.
• Healthy: Air frying requires little to no oil, reducing the overall fat content.
• Delicious: The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender.
• Easy Cleanup: Air fryers are generally easy to clean, especially compared to cleaning a large roasting pan.
• One-Pan Meal: This recipe allows you to cook your protein and vegetables together in the air fryer, simplifying the cooking process.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Pork Tenderloin: Look for a trimmed pork tenderloin, about 1-1.5 pounds. Make sure it’s fresh and doesn’t have any off-putting odors.
• Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes, about 2-3.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for flavor and healthy fats.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory and aromatic flavor.
• Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky sweetness and color. Smoked paprika can also be used for a more intense smoky flavor.
• Dried Thyme: Adds an earthy and slightly minty flavor.
• Dried Rosemary: Contributes a distinct piney and aromatic flavor. Use sparingly as it can be overpowering.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Kosher salt is recommended.
• Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice and enhances the overall flavor. Freshly ground black pepper is best.
• Optional: Maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar (for a glaze, see variations below).

Equipment:

• Air Fryer: A basket-style or oven-style air fryer will work. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the pork tenderloin and sweet potatoes in a single layer without overcrowding. A 5-quart or larger air fryer is recommended.
• Cutting Board: For prepping the sweet potatoes and pork tenderloin.
• Knife: A sharp knife for cutting the vegetables and trimming the pork.
• Mixing Bowl: For tossing the sweet potatoes with the seasoning.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature (145°F).

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

1. Wash and Peel: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if desired (peeling is optional, leaving the skin on adds fiber and nutrients).
2. Chop: Cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Ensure the pieces are relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.
3. Season: In a mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning.

2. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:

1. Pat Dry: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a better sear and crispy exterior.
2. Trim Silver Skin (Optional): If present, trim any silver skin (a thin, silvery membrane) from the surface of the pork tenderloin. Silver skin can become tough and chewy when cooked. Use a sharp knife to carefully remove it.
3. Season: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the pork tenderloin, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

3. Air Fry the Sweet Potatoes and Pork Tenderloin:

1. Preheat (Optional): Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating helps to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Many air fryers do not require preheating, so check your air fryer’s manual.
2. Arrange: Place the seasoned sweet potato cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding. If necessary, cook the sweet potatoes in batches. Place the seasoned pork tenderloin on top of the sweet potatoes or alongside them, ensuring there’s still adequate airflow.
3. Air Fry: Air fry for 18-22 minutes, or until the pork tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly browned. Flip the pork tenderloin halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Check the sweet potatoes and shake the basket or flip them to promote even browning.
4. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin, being careful not to touch any bone.
5. Rest: Once the pork tenderloin reaches 145°F, 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. Tent it loosely with foil while resting.

4. Slice and Serve:

1. Slice: Slice the pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch thick medallions.
2. Serve: Serve the sliced pork tenderloin with the air-fried sweet potatoes. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or rosemary, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes:

• Don’t Overcrowd: Overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent the food from cooking evenly. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer (Optional): Preheating helps to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior, but is not always necessary. Consult your air fryer’s manual.
• Pat Dry: Patting the pork tenderloin dry before seasoning helps to achieve a better sear.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
• Let it Rest: Resting the pork tenderloin before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful pork.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the pork tenderloin and sweet potatoes. Check the internal temperature of the pork and the tenderness of the sweet potatoes periodically and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Spray with Oil (Optional): For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the sweet potatoes and pork tenderloin with cooking oil spray before air frying.

Variations and Add-Ins:

• Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin: Mix 2 tablespoons of maple syrup with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and brush it over the pork tenderloin during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Brown Sugar Glaze: Mix 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Brush over the pork in the last 5 minutes.
• Spicy Pork Tenderloin: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Herb Pork Tenderloin: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the seasoning mixture and use your favorite combination of dried herbs, such as oregano, basil, and parsley.
• Add Other Vegetables: Toss other vegetables, such as broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers, with the sweet potatoes for a more complete meal. Add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking time, depending on the vegetable.
• Add a Sauce: Serve the pork tenderloin and sweet potatoes with your favorite sauce, such as chimichurri, a balsamic glaze, or a creamy garlic sauce.
• Honey Garlic Glaze: Combine honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of ginger for a sweet and savory glaze.
• BBQ Rub: Use a pre-made BBQ rub on the pork tenderloin for a smoky and savory flavor.
• Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and juice to the seasoning mix, along with your favorite fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

Serving Suggestions:

• Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a vinaigrette dressing.
• Rice: Serve with a side of rice, such as brown rice, quinoa, or wild rice.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with other roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or carrots.
• Mashed Potatoes: Serve with mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower for a comforting side dish.

Make-Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the sweet potatoes and pork tenderloin ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

• Sweet Potatoes: Chop and season the sweet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Pork Tenderloin: Season the pork tenderloin up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When ready to cook, simply follow the air frying instructions.

Storage Instructions:

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

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):

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

• Calories: 350-450
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 15-25g
• Carbohydrates: 20-30g
• Fiber: 4-6g

This Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes recipe is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a complete meal. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

More Air Fryer Recipes to Try:

• Air Fryer Chicken Breast
• Air Fryer Salmon
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Air Fryer French Fries

Enjoy your delicious and healthy air fryer meal!