Juicy Garlic Herb Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin made with a simple butter, Dijon, and paprika rub. An easy weeknight dinner ready in about 20 minutes with incredible flavor.
Garlic Herb Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin (Juicy & Easy Weeknight Dinner)
I’m still discovering new things to make in my air fryer, and wondered how a pork tenderloin would turn out. Upon doing some research I found that others loved the results. So I decided to create a recipe using my Williams Sonoma Garlic Herb mix in a wet rub for the tenderloin and ended up with the BEST Garlic Herb Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin. It's definitely going in to my rotation.
I’ve cooked pork tenderloin a lot of different ways over the years—roasted in the oven, grilled outside in the summer, even sliced into medallions for quick skillet dinners. But making it in the air fryer might be one of the easiest and most reliable methods I’ve found.
The pork cooks quickly, the outside develops a beautiful seasoned crust, and the inside stays tender and juicy. A simple garlic herb butter rub with Dijon and a touch of paprika gives the pork rich flavor without overpowering it. I served it with roasted zucchini but any potato/rice or vegetable side dish will work beautifully.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels just a little special, but it’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. And once you see how easy it is, you might find yourself reaching for pork tenderloin at the grocery store a little more often too.
Enjoy!
Ingredients
This recipe keeps things simple while building layers of flavor with a quick wet rub.
Pork Tenderloin - A lean, tender cut of pork that cooks quickly and stays juicy when rested properly.
Butter - Adds richness and helps the seasoning adhere to the pork.
Olive Oil - Keeps the rub smooth and helps the exterior brown nicely in the air fryer.
Garlic Herb Seasoning - I used Williams Sonoma's blend here. This is the best blend I've seen and the blend is vibrant green. The ingredients are all fresh. Here they are: Dehydrated garlic, salt, black pepper, rosemary, parsley, marjoram, basil, oregano, thyme, green onion.
Dijon Mustard - Adds a subtle tang and depth that balances the butter and herbs.
Paprika - Provides a gentle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
Black Pepper - Rounds out the seasoning with a little bite.
(Exact measurements are in the recipe card below.)
-- Let’s Make It Together
This recipe comes together quickly, and the air fryer makes it almost effortless.
Start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F while you prepare the pork. Trim any silver skin if needed and pat the tenderloin dry so the seasoning sticks well.
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, olive oil, garlic herb seasoning, Dijon mustard, paprika, and black pepper until smooth.
Rub the mixture over the entire pork tenderloin so it’s evenly coated. If you have time, let it sit for 10–20 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Place the pork in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 16–20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
Remove the pork when it reaches 140–143°F, then let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the meat tender and juicy.
-- Perfecting the Cooking Process
The single most important step in this recipe is letting the pork rest after cooking. Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of meat, and resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of running out when you slice it. Even five minutes makes a noticeable difference, turning a good pork tenderloin into one that’s perfectly juicy and tender.
-- Add Your Touch
Once you make this recipe once, it’s easy to adjust it to your own taste.
You could add a little lemon zest to the rub for a brighter flavor, or stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Fresh herbs work beautifully here as well. A sprinkle of chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary over the sliced pork adds freshness and color.
And if you enjoy a richer finish, brush the pork lightly with a little melted butter just before serving.
Set the Mood
If you'd like to create a whole atmosphere while enjoying this great meal see my tips below to set a wonderful mood!
If you’re looking for more easy dinners that feel just a little special, here are a few favorites from my kitchen:
• Garlic Herb Chicken Bowl - using the same Garlic Herb Blend
• Zesty Lemon Butter Pork Chops
• Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera
• Garlic-Lemon Pork Medallions with Farro and Kale
These are the kinds of recipes that make weeknight cooking feel simple, flavorful, and something to look forward to.
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Before You Start
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?Yes. Preheating helps the pork start cooking immediately and gives the outside better color.
What temperature should pork tenderloin be cooked to?
Remove the pork from the air fryer at 140–143°F. After resting, it will rise to the recommended 145°F.
Can I make this in advance?
You can mix the rub ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The pork is best cooked fresh.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store sliced pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
Warm slices gently in a skillet with a small splash of broth or water to keep the pork from drying out.
