Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a quick and juicy dinner idea, you’ve hit the jackpot with these 15 minute air fryer pork tenderloin medallions! Seriously, I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love whipping this up on busy weeknights or when unexpected guests come over. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a rockstar in the kitchen without spending all day slaving away. Plus, the air fryer does all the hard work for you, giving you beautifully cooked pork medallions with that perfect crispy exterior—all in just 15 minutes!
Let me tell you, the first time I made these, I was amazed at how simple it was. I just tossed the medallions in my favorite spices, popped them in the air fryer, and voila! Dinner was served before I even had a chance to pour myself a glass of wine. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation. It’s that good!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze! Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delicious 15 minute air fryer pork tenderloin medallions:
- 1 pound pork tenderloin: Make sure to slice it into medallions for even cooking. Each piece should be about 1-inch thick for best results.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps the spices stick and adds a lovely richness to the medallions.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that delightful savory kick. You can adjust this based on how much you love garlic!
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: It gives a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This adds a gorgeous color and a hint of smokiness. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key! I always suggest starting with a little and adjusting to your preference.
That’s it! Simple, straightforward, and packed with flavor. You’ll be amazed at how these few ingredients come together to create something so scrumptious!
How to Prepare 15 Minute Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, we need to preheat that air fryer! Set it to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the medallions cook evenly and gives them that gorgeous crispy exterior we all love. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did this step!
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mixture
While the air fryer is warming up, grab a mixing bowl and add your 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper too! Now, give it a good stir until everything is well combined. You want those spices all mixed up, creating a flavorful coating for your medallions. It should smell divine already!
Step 3: Coat the Medallions
Now it’s time to coat those medallions. Toss your 1 pound of sliced pork tenderloin into the spice mixture. I like to use my hands for this part—just make sure they’re clean! Massage the spice mix into each medallion, making sure they’re all nicely coated. This will ensure every bite is bursting with flavor. Ooh, I can already taste it!
Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Next, arrange the coated medallions in the air fryer basket. Lay them in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. This is key for that perfect cook! If you have to, you can do this in batches. Give each medallion a little space to breathe so they can crisp up beautifully.
Step 5: Cooking Process
Alright, let’s get cooking! Slide that basket into the air fryer and set the timer for 8 minutes. Halfway through—at around the 4-minute mark—flip the medallions over. This helps them cook evenly on both sides. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Step 6: Check Doneness
After the 8 minutes are up, check to see if they’re done. The medallions should have a nice golden-brown crust. If you want to be extra sure, you can use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If they need a little more time, pop them back in for an additional 1-2 minutes. No big deal—just keep an eye on them!
Step 7: Resting Time
Once they’re perfectly cooked, remove the medallions from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This is a crucial step! It allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender. Seriously, don’t skip this part. It’s worth the wait!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delicious 15 minute air fryer pork tenderloin medallions. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 35g
So there you have it! A tasty, low-fat meal packed with protein that won’t weigh you down. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch! Enjoy knowing that you’re fueling your body with something nutritious and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have dinner on the table in just 15 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Easy Cooking Method: The air fryer does all the hard work, giving you juicy pork medallions with a crispy finish without much effort.
- Flavorful Meal: With a simple spice blend, each bite bursts with savory goodness that everyone will love.
- Health-Conscious Option: Low in fat and high in protein, this dish is a guilt-free addition to your meal rotation.
- Minimal Cleanup: Fewer pots and pans mean less time spent cleaning up, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal!
- Versatile Pairings: These medallions pair beautifully with a variety of sides, so you can mix and match based on what you have on hand.
Tips for Success
Want to ensure your 15 minute air fryer pork tenderloin medallions turn out absolutely perfect? Here are some of my favorite tips that will help you nail this recipe every time!
- Watch the Thickness: The cooking time can vary based on how thick you slice your medallions. If they’re thicker than 1 inch, you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Just keep an eye on them!
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: It’s tempting to fit as many medallions as possible, but overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Give them enough space to crisp up and breathe!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Aim for 145°F (63°C) for juicy, tender results.
- Let Them Rest: I can’t stress this enough! Letting the medallions rest after cooking helps retain their juices. You’ll be rewarded with a much more flavorful bite!
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the spice mix! Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices—like cumin or a pinch of chili powder for an extra kick.
- Marinate for More Flavor: If you have a bit of extra time, let the medallions marinate in the spice mixture for 30 minutes before cooking. It amps up the flavor even more!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set for air fryer success! Enjoy the process and get ready for some mouthwatering medallions!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got those delicious 15 minute air fryer pork tenderloin medallions ready to go, let’s talk about how to make your meal even more fantastic with some perfect pairings! There are so many options to enhance your dinner, and I can’t wait to share my favorites with you!
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic side that never disappoints. The richness balances the savory medallions beautifully!
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss some seasonal veggies like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them until they’re tender. They add a lovely crunch and vibrant color to your plate!
- Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette can really brighten up the meal. It’s a perfect contrast to the hearty pork.
- Quinoa or Rice: Serve your medallions over a fluffy bed of quinoa or rice. Both options soak up any juices from the pork, making every bite even more flavorful!
- Apple Sauce: This might sound a bit old-fashioned, but trust me! The sweet and tangy apple sauce pairs wonderfully with the savory taste of the pork. A little nostalgia never hurt anyone!
- Mustard Sauce: For a little kick, whip up a quick mustard sauce by mixing Dijon mustard with honey and a splash of vinegar. Drizzle it over the medallions for an extra layer of flavor!
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds a nice crunch and a pop of green to your dinner. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Whatever sides you choose, I promise they’ll elevate your meal and make it even more memorable. Enjoy mixing and matching, and don’t forget to savor every bite of those juicy pork medallions!
FAQ Section
Got questions? No problem! I’ve got answers to some of the most common queries about making these 15 minute air fryer pork tenderloin medallions. Let’s dive in and clear up any uncertainties you might have!
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is my go-to for its tenderness, you can use pork loin chops or even pork shoulder if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that the cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the cut.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries! You can easily cook these medallions in a skillet on the stovetop. Just heat some olive oil over medium-high heat and cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. You’ll still get a delicious result!
Can I marinate the pork ahead of time?
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! If you have the time, marinating your pork in the spice mixture for 30 minutes to a few hours can really enhance the flavor. Just be sure to keep it in the fridge while it marinates!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), let the medallions cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Just reheat them gently in the air fryer or skillet to avoid drying them out.
Can I freeze the cooked medallions?
Yes! You can freeze the cooked medallions for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the fridge before reheating.
What sides pair well with these medallions?
Oh, so many options! I love serving them with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad. You can really get creative based on what you have on hand. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary masterpieces!
Can I adjust the spice levels?
For sure! If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of garlic or paprika. On the flip side, if you like it spicy, feel free to add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to kick things up a notch!
I hope these answers help you feel more confident in making your 15 minute air fryer pork tenderloin medallions! Enjoy experimenting and happy cooking!
Print
15 Minute Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin Medallions, Pure Joy
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Quick and juicy air fryer pork tenderloin medallions ready in 15 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, sliced into medallions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the pork medallions in the spice mixture until well coated.
- Place the medallions in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check doneness; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes if necessary.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness of medallions.
- Serve with your choice of sides.
- Marinate for extra flavor if you have time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: air fryer, pork tenderloin, quick meal, 15 minute recipe
