Your 20-minute pork dinner is ready! All you need is a slightly sweet dry rub to make Ninja Foodi pork tenderloin that is juicy and makes your mouth water. Perfect for busy weeknights!.
This post is sponsored by the Iowa Pork Association. All of my thoughts and writing are original, and I haven’t changed them because I got paid or got something in exchange.
At first, it can be scary to cook meat in an air fryer. Will it cook all the way through? Will it get crispy? Well, with the right recipe, you can serve a plate that’s steaming hot that tastes just as good as something baked, braised, or oil-fried.
Pork tenderloin is a beautiful, robust cut of meat that’s packed with protein. Its flavor is mild, but its texture (when prepared properly) is tender and moist. It’s a blank canvas for dry rubs or to be marinated!.
I like to use a light seasoning blend that tastes like a mild teriyaki. It has a hint of sweetness, some saltiness, and lots of room for the pork to shine.
Also, did you know that Iowa is home to a third of the pork raised in the US? That means that when you buy pork at the store, you may be helping family farms in Iowa or the US.
Please note that this guidance is for preparing a thicker pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi. I have a Ninja Foodi Pork Chops recipe that you will love if you want to cook some thinner cuts.
Once you get the hang of it, your Ninja Foodi can fry any kind of protein!
I used the Ninja Foodi 8QT Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer for this recipe. I find this to be a great size for my family of four!.
Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat that can easily dry out if overcooked. But with the right techniques, you can use your Ninja Foodi Grill to produce a juicy, mouthwatering pork tenderloin meal
Why Choose Pork Tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin has a few advantages that make it a great choice for the Ninja Foodi Grill
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It’s very lean and tender. Less fat means less flare-ups and smoking.
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Its uniform shape allows for even cooking.
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It cooks relatively quickly since it’s so lean. A 1-1.5 lb tenderloin only needs about 15-20 minutes of grilling time.
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The mild flavor takes on spices and marinades nicely.
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It can be sliced for sandwiches, chopped up for salads and tacos, or served whole for an easy entree.
So if you’re looking for a quick and easy protein to throw on the Ninja Foodi Grill, pork tenderloin is a great option!
Choosing and Preparing the Pork
Start with a 1-1.5 lb pork tenderloin for the Ninja Foodi Grill. Try to find a tenderloin with decent marbling throughout rather than a large fat cap on one side.
Trim off any excess fat and silver skin before marinating. The silver skin is the thick, shiny membrane covering part of the tenderloin. Use a sharp knife to slice under it and peel it off. This will help the meat cook more evenly.
Pat the pork dry before adding a marinade or dry rub. This helps the flavor stick better. Speaking of flavor…
Marinate for Maximum Juiciness and Flavor
Marinating is a must for keeping pork tenderloin juicy and enhancing its mild flavor.
A simple 30 minute marinade will suffice. Some easy marinade ideas include:
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Italian dressing or a mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs.
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Soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil.
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Chili powder, cumin, garlic, oregano, olive oil, and lime juice.
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Teriyaki marinade or teriyaki sauce thinned with water.
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Pesto with olive oil and lemon juice.
You can marinate in a sealed plastic bag or a baking dish. Flip the meat a few times as it marinates to distribute the flavor.
If you have time, marinating up to 8 hours in the fridge allows the flavor to really permeate into the meat. But 30 minutes to an hour will still improve moisture and taste.
Grill It Perfectly in the Ninja Foodi
The Ninja Foodi Grill excels at quickly searing and cooking food without drying it out. Use these tips for perfect pork tenderloin:
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Preheat the grill to 450°F. This high temperature will give the outside a nice sear.
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Grill for 15-20 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
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Use a digital food thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature. Check in a few spots to account for uneven cooking.
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The pork will still look slightly pink inside when properly cooked. Pork is safe to eat starting at 145°F.
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Let the cooked tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute.
Slice into medallions and serve it with your favorite sides! Grilled pork tenderloin also makes amazing sandwiches and lunch leftovers.
