A pork loin filet marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic and herbs, then air fried at 400°F for 22 minutes until browned outside and juicy inside. Directions for the oven and grill too; serves 6.
A garlic and herb marinade does two things for lean pork loin: it seasons the meat all the way through and keeps it juicy. The air fryer then browns the outside in about 22 minutes, with a single flip halfway through.
This is a pork loin filet, the long, narrow cut of about 1 1/2 pounds that fits an air fryer basket. No air fryer? The oven and grill directions are in the tips.
Marinate. Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper in a bowl. Put the pork in a zip-top bag, pour in the marinade, press out the air and seal. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 12, turning the bag once or twice.
Heat the air fryer. Heat the air fryer to 400°F. Line the basket with a parchment liner if you like, for easier cleanup.
Add the pork. Lift the pork from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and lay it in the basket. Discard the marinade.
Air fry. Air fry 22 minutes, turning the pork over halfway through (at about 11 minutes), until browned and the thickest part reads at least 145°F on an instant-read thermometer. Sofia cooks it to 155°F for slightly firmer slices that are still juicy.
Rest. Move the pork to a cutting board and let it rest 5 to 10 minutes so the juices settle.
Slice and serve. Slice the pork about 1/2 inch thick and serve.
Nutrition per serving (estimated)
210Calories
0 gCarbohydrates
0 gFiber
0 gNet carbs
24 gProtein
12 gFat
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.
Oven: heat the oven to 350°F. Set the marinated pork in a shallow baking pan and bake uncovered about 40 to 45 minutes, until the thickest part reads 145°F to 155°F. Rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Grill: heat the grill to medium, about 350°F. Grill the marinated pork directly on the grate, turning occasionally, about 20 to 25 minutes, until the thickest part reads 145°F to 155°F. Rest 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Short on time? Many stores sell pork loin filets already marinated in garlic and herbs; skip step 1 and cook it the same way.
Pork is safe at 145°F with a 3-minute rest; it will still be faintly pink in the center, which is normal.
Air fryers vary. Check the temperature at about 18 minutes the first time you make it.
About 22 minutes at 400°F for a 1 1/2-pound filet, flipping halfway, until it reaches at least 145°F.
Can I cook it in the oven or on the grill?
Yes. Bake at 350°F for about 40 to 45 minutes, or grill over medium heat for about 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally, until 145°F to 155°F.
What is the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?
Pork loin is a wider, thicker cut from along the back; tenderloin is a small, very lean muscle. A pork loin filet is a narrow piece of loin that cooks much like a tenderloin.
How long can pork marinate?
At least 2 hours and up to 12. Longer than that, the lemon and vinegar can make the surface mushy.
