Pork · American-inspired
Sticky Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Tenderloin
A juicy air-fryer pork tenderloin with smoky seasoning and a sticky Dijon honey mustard glaze brushed on near the end so it browns without burning.
This sticky honey mustard pork tenderloin is a proper air-fryer dinner, not just a timing guide. A smoky garlic rub builds savoury flavour first, then a Dijon, wholegrain mustard and honey glaze goes on near the end for a tangy-sweet finish without burnt sugar.
Ingredients
Instructions
Air fryer:200°C / 392°F
Pat the pork tenderloin dry. If the thin tail is much narrower than the rest, tuck it under and tie with kitchen string or secure with a cocktail stick so the pork cooks evenly.
Mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper. Rub the pork with 15 ml olive oil, then coat all over with the seasoning blend.
In a small bowl, stir together the Dijon mustard, wholegrain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, grated garlic and 1 tsp olive oil. Spoon half into a separate clean bowl for brushing the pork; reserve the remaining clean half for serving.
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 3 minutes. Place the pork in the basket, leaving space around it for airflow.
Air fry for 12 minutes, then turn the tenderloin. Brush with the portion of glaze set aside for cooking and air fry for 4 minutes more.
Brush once more with the cooking glaze and air fry for another 2–5 minutes, until the outside is glossy and the thickest part reaches 63°C internally. Do not judge by time alone; thickness and air-fryer models vary.
Transfer the pork to a board and rest for at least 3 minutes, preferably 5–8 minutes. The rest is part of the safe cooking process and helps keep the meat juicy.
Slice into medallions and spoon over the reserved clean honey mustard glaze. Scatter with parsley if using.
Tips & tricks
- Trim silverskin before cooking; it stays tough and can pull the tenderloin out of shape.
- Add the honey mustard glaze late so the sugars become sticky instead of scorching before the pork is cooked.
- If your tenderloin is closer to 450 g, start checking the temperature around 15 minutes total. If it is closer to 700 g, it may need a few extra minutes.
- Never dip a brush that touched raw or undercooked pork into the reserved serving glaze. Keep the serving portion separate and clean.
- Serve with air-fried potatoes, green beans, rice or a crisp salad.
Air fryer cooking guides
Exact times & temperatures for the ingredients in this recipe.
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