Instant Pot Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and New Potatoes

My kitchen is on the small side with limited counter space.  We did open it up last year which helped a lot in terms of storage and organization - but it was impossible to increase the counter space.  So when I wanted an air fryer, I went with a new 11 in 1 Instant Pot that is a pressure cooker, slow cooker, air fryer and more.  One machine that does it all. 

As a slow cooker and pressure cooker it has been fabulous.  As an air fryer it has it's limitations.  The round space makes it hard to lay things out without touching.  Because the space is small and round, they have added a shelf you can put in to give you more space to lay things.  This works okay, but not as good as a larger, square flat surface would.  But the pay-off of the all in one made it the right choice for our small kitchen. I donated my slow cooker to charity. And as it is just the 2 of us now, we don't air fry large amounts. 

Yesterday I discovered the benefit of the vertical space with shelf.  I was looking at recipes to air fry a pork tenderloin.  It was a little over a pound, perfect for Glen and I.  I ended up using a seasoning rub based on several recipes I looked at.  Then a wonderful idea popped into my head. Could I cook the pork in the bottom of the basket and roast new potatoes on the shelf above it? The answer was yes. 

The pork cooked for about 11 minutes (depends on size), then I added the shelf and the potatoes and cooked another 11 minutes.  Both turned out great. My husband likes a meat and potatoes meal, so this hit the spot for him. And I only had the one pan to wash which hit the spot for me.  I know everyone won't have a instant pot air fryer, but you could use a one with 2 trays, or even use a baking sheet in the oven lined with foil. 

Enjoy!

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Instant Pot Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin and New Potatoes

Serves 2

Ingredients - 

1 lb.              Pork Tenderloin (Mine was a little over)

1 lb.              New potatoes (or more if it fits in your air fryer and you like lots)

Olive Oil

Salt - Pepper - Paprika - Thyme - Brown Sugar - (optional Garlic Powder)

Instructions - 

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees and spray the basket (and shelf if you have one) with cooking spray. 

Blot the pork tenderloin with paper towel until dry and cut in half crosswise. Place on a plate or cutting board.  Sprinkle the 2 pieces with oil and spread evenly on the meat.  Sprinkle with a small amount of the salt, pepper, paprika, thyme and brown sugar. Massage evenly into meat. Turn over and repeat on the other side.  Place in air fryer (not touching is possible) and cook for 11 minutes. 

Wash and dry your new potatoes (need to be very dry so maybe do this earlier in the day).  I cut them all in half to help with cooking.  Place in a bowl. Drizzle with oil, salt and pepper.  Mix until evenly coated.  When the 11 minutes is up, place the prepared shelf in the cooking basket and add the potatoes. Spread evenly.  Put the lid back on and cook for another 11 minutes.  

Move the meat onto a cutting board and the potatoes into a bowl. It is suggested that you let the meat rest for 5 minutes before cutting.  I managed to cut and serve right away, so that works too.  If you do let it rest be sure to cover both the meat and potatoes with foil so they stay warm. Cross slice the meat into 1/2" dollars and serve with the potatoes.  If you have a gravy or sauce you like, you could drizzle a little on the meat as well.

Serve with a great salad or cooked vegetables, and rolls.