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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is a delicious, juicy, and flavorful dinner that combines tender pork with crispy, smoky bacon. This easy recipe transforms a simple pork tenderloin into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal preparation. The air fryer cooks the meat evenly while giving the bacon a beautiful golden-brown finish.

Perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions, this dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, fresh salads, or garlic butter green beans.

🛒 What You Need

For the Pork Tenderloin

1 pork tenderloin (1–1½ pounds)
8–10 slices regular-cut bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

For the Optional Glaze

1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

👨‍🍳 How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Remove the pork tenderloin from its packaging and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Trim away any silver skin using a sharp knife. Removing this tough membrane helps create a more tender finished dish.

Step 2: Season the Meat

In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, thyme, and salt.

Rub the tenderloin with olive oil and Dijon mustard. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire surface, gently pressing it into the meat.

Step 3: Wrap with Bacon

Lay the bacon slices on a clean cutting board, slightly overlapping each slice.

Place the seasoned pork tenderloin across the bacon and carefully wrap the slices around it.

Tuck the bacon ends underneath the pork. Secure with toothpicks if necessary, making sure they are suitable for air fryer cooking.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3–5 minutes.

Lightly grease the air fryer basket if needed to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Pork

Place the bacon-wrapped tenderloin seam-side down inside the basket.

Cook for approximately 20–30 minutes, turning carefully halfway through cooking.

Cooking time depends on the thickness of the tenderloin and your air fryer model.

Check the thickest part with a meat thermometer. The pork must reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While the pork cooks, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.

During the final 5 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze lightly over the bacon.

Continue cooking until the glaze becomes glossy and the bacon is golden.

Step 7: Crisp the Bacon

For crispier bacon, increase the air fryer temperature to 400°F (200°C) for an additional 2–3 minutes if necessary.

Watch carefully because the bacon and glaze can brown quickly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Transfer the cooked tenderloin to a cutting board.

Allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Resting helps retain the natural juices.

Slice into thick medallions and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Results

Choose regular-cut bacon: Regular bacon crisps more evenly than thick-cut bacon, which may remain soft around the pork.

Avoid overcrowding: Leave enough space around the tenderloin for proper hot-air circulation.

Use a thermometer: Measuring internal temperature is the most reliable way to avoid overcooking.

Do not skip resting: Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Adjust seasoning: Bacon already contains salt, so reduce added salt when using particularly salty bacon.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

This flavorful pork tenderloin pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli, or garlic butter asparagus.

For a lighter meal, serve alongside a Mediterranean cucumber salad or fresh garden vegetables.

You can also slice leftovers thinly and use them in sandwiches, wraps, or grain bowls.

Storage and Reheating

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2–3 months.

Reheat refrigerated slices in the air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 3–5 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.

Avoid overheating because pork tenderloin can become dry.

📊 Nutritional Info (per serving)

Approximate values based on four servings, without the optional glaze.

Calories: 340 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 21g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 650mg

Actual nutritional values vary depending on bacon thickness, pork size, and ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin ahead of time?

Yes. Season and wrap the pork several hours before cooking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to air fry.

Why isn’t my bacon crispy?

Thick bacon, excess moisture, or overcrowding can prevent crisping. Use regular-cut bacon and finish briefly at a higher temperature.

Can I make this recipe without brown sugar?

Absolutely! The bacon and seasonings provide plenty of flavor without additional sweetness.

How do I know when the pork is done?

Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part. The pork is safely cooked when it reaches 145°F (63°C), followed by at least a three-minute rest.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin delivers juicy meat, crispy bacon, and rich savory flavor in one satisfying dish. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s an excellent recipe for both everyday meals and special family dinners.