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Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Bites - Juicy, Flavorful, and Fast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Pork tenderloin (1 to 1.5 pounds), trimmed
  • Olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • Dried oregano (or thyme)
  • Brown sugar (optional, for caramelization)
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)
  • Fresh parsley or chives (optional garnish)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps create crisp edges.
  2. Trim and cut the pork. Remove any silver skin from the tenderloin. Cut into 1- to 1.5-inch cubes for even cooking.
  3. Season generously. In a bowl, toss pork with 1–2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar if using.
  4. Rest the seasoning for 5 minutes. This lets the salt draw in and helps the spices cling.
  5. Arrange in the basket in a single layer with space between pieces. Work in batches if needed. Crowding leads to steaming, not browning.
  6. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway. Start checking at 7 minutes. You want browned edges and a juicy center.
  7. Check doneness. Pull at an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The carryover heat will finish the job while the bites rest.
  8. Rest 3–5 minutes. This keeps the meat juicy. Squeeze with a little lemon and sprinkle with herbs before serving.
  9. Serve with your favorite sides: roasted veggies, rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. They’re also great with garlic yogurt sauce, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.