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Air fryer recipes have taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. One standout dish is the Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Pork Tenderloin, which marries the succulent tenderness of pork with a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. This dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Pork Tenderloin

Elevate your dinner game with this delicious Air Fryer Cranberry Orange Pork Tenderloin recipe! Combining tender pork with a vibrant cranberry-orange sauce, this dish is perfect for any occasion—whether it's a cozy weeknight meal or a festive gathering. Enjoy the ease of air frying for a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress. Discover how to make this flavorful dish today!

Ingredients
  

1 lb pork tenderloin

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (for optimal flavor)

2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

Zest of 1 fresh orange

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Pork:

    In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined. Place the pork tenderloin in a resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade over it, seal the bag tightly, and gently massage the bag to ensure the meat is well coated. For optimal flavor infusion, refrigerate the marinating pork for at least 1 hour, or even up to overnight.

      Prepare the Cranberry Sauce:

        In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh or frozen cranberries, olive oil, orange zest, and any remaining marinade from the bag. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst open and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Once finished, set the sauce aside to cool slightly.

          Preheat the Air Fryer:

            Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes.

              Air Fry the Pork:

                After marinating, remove the pork tenderloin from the bag and discard the marinade. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Position the tenderloin in the air fryer basket and lightly brush it with olive oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping the pork halfway through the cooking time, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the exterior is beautifully golden brown.

                  Glaze with Sauce:

                    In the final 5 minutes of cooking, generously brush the cranberry sauce over the pork tenderloin. This step will create a lovely caramelized glaze on the meat.

                      Rest and Serve:

                        Once the pork is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes, which helps to retain its juices. Slice the tenderloin into medallions, drizzle any remaining cranberry sauce on top, and finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

                          Enjoy:

                            Delight in this flavorful cranberry orange pork tenderloin, paired with your choice of sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a well-rounded and delicious meal!

                              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 1 hour 20 min | 40 min | 4 servings