Hy-Vee’s pre-breaded pork tenderloin cutlets are a quick and easy dinner solution for busy families. With a light breading made from panko breadcrumbs, these pork cutlets cook up crispy and delicious in the oven, air fryer or skillet. This versatile Midwestern favorite can be the star of a classic tenderloin sandwich or the protein in a weeknight dinner with sides.
Follow this simple guide to achieve tender pork encased in a deliciously crunchy, golden brown crust. With a few easy tips and tricks, you’ll be serving restaurant-quality breaded pork tenderloin from your own kitchen in no time!
Ingredients
- Hy-Vee frozen breaded pork tenderloin cutlets
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles (for sandwiches)
- Burger buns
Prep the Pork
- Allow the frozen cutlets to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This prevents moisture from collecting on the surface during cooking which can make the breading soggy.
- Blot excess moisture from the cutlets with paper towels before breading to help the coating adhere.
- For extra crispy results, you can pound the cutlets to a 1⁄4 inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps the pork cook evenly.
Bread and Fry in Hot Oil
- Set up a breading station with separate dishes for flour, beaten eggs and panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge cutlets in flour, dip in egg mixture then coat evenly with panko crumbs.
- In a large skillet, heat 1⁄4 inch of vegetable oil to 350°F.
- Fry breaded cutlets 2-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain fried cutlets on a paper towel-lined plate.
Air Fry for Guilt-Free Crunch
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray air fryer basket with nonstick spray.
- Place breaded cutlets in a single layer, without overlapping.
- Air fry 5 minutes then flip and cook 4-5 minutes more until crispy and browned.
Bake in the Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
- Place breaded cutlets on prepared baking sheet. Lightly spritz tops with nonstick spray.
- Bake 15 minutes then gently flip cutlets and bake 10 minutes more.
Cook to Safe Internal Temperature
- Always cook pork to an internal temperature of 145°F as measured by a food thermometer.
- At this temperature, the pork will be juicy and tender.
Let Rest Before Serving
- After cooking, let cutlets rest 3-5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute for a moist, tender texture.
Build Tasty Tenderloin Sandwiches
- Serve crispy, golden cutlets on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle slices.
- Spread condiments like mustard, mayo or barbecue sauce inside buns.
- For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
With these easy instructions, you can achieve crunchy, golden Hy-Vee breaded pork tenderloin worthy of any iconic Iowa diner. Pound thin, bread generously and fry, air fry or bake until cooked through. Build atop burger buns for classic Midwestern tenderloin sandwiches. This versatile pork cutlet also makes excellent appetizers or a main dish served with homemade fries and creamy coleslaw.
Breaded Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches
FAQ
How do you cook frozen breaded pork tenderloin?
How to cook Amana breaded pork tenderloin?
How do you cook frozen breaded pork patties?
How do you cook a pork tenderloin without drying out?
How do you cook pork tenderloin in a frying pan?
Set on a flat surface while oil gets to temperature. Heat ¼ inch of oil in a large pan over medium heat to 350°to 375°. Fry the breaded pork tenderloin until golden brown and keep warm on a baking tray in a 200° preheated oven while frying more batches of tenderloins. Serve hot on a bun with toppings.
How do you cook breaded pork tenderloin?
This is the most tender, tasty recipe for breaded pork tenderloin. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil. Slice tenderloin into 1/4-inch rounds. Pound each slice between sheets of plastic wrap until thin. Whisk milk and eggs together in a shallow dish.
How to cook pounded pork tenderloin?
Place the pounded tenderloin cutlets into the egg wash and allow to sit in the fridge and marinate for 8 hours. This will help to tenderize and infuse flavor into the pork. Then coat the tenderloins in the breading. Fry the pork tenderloins in a hot cast iron for few minutes to get them crispy and golden. Serve on a bun with a pickle and enjoy!
How do you cook a Tenderloin in the oven?
Coat the tenderloin with another coating of breading. Place a large dutch oven (affiliate link) or cast iron skillet on the stovetop and cover the bottom with canola oil. Heat until 350 degrees (the oil needs to be HOT). Fry for three minutes on each side, or until nice and golden brown. Place on a bun with pickle and mustard and ENJOY!!