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How to Cook Breaded Pork Tenderloin in the Air Fryer?

How to Cook Breaded Pork Tenderloin in the Air Fryer?

I believe anything pork is the best cook in an air fryer, not just because of its speed but the way it cooks the pork with very little oil makes it a healthy alternative to other cooking methods. Breaded pork tenderloin has become a trendy dish in the Midwest region of the United States, and it continues to spread to even the remote parts of the world. Those of us who have never tried it are pork pounded into thin slices, then breaded to create a crispy coating. It is often served on a sandwich, which makes for a tasty lunch or dinner serving.

Although the oven can hold more pork tenderloins at once, the air fryer tends to cook it faster with a crispier finish. It only takes about 15 minutes to cook the pork tenderloin from scratch. In addition, cleaning after use is easier in the air fryer than in an oven or any other cooking method because no extra oil is added when cooking.

Recipes for making your Air Fryer Breaded Pork Tenderloin Strips

Recipe 1

Equipment

  • Any model of Air fryer will be okay
  • Kitchen thermometer
  • Time

Ingredients

  • Tenderized, boneless pork chops
  •  all-purpose flour
  • cornstarch
  • teaspoon Lawry’s seasoned salt
  • crushed Biskit crackers
  • panko bread crumbs
  • eggs
  • tablespoons milk
  • Spray oil (either canola oil or olive oil or vegetable oil will do. It is all determined on personal preference)

Procedure 

First and foremost, slice the tenderized pork tenders into thirds lengthwise. Place each round between two plastic sheets to pound the tenderloin until it is about a quarter inches thick. In a shallow baking dish, combine flour, cornstarch, seasoned salt, and any other desired seasoning. Dredge each piece of pork into the flour mixture and shaking off excess. Lay flour-coated pork tenders out on a sheet tray or layer of parchment paper.

In a separate bowl, mix the egg and milk, and whisk properly. And for the remaining flour/cornstarch dredge mixture, add cracker crumbs and panko breadcrumbs. Dip each flour-coated piece of pork into egg and milk mixture, letting excess drip off. Then take egg-dipped pork pieces and coat them in the flour/cracker mixture. Set cracker-coated pork pieces on an air fryer cooking tray in a single layer. Lightly mist both sides of pork tenders with canola or extra light olive oil spray. I usually start by preheating the air fryer to about 400°F (204°C) for this pork tenderloin recipe (if your air fryer model preheats automatically, just set it to this temperature, otherwise turn it on for 3 to 5 minutes before I start the cooking process). Next, place the basket in the Air Fry at 400 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the basket and then flip pieces over and air fry for an additional 7 minutes until golden brown. I like to serve warm with honey mustard sauce for dipping. Dish while hot.

Recipe 2

Equipment

Ingredients

  • pork tenderloin (Preferable defrosted)
  •  eggs
  •  milk
  •  seasoned breadcrumbs
  • salt and pepper to taste
  •  non-stick cooking spray (optional)

Procedure

For this particular recipe, I like to start by slicing the tenderloin into half-inch round pieces. I then place each round between two plastic sheets to pound the tenderloin until it is about a quarter inches thick. When this is done, it is time to mix the milk and egg in a bowl. In another separate bowl, pour the breadcrumbs. Dip each of the thin tenderloin slices into the egg and milk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Next is to dip the pork into the breadcrumbs to coating each side. When this is done, you are ready to start air frying. Place the coated pork onto a wire rack for 30 minutes to ensure the coating will stick.

I usually start by preheating the air fryer to about 400°F (204°C) for this pork tenderloin recipe (if your air fryer model preheats automatically, just set it to this temperature, otherwise turn it on for 3 to 5 minutes before I start the cooking process). Next, spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray; while this isn’t compulsory, it helps save a lot of washing stress later. Next, place the coated tenderloin into the basket in a single layer. Cook the tenderloin for 10 minutes, then take out, flip, and spray more cooking spray. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until both sides are crispy and golden-brown. Your breaded pork tenderloin is ready to be served.

Tips for Perfect Cooked Breaded Pork Tenderloin:

  • Add some of your favorite seasonings to the dish. This increases the flavor of the meal while adding your personal touch to it.
  • It is not compulsory to spray the basket or slider with oil, but I discovered it makes for a refined finish.
  • Don’t overcrowd the Air Fryer basket to ensure even cooking! Instead, I recommend putting them in a single layer with room between the rolls so the air can circulate.
  • During air frying, shake the basket or turn the breaded pork tenderloin once or twice during cooking.
  • Keep an eye on the breaded pork tenderloin when in the air fryer
  • All Air Fryers are different, so that timings can be different. Adjust the recipe according to your air fryer. Some air fryers are built, so you do not have to flip your food; others require that you flip your food halfway so that each side gets perfectly cooked.
  • Use vented parchment to make removal of the breaded pork tenderloin easier for you.
  • Pork tenderloins are oily, so little or no extra oil is required.

Bottom Line

On a final note, I strongly recommend you try your air fryer on this breaded pork tenderloin recipe. While you can try the second when some light sandwich is snacking, I discovered the first makes for an excellent side dish to some luxurious-looking dinner. It is a time-saving and easy recipe that every aspiring cook should try in their air fryer. Just don’t be too afraid to experiment.


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