There is nothing quite like a juicy pork tenderloin wrapped in crispy, caramelized bacon. This air fryer recipe delivers a golden, smoky crust with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center — and it comes together with surprisingly little hands-on effort. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, it looks as impressive as it tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, caramelized bacon wrapped around a juicy, tender pork tenderloin
- Sweet and savory spice rub with brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika
- The air fryer crisps the bacon evenly with far less mess than pan-searing
- An impressive centerpiece for weeknight dinners or special occasions
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds), trimmed of silver skin
- 8-10 thin-cut bacon slices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the tenderloin – Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and trim away any silver skin.
- Season and wrap with bacon – Brush the tenderloin evenly with olive oil and Dijon mustard. Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and rub the mixture all over the pork. Lay the bacon slices side by side, slightly overlapping, then wrap them snugly around the tenderloin, tucking the ends underneath.
- Sear or air fry – Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the wrapped tenderloin seam-side down in the basket and air fry for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and golden brown.
- Cook to temperature – Check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the pork with a meat thermometer; it should read 145°F (63°C).
- Rest, garnish and slice – Let the tenderloin rest for 5-10 minutes so the juices redistribute. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, slice into medallions, and serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad or coleslaw for a lighter plate
- Drizzle with your favorite barbecue sauce or a simple Dijon pan sauce
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until the bacon crisps back up. Leftover slices are also delicious served cold over salads for an easy next-day lunch.
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