Air-Fried Marinated Pork Tenderloin Recipe

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Are you craving a succulent and flavorful pork dish that’s quick and easy to prepare? Look no further! Our Air Fryer Marinated Pork Tenderloin recipe is the answer.

In just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

But first, let’s get to know pork tenderloin and some essential cooking tips.

Understanding Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of meat taken from the loin of the pig. It’s a versatile choice for a variety of dishes due to its mild flavor and tenderness. When prepared correctly, it can be incredibly juicy and flavourful.

Why marinate the pork tenderloin?

Marinating pork tenderloin serves several important purposes:

1. Flavour Infusion: Marinating allows the flavors of the marinade to penetrate the meat, adding depth, complexity, and a delightful taste to the otherwise mild-flavored pork tenderloin. The ingredients in the marinade, such as spices, herbs, acids (like vinegar or citrus), and oils, work together to create a harmonious and tasty profile.
2. Tenderizing: While pork tenderloin is already a tender cut of meat, certain components of marinades, such as enzymes or acids, can help break down muscle fibers slightly, making the meat even more tender and juicy. This is particularly beneficial when cooking lean cuts like pork tenderloin, as it helps prevent dryness.
3. Moisture Retention: Marinating can help lock in moisture. As the meat absorbs the liquid from the marinade, it becomes more resistant to drying out during the cooking process. This ensures that your pork tenderloin remains juicy and succulent.
4. Customization: Marinating allows you to customize the flavor of the dish to your liking. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and liquids to create a marinade that suits your taste preferences or complements other dishes you plan to serve.
5. Aromatics: Marinating also adds aromatic elements to your dish. The pleasant scents from the marinade ingredients can enhance the overall dining experience and build anticipation for the meal.

In the case of this recipe, our marinade combines a delightful blend of mild mustard, extra virgin olive oil, Worcestershire Sauce, balsamic vinegar, white sweet wine, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder and oregano, to create a flavorful and aromatic profile.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when working with pork tenderloin:

Cooking Tips:

Marinating Time: To infuse flavor and moisture into the meat, marinate your pork tenderloin for at least 30 minutes.

Meat Thermometre: Invest in a good-quality meat thermometre to ensure your pork tenderloin is perfectly cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for safe consumption.

Resting Time: After cooking, allow the pork tenderloin to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result when you slice it.

If you don’t have an air fryer, no problem: You can cook it in your oven. Marinate the tenderloin as per the instructions given and cook in a preheated oven to 180oC for 30 – 35 minutes.

Alternative Ingredients we can use in the marinade:

Feel free to get creative with your marinade. You can add minced garlic instead of garlic powder, honey, instead of using white sweet wine you use white dry wine, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra layer of flavor. Experiment with different variations to suit your taste.

How to cook the Pork Tenderloin

Marinate the Pork:

Start by washing and patting dry your pork tenderloin. In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and generously coat the pork. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cooking in the Air Fryer:

My air fryer does not need preheating. If you’d like to serve your pork with fried potatoes in the airfryer, cook them in the air fryer at 180oC, for 20 minutes and set them aside. Note: My air fryer does not need preheating.

Air Fry the Pork:

Remove the potatoes and place the marinated pork tenderloin in the air fryer (without the marinade). Cook at 180oC for 15 – 18 minutes, checking with a meat thermometer. It’s ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F).

Rest and Reheat:

Once cooked, transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. If you’ve prepared fried potatoes, just before serving, put them back in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) and reheat for 1 minute.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a small frying pan or pot, add the olive oil and flour, whisking to make a roux. Pour in the leftover marinade and cook for 1 minute. Add the milk and continue whisking until the sauce thickens.

Serve and Enjoy:

Plate your tenderloin with the fried potatoes and drizzle the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve with a salad.

Kopiaste and Kali Orexi!

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