Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s a true Midwestern classic: the Air Fryer Iowa Breaded Pork Tenderloin! This mouthwatering recipe transforms a simple pork tenderloin into a crispy, golden delight that's perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 35 minutes of your time, you can whip up a dish that rivals your favorite diner’s version, all while keeping it healthier with the magic of air frying. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into the savory world of Iowa-style breaded pork tenderloin!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Remove the pork tenderloin from refrigeration and pat dry with paper towels. Slice the tenderloin horizontally into 1/2-inch thick cutlets, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Place each cutlet between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet to approximately 1/4-inch thickness, which helps create the traditional Iowa-style large, thin breaded cutlet.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Dredge each pork cutlet first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing crumbs firmly to adhere.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place breaded cutlets in air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper air circulation.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the exterior is golden brown and crispy, and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove cutlets and let rest on a wire rack for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness. Serve hot with traditional accompaniments like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or on a soft hamburger bun.
Tips
- Pound for Perfection: For that signature Iowa-style cutlet, ensure you pound the pork to about 1/4-inch thickness. This not only helps it cook evenly but also creates that delightful crispy exterior.
- Season Your Breadcrumbs: Don’t skip seasoning your breadcrumbs! The mix of salt, pepper, and paprika adds a burst of flavor that elevates your dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for 3-4 minutes before cooking. This step ensures that your cutlets start cooking immediately, resulting in a beautifully crispy texture.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Place your breaded cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have more cutlets than space, cook them in batches. This allows for proper air circulation, ensuring each piece is perfectly cooked.
- Rest for Crispiness: After cooking, let your cutlets rest on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps maintain their crispiness, so you won't end up with soggy breading.
- Serve with Style: Pair your pork tenderloin with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or even serve it on a soft hamburger bun for a delicious sandwich twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 135mg
