How to Cook Frozen Breaded Pork Tenderloin in an Air Fryer: A Step-by-Step Guide

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by providing a quick and healthy way to make crispy and delicious foods One of the most convenient uses for an air fryer is cooking frozen foods – no defrosting required! Frozen breaded pork tenderloin cooks up perfectly golden brown and tender in an air fryer

Follow this simple guide for foolproof frozen breaded pork tenderloin made in the air fryer. You’ll enjoy a fast weeknight dinner with minimal effort.

Benefits of Cooking Frozen Breaded Pork Tenderloin in an Air Fryer

Using an air fryer to cook frozen breaded pork tenderloin offers several advantages

• Super fast cooking The air fryer’s rapid circulating hot air penetrates frozen foods quickly to drastically reduce cook times Dinner can be ready in under 30 minutes!

• No defrosting required: Air fryers cook foods from fully frozen, so no need to remember to thaw the pork first. Just open the bag and start cooking.

• Crispy breading: The air fryer’s high heat helps the breading get ultra crispy and browned without deep frying.

• Tender and juicy pork: The air fryer locks in moisture and flavor while the breading gets crispy.

• Healthier: Air frying uses little to no oil compared to pan frying, resulting in fewer calories and less fat.

• Easy cleanup: With no pots or pans to scrub, air fryer cleanup is a breeze.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Frying Frozen Breaded Pork Tenderloin

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked frozen breaded pork tenderloin from your air fryer:

1. Preheat Air Fryer

• Preheating is an important first step as it gets the air fryer hot and ready to cook.

• Set air fryer temperature to 400°F and preheat for 3-5 minutes.

2. Add Frozen Pork Tenderloin

• Place frozen pork tenderloin pieces in air fryer basket.

• Be sure not to overcrowd. Leave space between pieces.

• Mist tops lightly with oil spray to promote browning if desired.

3. Air Fry For First Half of Time

• Air fry frozen pork for 12-14 minutes initially.

• This halfway point ensures the breading starts cooking through before flipping.

4. Flip Pork Tenderloin Pieces

• Using tongs, carefully flip each piece of pork tenderloin over.

• Mist the flipped side with oil spray if desired.

5. Finish Air Frying

• Air fry for 10-12 more minutes until crispy and browned.

• Pork should reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

• Check temperature by cutting into thickest portion of one piece.

6. Let Rest and Serve

• Allow pork tenderloin to rest 5 minutes before serving.

• This helps juices redistribute so meat stays juicy when cut.

• Slice into medallions and serve while hot. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Results

Use these air fryer tips for delicious frozen breaded pork tenderloin:

• Use a meat thermometer to accurately monitor doneness. Pork should reach 145°F minimum.

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Leave space between pieces.

• Adjust cook times based on thickness of pork. Larger pieces may need more time.

• Gently flip pork halfway through cooking for evenly browned breading.

• Lightly mist pork with oil before air frying for extra crispy results.

• Let pork rest 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

• If breading is very thick, extend cook time by 2-3 minutes.

Customize Your Frozen Breaded Pork Tenderloin

One of the best parts of cooking in an air fryer is how easy it is to add flavor! Use these ideas:

• Seasoned bread crumbs: Choose seasoned panko bread crumbs to add flavor to the coating.

• Spice rubs: Rub prepared spice blends into the pork before breading. Jerk or coffee rubs work great.

• Flavored oil sprays: Mist the pork with garlic, lemon, or chili oil for extra flavor.

• Finishing drizzles: After air frying, drizzle pork with honey, maple syrup, or bourbon glaze.

• Saucy dippers: Serve with chimichurri, sweet chili sauce, or horseradish dipping sauce.

With minimal prep, you can take frozen breaded pork tenderloin from basic to gourmet fast!

Serving Suggestions

The mild flavor of breaded pork tenderloin complements many fresh ingredients and cuisines:

• Slice and place over salad greens, tomatoes, croutons and Parmesan.

• Add to sandwiches with pickles, spicy mustard and Swiss cheese.

• Make tacos with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and avocado.

• Serve over rice pilaf with roasted asparagus.

• Pair with roasted broccoli and butternut squash.

• Add to pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and feta.

Take this versatile ingredient in endless flavor directions for quick meals any night of the week!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

With such fast cook times, you’ll likely have leftovers when making multiple servings.

Store and reheat cooked air fried pork tenderloin:

• Let cool slightly and place in airtight container. Refrigerate up to 4 days.

• Reheat refrigerated pork in the air fryer at 300°F for 5 minutes until hot.

• Frozen leftovers can go right back into air fryer cooking from frozen state.

• Microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Enjoy speedy homemade dinners throughout the week thanks to perfectly cooked frozen pork tenderloin cooked right in your air fryer. Dinnertime just got a whole lot easier!