🥓 Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Juicy, tender pork tenderloin wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon makes an irresistible dinner! This easy air fryer recipe combines savory seasonings with delicious bacon flavor to create a beautiful main dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions.
With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is sure to become a family favorite.
🛒 Ingredients
1 pork tenderloin (about 1–1½ pounds)
8–10 slices of bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar, optional
Fresh parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork
Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Trim away any excess silver skin and fat.
Rub the tenderloin with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add brown sugar if you’d like a slightly sweet, caramelized finish.
2. Wrap with Bacon
Lay the bacon strips slightly overlapping on a clean surface. Place the seasoned pork tenderloin on top.
Wrap the bacon around the pork, tucking the ends underneath. Use toothpicks to secure any loose bacon strips if necessary.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes if recommended by your appliance manufacturer.
4. Place in the Basket
Place the bacon-wrapped tenderloin in the air fryer basket with the bacon seam facing down. Leave space around the meat for air circulation.
5. Air Fry the Pork
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25–35 minutes, turning carefully halfway through if needed for even browning.
Cooking time depends on the thickness of the tenderloin and your air fryer. Start checking the internal temperature early.
The pork is ready when the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
6. Crisp the Bacon
If the pork is cooked but the bacon needs more crisping, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for another 2–4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Rest and Slice
Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for 3 minutes. Remove any toothpicks, slice into medallions, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve warm with your favorite sides.
⭐ Tips for the Best Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Choose pork tenderloin, not pork loin: They are different cuts and need different cooking times.
Pat the meat dry: This helps the seasoning stick and encourages better browning.
Use overlapping bacon: This helps keep the pork moist and makes wrapping easier.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air circulation helps the bacon brown more evenly.
Use a meat thermometer: The thickest part should reach 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
Watch the bacon: If it browns too quickly, loosely cover the exposed areas with a small piece of foil only if your air fryer manufacturer permits it and it can be secured safely away from the heating element.
Let the meat rest: This helps retain its juices when sliced.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
This tenderloin pairs beautifully with:
Creamy mashed potatoes
Roasted baby potatoes
Steamed broccoli
Garlic green beans
Roasted carrots
Corn on the cob
Fresh garden salad
Macaroni and cheese
Rice pilaf
Roasted Brussels sprouts
For an extra-special meal, serve with garlic butter vegetables and a creamy mushroom sauce.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cook frozen pork tenderloin in the air fryer?
A: For best results, thaw the tenderloin completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and wrapping it in bacon. This helps the meat cook evenly and allows the bacon to brown properly.
Q: How long does bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin take in the air fryer?
A: A 1–1½-pound tenderloin generally takes around 25–35 minutes at 375°F (190°C), but thickness and appliance differences affect cooking time. Always check the internal temperature.
Q: What temperature should pork tenderloin reach?
A: The thickest part should reach 145°F (63°C), followed by a 3-minute rest.
Q: How do I make the bacon extra crispy?
A: If the pork has reached its safe temperature but the bacon is not crisp enough, cook briefly at 400°F (200°C), checking every minute or two.
Q: Should I flip the tenderloin while cooking?
A: Turning it carefully halfway through can help the bacon brown evenly. If the bacon is securely wrapped and already browning well, use your judgment based on your air fryer.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. Season and wrap the tenderloin, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to cook. For food safety, keep it refrigerated and cook within 1–2 days.
Q: Can I use turkey bacon?
A: Yes, although turkey bacon has a different texture and may not crisp or wrap as easily as regular bacon.
Q: Can I add cheese?
A: You can spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixed with herbs over the tenderloin before wrapping it, but avoid overfilling because it can leak during cooking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze cooked pork tenderloin?
A: Yes. Slice or leave it whole, wrap it securely, and freeze for about 2–3 months for best quality.
Q: How should I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F (165°C) until hot throughout. Cover loosely if needed to prevent the bacon from becoming too dark.
Q: Can I make this recipe without brown sugar?
A: Absolutely! Brown sugar is optional. The pork will still be delicious with the savory seasoning blend.
🔄 Easy Recipe Variations
Honey Mustard: Brush a little honey mustard over the pork before wrapping it in bacon.
Maple Bacon: Add a small amount of maple syrup during the final few minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Spicy Pork Tenderloin: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning.
Garlic Herb: Use rosemary, thyme, and extra garlic powder for a fragrant herb flavor.
BBQ Bacon Wrapped Pork: Brush with barbecue sauce during the final 3–5 minutes of cooking.
📝 Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–35 minutes
Rest Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40–50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cooking Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American-inspired
Difficulty: Easy
🥗 Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming four servings and depending on the bacon and tenderloin used:
Calories: 300–400
Protein: 35–45 g
Carbohydrates: 1–5 g
Fat: 15–25 g