slices of pork tenderloin on a board

How to Cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin

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Learning how to cook a frozen pork tenderloin might seem scary, but you can create a delicious and succulent meal without sacrificing flavor or tenderness. And it makes a great easy dinner!

how to cook frozen pork tenderloin

Frozen pork tenderloin

Whether you forgot to thaw the meat or simply prefer the convenience of cooking from frozen, this guide is your roadmap to mastering the art of cooking frozen pork tenderloin. There are many techniques that will turn that frozen meat into a culinary delight. It’s a great cooking skill to master.

Here are some more of our favorite pork recipes:

Frozen pork tenderloin in air fryer

Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in an air fryer is a convenient and efficient way to achieve juicy and flavorful results. Follow these simple steps to cook frozen pork tenderloin in an air fryer:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Preheating ensures that the pork tenderloin cooks evenly and develops a nice outer crust.
  2. While the air fryer is preheating, season the frozen pork tenderloin with your favorite seasonings. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or any other herbs and spices you prefer. Make sure to season all sides of the tenderloin evenly.
  3. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned frozen pork tenderloin in the air fryer basket or on a sheet tray on a rack if you have an air fryer oven. Make sure there is some space between the pieces for proper air circulation.
  4. Cook the frozen pork tenderloin in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the tenderloin, so it’s essential to check for doneness periodically.
  5. After about 20 minutes of cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with a three-minute rest time. If the pork has not reached the desired temperature, continue cooking in the air fryer in five-minute increments until it reaches the correct temperature.
  6. Once the pork tenderloin reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful final dish.
  7. If desired, you can brush the cooked pork tenderloin with your favorite sauce or glaze before serving. Whether it’s a tangy barbecue sauce, a savory teriyaki glaze, or a simple pan sauce, adding a flavorful sauce can elevate the dish even further.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy perfectly cooked frozen pork tenderloin straight from the air fryer in no time. Experiment with different seasonings and sauces to customize the dish to your taste preferences, and impress your family and friends with this delicious and convenient meal option.

raw pork tenderloin

Frozen pork tenderloin crock pot

Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in a crockpot, or slow cooker, is a simple and convenient method that results in tender and flavorful meat. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
  2. Remove the frozen pork tenderloin from its packaging and place it in the crockpot. Season the tenderloin generously with your preferred seasonings. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other herbs or spices you like.
  3. If desired, you can add a small amount of liquid to the crockpot to help keep the pork tenderloin moist during cooking. This can be broth, stock, wine, or even just water. However, keep in mind that the pork tenderloin will release juices as it cooks, so you don’t need to add too much liquid.
  4. Set your crockpot to the low heat setting and cook the frozen pork tenderloin for 6 to 8 hours. Cooking on low heat ensures that the meat cooks slowly and becomes tender and juicy.
  5. About halfway through the cooking time, you can check the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin using a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with a three-minute rest time. If the pork has not reached the desired temperature, continue cooking until it reaches the correct temperature.
  6. Once the pork tenderloin is cooked to perfection, turn off the crockpot and let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful final dish.
  7. Slice the cooked pork tenderloin into thick slices and serve it alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad. You can also use the cooked pork tenderloin as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or tacos.

Frozen pork tenderloin instant pot

Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot is a convenient and efficient method that results in tender and flavorful meat. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Remove the frozen pork tenderloin from its packaging and season it generously with your preferred seasonings. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other herbs or spices you like. Rub the seasonings into the meat to ensure even flavor.
  2. Pour 1 cup of liquid into the Instant Pot. This liquid will create steam to pressurize the Instant Pot and cook the pork tenderloin. You can use water, broth, or even a flavorful marinade for added taste.
  3. Place the seasoned frozen pork tenderloin into the Instant Pot, ensuring that it is submerged in the liquid. Arrange it in a single layer at the bottom of the pot.
  4. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure valve is set to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure. The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of the pork tenderloin:
    • For a 1-pound frozen pork tenderloin: Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
    • For a 2-pound frozen pork tenderloin: Cook on high pressure for 40 minutes.
  5. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes. This helps the meat retain its juices and prevents it from becoming tough.
  6. After the natural release period, carefully switch the pressure valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure. Once the pressure valve drops and the steam has fully released, it’s safe to open the Instant Pot lid.
  7. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin. It should register at least 145°F (63°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
  8. Remove the cooked pork tenderloin from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed, resulting in a juicy and tender final dish.
pork tenderloin sliced on a board

How to cook frozen pork tenderloin in oven

Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the oven is a straightforward process that yields juicy and flavorful results. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Allow the oven to fully preheat before placing the pork tenderloin inside.
  2. Remove the frozen pork tenderloin from its packaging and place it on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Season the tenderloin generously with your preferred seasonings. You can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other herbs or spices you like.
  3. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the seasoned pork tenderloin or spray it lightly with cooking spray. This helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavor.
  4. Place the seasoned frozen pork tenderloin in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) on a meat thermometer. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the pork tenderloin, so it’s essential to check the temperature periodically.
  5. About halfway through the cooking time, you can check the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin using a meat thermometer. Ensure that the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin without touching bone or fat. If the pork has not reached the desired temperature, continue baking until it reaches the correct temperature.
  6. Once the pork tenderloin is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful final dish.
  7. After resting, slice the cooked pork tenderloin into thick slices and serve it alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.

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