Delicious Air-Fried Pork Tenderloin with Orange Glaze and Carrots
Prepare your taste buds for a culinary delight with this easy-to-follow recipe for air-fried pork tenderloin accompanied by a flavorful orange glaze and perfectly roasted whole carrots. The succulent tenderness of the pork, combined with the zesty and sweet notes of the orange marinade, creates a mouthwatering dish that will leave you craving more.
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Preparation and Marination
Begin by crafting a delightful marinade using ½ cup of orange juice, 2 teaspoons of organic orange zest, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of local honey, 2 tablespoons of gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) or coconut aminos, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of chili-garlic sauce. Mix these ingredients in a large bowl, ensuring a thorough blend. Marinate a trimmed pork tenderloin in half of this mixture, reserving the rest for later use. For enhanced flavor, marinate the pork for 30 to 60 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.
Air-Fried Pork Tenderloin Process
Bring the marinated pork to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, selecting the “Air Crisp” function. While the air fryer heats, coat peeled and trimmed whole carrots with a tablespoon of the reserved marinade. After the preheat, place the marinated pork and carrots in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then turn the pork and carrots for even cooking. Continue air frying until the pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (remove just above 140°F as it will rise during resting).
Finishing Touch
Allow the cooked pork and carrots to rest for 3-5 minutes. Meanwhile, gently warm the remaining marinade. Slice the pork tenderloin and serve it alongside the roasted carrots, drizzling the warm marinade over the top for a final burst of flavor. The result? A perfectly balanced and utterly satisfying dish that effortlessly combines the richness of pork with the citrusy goodness of orange.
For optimal results, ensure your pork tenderloin is at room temperature before cooking. Monitor the internal temperature during the last minutes of air frying to achieve a safe and succulent outcome. Embrace the versatility of this recipe by adjusting cook times based on your air fryer model and personal preferences. Enjoy every delightful bite of this air-fried masterpiece!
Serving Suggestions and Culinary Creativity
Elevate your dining experience by exploring creative ways to serve and enhance this delightful air-fried pork tenderloin with orange glaze and roasted carrots. Consider these additional suggestions to tailor the dish to your taste and impress your guests:
1. Flavorful Accompaniments: Pair the succulent pork and carrots with complementary side dishes. Consider serving it over a bed of quinoa, wild rice, or couscous for a wholesome and satisfying meal. The grains will soak up the delectable orange glaze, enhancing the overall taste.
2. Vibrant Greens: Add a burst of freshness to your plate by incorporating vibrant greens. A simple side salad with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pork and carrots.
3. Citrus Infusion: Extend the citrus theme by incorporating additional citrus elements into your meal. Garnish the dish with orange segments or sprinkle fresh parsley for a burst of color and an extra layer of citrusy goodness.
4. Toasted Nuts or Seeds: Add texture and depth to your plate by incorporating toasted nuts or seeds. Crushed pistachios, sliced almonds, or pumpkin seeds can provide a delightful crunch, complementing the tender pork and roasted carrots.
5. Creative Plating: Take the presentation up a notch by paying attention to how you plate the dish. Arrange the sliced pork and carrots artfully, drizzling the warm marinade with finesse. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a touch of elegance.
6. Wine Pairing: Complete your dining experience by selecting a wine that complements the flavors of the dish. A crisp and slightly sweet white wine, such as a Riesling or Gewürztraminer, can balance the richness of the pork and enhance the citrus undertones of the marinade.
Experiment with these suggestions to customize the dish to your preferences and create a memorable dining experience. The versatility of this recipe provides ample room for culinary creativity, ensuring that each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Enjoy the culinary journey!
Delicious Air-Fried Pork Tenderloin with Orange Glaze and Carrots
Course: MainDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
- Marinade
½ c. orange juice
2 t. orange zest, preferably organic
3 T. extra virgin olive oil, divided
3 T. honey, preferably local
2 T. gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) or coconut aminos
2 T. balsamic vinegar
1 t. garlic powder
1 T. chili-garlic sauce
- Remaining ingredients
1-1¼ lbs. pork tenderloin, trimmed
1 lb. carrots, peeled and tops trimmed, as shown
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Garnish: Fresh thyme sprigs, if desired
Directions
- Prepare the marinade by combining all ingredients in a large glass or other non-reactive bowl. Stir to combine and set aside.
- Place pork tenderloin in a gallon-sized freezer bag and pour one-half of the marinade on top, reserving the rest to use later. If preparing in advance, place the reserved marinade in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Tightly seal the bag and marinate the pork at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes or place in the refrigerator overnight. Turn the bag several times while marinating to ensure the pork is evenly covered.
- Remove the pork from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and set aside.
- Turn on the air fryer and select the “Air Crisp” function. Set the temperature to 400°F and adjust the timer to 20 minutes. Press “Start” to pre-heat the unit.
- While the air fryer is heating, place the carrots on a plate and drizzle one tablespoon of the remaining marinade on top. Toss the carrots to ensure they are evenly coated and set aside.
- When the air fryer beeps and flashes “Add Food,” place the marinated pork tenderloin inside the basket. Add the whole carrots around the pork, as shown, and close the lid.
- After 10 minutes, lift the lid and carefully turn the tenderloin and whole carrots. Close the lid and continue air frying until the cook time is complete.
Note: The safe internal temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F. Remove from air fryer when the temperature is just above 140°F as the temperature will continue to rise several degrees while the pork rests. For best results, check the internal temperature after 15 minutes and adjust final cook time accordingly. - Remove the pork tenderloin and carrots from the air fryer and allow the pork to
rest for 3-5 minutes. - While the pork is resting, heat the remaining marinade just until warm. Slice the pork tenderloin and serve immediately with the whole carrots and a drizzle of the warm marinade on top. Enjoy!
Have a slice of guilt-free Keto Chocolate Mousse Cake for dessert!