Recipe Ideas
Here are a few recipe ideas for putting together a tasty Ninja Foodi grilled pork tenderloin meal:
Hawaiian Pork Tenderloin
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Marinate pork in soy sauce, pineapple juice, brown sugar, oregano, garlic, and ginger.
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Grill as directed.
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Serve with grilled pineapple slices and rice.
Mexican Spiced Pork
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Rub pork with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
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Grill as directed.
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Serve in tortillas with pico de gallo, avocado, lettuce, and a lime wedge.
Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
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Marinate pork in teriyaki sauce, oil, garlic, and ginger.
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Grill as directed.
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Serve with roasted broccoli and rice.
Herb Crusted Pork
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Coat pork in a blend of Dijon mustard, breadcrumbs, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, and olive oil.
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Grill as directed.
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Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans.
Time to Grill Tender and Delicious Pork
Marinating and quickly grilling with high heat are the secrets to getting tender, juicy pork tenderloin from your Ninja Foodi Grill. Use a thermometer for perfectly cooked meat, let it rest before slicing, and pair it with your favorite sauces and sides. In 20 minutes or less, you can enjoy a flavorful pork dinner the whole family will love.
Can You Cook Frozen Pork Loin in an Air Fryer?
It’s certainly possible, but I have not done it myself so I can’t guarantee the same results.
A frozen cut would need significantly more time – closer to 40 minutes. You should keep an eye on the temperature inside and remember to flip it every 15 to 20 minutes.
How to Make Ninja Foodi Pork Tenderloin
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Add the brown sugar, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder to a small bowl. Combine with a whisk and set aside.
STEP TWO: Use paper towels to lightly dry the meat before slathering it with olive oil. This will help the meat soak up the oil and stick to the other ingredients. Once covered with the oil, rub the seasoning into the meat.
I cut the pork in half so it would fit better in the Ninja Foodi, but you can leave it whole if you’d rather.
Third, put the tenderloin in the basket and air fry (or Air Crisp) it at 400 degrees F for 16 to 20 minutes, making sure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Flip halfway through to promote even cooking.
Step Four: After cooking, let your Ninja Foodi pork tenderloin rest for 10 to 15 minutes so the juices can settle. Then, slice and serve while it’s still hot!.
NINJA FOODI GRILL ROASTED PORK TENDERLOIN! | Ninja Foodi Grill Recipes!
FAQ
How long to cook pork tenderloin on a Ninja Woodfire grill?
Is pork tenderloin better in the oven or on the grill?
What is the best way to cook pork in the Ninja?
How do you cook pork tenderloin on a ninja foodi Grill?
Trim the silver skin off of the pork tenderloin. Rub the tenderloin with seasoning blend. Wrap in cling wrap and let sit in the refrigerator overnight if preparing the day before. Let the pork tenderloin sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes prior to grill, but not longer than 1½ hours. Preheat the Ninja Foodi Grill on Max Grill.
Can you flip a pork tenderloin on a ninja foodi Grill?
Once the pork is grilled to a certain temperature, the Ninja Foodi Grill will tell you to flip it. Try to flip it onto a section of the grill that has been exposed to the direct heat and not where the pork tenderloin has been. This is only possible if you are cooking one pork tenderloin, so don’t worry about it if you are grilling more than one.
How do you flavor a pork tenderloin in Ninja foodi?
You can use a variety of seasonings to flavor your pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi. Some popular options include a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. You can also use marinades or spice rubs to enhance the flavor profile according to your preferences.
Can a ninja foodi Pressure Cook pork tenderloin?
Your Ninja Foodi is a versatile kitchen appliance that can pressure cook, air fry, and more. Ensure it’s clean and set it up for this delicious pork tenderloin adventure. Start by attaching the pressure cooker lid and then preheat it according to your Ninja Foodi’s manual. Preheating is a critical step as it ensures even cooking.