Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in a Ninja Foodi is a quick and easy way to get a delicious weeknight meal on the table. With the Ninja Foodi’s combination of pressure cooking and air frying capabilities, you can go from frozen meat to fork-tender pork in under 30 minutes.
Benefits of Using the Ninja Foodi
The Ninja Foodi is the perfect appliance for cooking frozen pork tenderloin for a few reasons
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Speed – The pressure cooking function can quickly thaw and cook frozen meat in a fraction of the time of traditional cooking methods This makes it easy to get dinner on the table fast, even with frozen ingredients
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Tender Results – Pressure cooking pork tenderloin keeps it incredibly moist and tender. The meat turns out succulent and flavorful.
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** Crispy exterior** – The Ninja Foodi’s air fryer function lets you crisp up the outside of the tenderloin for added texture and flavor.
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One-pot convenience – With the Ninja Foodi you can cook the entire dish from start to finish in one pot. No need for multiple pans or appliances.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for foolproof frozen pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi.
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
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Remove pork tenderloin from packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Rub pork all over with olive oil.
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In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Generously season the pork with the spice mixture.
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Select the pressure cook function on the Ninja Foodi and set to high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow the unit to preheat for 5 minutes before adding the pork.
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Once preheated, add seasoned pork tenderloin and chicken broth to pot. Lock the lid in place.
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Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Then, allow pressure to natural release for 10 minutes. Carefully open lid.
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Remove pork from pot and pat dry with paper towels. Brush all over with a bit more olive oil.
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Select air fry at 400°F. Air fry pork for 3-5 minutes until browned and crispy. Flip halfway through.
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Remove pork from basket. Let rest 3-5 minutes before slicing.
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Slice pork and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips
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For best results, choose a pork tenderloin that’s 1-1.5 lbs. Larger cuts may need slightly longer cook times.
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Let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes to ensure the meat is cooked through and tender.
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Pat pork dry before air frying to help achieve a crispy exterior.
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Adjust air fry time as needed to reach your desired level of crispiness.
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Allow pork to rest before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat.
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Pair air fried pork tenderloin with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or rice pilaf for a complete meal.
Flavor Variations
The basic spice rub in this recipe lends itself well to all sorts of flavor variations. Consider using any of the following rubs or marinades:
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Italian – basil, oregano, rosemary, garlic, lemon
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Mexican – cumin, chili powder, lime, cilantro
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Asian – ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar
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BBQ – smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic, chili powder
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Herb – thyme, rosemary, sage, mustard
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Jamaican Jerk – allspice, thyme, habanero peppers
FAQs
Can I cook a fully frozen pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi?
Yes, the Ninja Foodi can cook fully frozen pork tenderloin without needing to thaw it first. Add 1-2 minutes to the pressure cook time for fully frozen meat.
Do I need to add liquid to the pot?
A small amount of liquid is recommended, such as chicken broth or water. This helps create steam needed for pressure cooking.
Do I need to preheat the Ninja Foodi first?
It’s recommended to preheat the unit for 5 minutes before adding food for best results. This helps ensure even cooking.
How long does cooked pork tenderloin last in the fridge?
Cooked pork tenderloin will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
The Takeaway
Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi is an easy weeknight win. With just a quick pressure cook and air fry, you can have a tender and juicy main dish ready in under 30 minutes. Keep your freezer stocked with pork tenderloin so you always have the makings for a fast and delicious dinner!