The Best Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes

Get ready for a flavor-packed feast! Picture this: tender, perfectly seasoned pork tenderloin and crispy red potatoes, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. The star of the show? A luscious, creamy roasted garlic sauce that takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. With the magic of the air fryer, you'll achieve that coveted crispy exterior on your pork while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

And that creamy sauce? It's the ultimate finishing touch that'll have you coming back for seconds. Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes with Creamy Roasted Garlic Sauce - it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen in your kitchen!

A surefire way to make any mealtime memorable

Imagine the savory aroma filling your kitchen as you prepare this mouthwatering meal. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the air fryer simplifies the cooking process, making it accessible to cooks of all levels. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility – you can customize the seasonings, adjust the cooking times, or even swap out the sauce for your favorite flavors. So, get ready to impress your taste buds and those lucky enough to share this dish with you. Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes with Creamy Roasted Garlic Sauce is a surefire way to make any mealtime memorable.

This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4

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• A surefire way to make any mealtime memorable
• Ingredients needed to make Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes
• How to make the Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes
• Variations on the Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes recipe
• Equipment used in making the Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes recipe
• Storage for the Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes
• Top tips to know when making Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes
• Related
• Pairing
• The Best Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes

Ingredients needed to make Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes

• 1-1¼ lbs. pork tenderloin, trimmed
• 2 lbs. red potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided*
• 2 t. dried rosemary, divided*
• 1 t. garlic powder, divided*
• 1 t. onion powder, divided*
• Salt & black pepper, to taste*

Garnish: Fresh rosemary and thyme leaves, if desired

• Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce Ingredients:
• 1 large head roasted garlic**
• 1½ c. whole milk, divided
• ¼ c. unsalted butter
• ¼ c. all-purpose flour
• 4 oz. cream cheese, cut into chunks
• ¾ c. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ¼ t. salt

How to make the Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes

1. Remove pork tenderloin from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Remove excess fat and the thin membrane covering the tenderloin, if necessary, and set aside.
   
2. Turn on the air fryer and select the “Air Crisp” function. Set the temperature to 375°F and adjust the timer to 25 minutes. Press “Start” to pre-heat the unit.
   
3. While the unit pre-heats, combine half the olive oil, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Add salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine.
   
4. Brush the seasoned olive oil mixture over the pork tenderloin and set aside.
   
5. Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl and add the remaining olive oil, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and toss to combine.
   
6. When the air fryer beeps and flashes “Add Food,” carefully remove the basket (caution: it will be very hot) and place the seasoned tenderloin inside. Position at an angle, as shown, if necessary. 

7. Pour the potatoes in around the pork and place the basket back inside the unit. Close the lid to start cooking. 

Tip: While the pork is cooking, prepare the roasted garlic cream sauce according to the step-by-step directions listed below, assuming you’ve roasted the garlic in advance. If you are roasting the garlic along with the pork tenderloin, prepare the sauce while the pork is resting.

8. After 10 minutes, lift the lid and carefully turn the tenderloin and stir the potatoes so they brown evenly. Close the lid and continue air frying for another 10 minutes before checking the internal temperature of the pork with an instant read meat thermometer. 

Note: Safe cooking temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F. Remove from air fryer when the temperature is just above 140°F as the temperature will continue to rise several degrees while the pork rests.

For less pink results, continue air frying for several more minutes before removing the tenderloin. Allow the pork to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

9. Once the tenderloin is removed, shake the basket and continue air frying the potatoes for the remaining 5 minutes.
   
10. Slice the pork tenderloin and serve immediately with the roasted potatoes on the side and a drizzle of the Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce on top. garnish with fresh thyme or finely chopped rosemary leaves, if desired. Enjoy!

Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce Directions:

1. Squeeze the warm roasted garlic cloves from their skins into a medium bowl. Add one cup whole milk and mash the garlic with a fork to break it into small, pieces and set aside.
   
   Tip: For smoother results, pulse garlic and milk for several seconds in a blender. 

2. Add butter to a skillet set over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in the flour until thoroughly incorporated into the melted butter for 2-3 minutes or just until no lumps remain. Do not allow the mixture to brown or darken.  

3. Add the cream cheese and the milk mixture to the skillet. Cook, stirring continually, until the cheese is completely melted, approximately 2-3 minutes.
   
4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and salt. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely incorporated into the sauce.
   
5. As the sauce thickens, add the remaining milk, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Remove from heat and keep warm until ready to serve. Enjoy!

Variations on the Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes recipe

here are 10 delicious variations to elevate your homemade pork tenderloin and red potatoes recipe:

1. Honey Mustard Glaze: Brush the pork with a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy twist.
   
2. Maple-Balsamic Marinade: Marinate the pork in a blend of maple syrup and balsamic vinegar for a delightful balance of flavors.
   
3. Herb-Crusted Pork: Coat the pork with a mixture of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a fragrant herb crust.
   
4. Citrus Zest: Add a burst of freshness by grating lemon or orange zest over the potatoes before roasting.
   
5. Cajun Spice: Season the pork and potatoes with Cajun spice mix for a spicy kick.
   
6. Mushroom Cream Sauce: Serve the dish with a creamy mushroom sauce for a rich and indulgent twist.
   
7. Smoked Paprika Potatoes: Dust the red potatoes with smoked paprika for a smoky, slightly spicy flavor.
   
8. Apple-Cranberry Compote: Top the pork with a homemade apple-cranberry compote for a fruity contrast.
   
9. Garlic-Herb Butter: Baste the pork and potatoes with a garlic-herb butter during roasting for extra richness.
   
10. Blue Cheese Crumble: Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the potatoes just before serving for a bold and tangy finish.

These variations offer a range of flavors and textures to suit different preferences, ensuring your homemade pork tenderloin and red potatoes stay exciting and delicious every time you make them. Enjoy experimenting with these options!

Equipment used in making the Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes recipe

Ninja AG301 Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill / Air Fryer:

Instant Read Meat Thermometer:

Silicon Tongs:

Storage for the Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and Red Potatoes

ou can store leftover homemade pork tenderloin and red potatoes in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. To ensure the best quality when reheating, follow these tips:

1. Cool Properly: Allow the dish to cool at room temperature for no more than two hours before refrigerating. Dividing the leftovers into smaller, shallow containers can help them cool faster.
2. Refrigerate Promptly: Store the leftovers in airtight containers or sealable bags to prevent moisture loss and odors from other foods in the fridge.
3. Label and Date: It's a good practice to label the containers with the date you stored them to keep track of freshness.
4. Reheat Safely: When reheating, make sure to heat the leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
5. Use Within Timeframe: Consume the leftovers within the recommended storage timeframe (three to four days) to maintain the best flavor and quality.

Remember that the storage duration can vary depending on factors such as the freshness of the ingredients used and the temperature of your refrigerator. Always use your best judgment and follow food safety guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of your leftovers.

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