How to Reheat Pork Tenderloin Perfectly

Pork tenderloin is a lean and tender cut of meat that can easily dry out if not reheated properly. Here are tips for reheating pork tenderloin using a microwave, oven, air fryer, grill or stovetop to keep it moist and delicious.

Reheating in the Microwave

• Unwrap the pork tenderloin and place it on a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely with a paper towel to prevent splatter.
• Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes per serving. Microwaves vary in power, so check it frequently.
• Allow the meat to rest for 2 minutes before serving. The resting time allows the heat to distribute evenly throughout.
• Avoid microwaving too long, as this can quickly lead to dried out pork.

Reheating in the Oven

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Place the seasoned pork tenderloin on a baking sheet. You can keep the meat wrapped or loosely tent foil over the top.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through. The time will depend on the amount you are reheating.
• For added moisture, you can coat the pork with an oil-based sauce or gravy before reheating.
• Bake at too high of a temperature can cause the exterior to dry out before the interior is fully warmed.

Reheating in an Air Fryer

• Pre-heat the air fryer to 350°F.
• Slice the pork tenderloin into smaller, evenly-sized pieces to help it cook evenly.
• Place the pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd.
• Air fry for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check frequently to avoid overcooking.
• The air fryer’s hot circulating air will provide a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.

Reheating on the Grill

• Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Quickly sear the pork tenderloin pieces on each side to warm them through, about 1-2 minutes per side.
• Move to a cooler part of the grill if needed to finish reheating without burning the outside.
• For extra moisture, consider basting with barbecue sauce during the last few minutes on the grill.
• Avoid grilling too long or you’ll dry out the pork.

Reheating on the Stovetop

• Choose a skillet or pan that can accommodate the size of the pork tenderloin. Heat over medium.
• Add a bit of oil or butter to the pan. Slice the tenderloin and add to the pan.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until heated through. A meat thermometer should read 145°F.
• You can add a bit of water or stock to the pan to create a little steam and help keep the meat moist.
• Too high of heat can cause the pork to overcook and dry out.

Tips for Reheating Pork Tenderloin

• If reheating a whole pork tenderloin, choose to reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop to ensure even heating. Microwaving may create hot and cold spots.
• When microwaving, use 50% power and stir or flip the pork halfway through. This prevents overcooked edges or ends. Covering with a damp paper towel traps in steam to help keep the meat juicy.
• When reheating sliced pork tenderloin in the oven, consider arranging the slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This allows air circulation to prevent steaming.
• Add a bit of broth, water, or sauce to the dish or pan when reheating in the oven or stovetop. The extra moisture will help prevent the pork from drying out.
• Preheat your oven, grill, or pan before adding the pork so it starts reheating right away. Starting from a hot temperature prevents overcooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F after reheating.
• Allow pork to rest for 5-10 minutes after reheating. This redistributes the juices back into the meat for a tender, flavorful result.
• Do not over-reheat or repeatedly reheat pork tenderloin. Only reheat leftovers once for food safety. Overheating makes pork dry and tough.
• Slice pork into smaller, evenly thick pieces before reheating for quick and consistent heating. Larger cuts take longer to reheat through.
• Avoid rubbing or piercing pork when handling to prevent losing valuable juices during the reheating process. Handle delicately.

Recipes

Oven-Reheated Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients:

• 1 lb leftover pork tenderloin
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Season pork tenderloin with salt, pepper and fresh herbs if desired.
3. Place on a baking sheet and tent loosely with foil.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through (145°F).
5. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Microwave-Reheated Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients:

• 1 lb leftover pork tenderloin
• Damp paper towel

Instructions:

1. Place pork on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel.
2. Microwave on 50% power for 2-3 minutes per serving.
3. Check often. Continue microwaving in 30 second intervals until heated through.
4. Allow to rest 2 minutes before slicing and serving.

Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients:

• 1 lb leftover pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Oil or cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Prehead air fryer to 360°F.
2. Lightly oil or spray pork pieces.
3. Place in air fryer basket in single layer.
4. Air fry 4-6 minutes, flipping halfway, until heated through.
5. Check often to avoid overcooking.

Stovetop-Reheated Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients:

• 1 lb leftover pork tenderloin, sliced
• 1 tsp oil or butter
• 2 Tbsp stock or water

Instructions:

1. Heat skillet over medium heat. Add oil or butter.
2. Add pork slices. Cook 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Add stock or water to pan. Cover and steam for 2 minutes to heat through.
4. Check internal temperature of 145°F.
5. Serve immediately.

FAQs

Q: Why does my reheated pork tenderloin come out dry?

A: Pork tenderloin can dry out easily when reheated. Be sure not to overcook it. Reheat just until warm throughout and use methods like microwaving on lower power or adding broth to keep it moist. Always allow to rest before cutting so juices redistribute.

Q: How do I know when reheated pork is safe to eat?

A: Use a food thermometer to check reheated pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. If reheated in a microwave, allow standing time. Check for hot spots and stir. The pork should be steaming hot all the way through before serving.

Q: Can I reheat pork tenderloin straight from the fridge?

A: It is safest to reheat pork tenderloin to 165°F if reheating directly from the refrigerator. This helps ensure any bacteria present is eliminated. If you reheat from room temperature to 145°F, consume immediately.

Q: Is it OK to reheat pork tenderloin more than once?

A: It is best to only reheat pork tenderloin once. Further reheating can increase risk of foodborne illness. Store leftovers in the fridge for 1-2 days and do not reheat again after that. Freeze any extra to reheat later.

Q: How long does reheated pork tenderloin last?

A: For food safety, consume reheated pork tenderloin within 4 hours. Do not leave it sitting out at room temperature. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly and reheat only once more within 1-2 days before discarding.

Q: Can I reheat pork tenderloin in the slow cooker?

A: Slow cookers are not recommended for reheating pork to safe temperatures quickly enough. Use the oven, stovetop, microwave or air fryer instead. The moist environment of a slow cooker poses food safety risks.

Q: What are the best ways to add moisture when reheating pork tenderloin?

A: Basting with gravy or sauce helps keep pork tenderloin moist. You can also add a small amount of broth, water or apple cider to the reheating method. Keeping the pork covered while reheating traps in steam to prevent drying out.

Q: How can I get a crispy exterior when reheating pork tenderloin?

A: Use methods like the air fryer, grill or broiler to create a crispy exterior on reheated pork tenderloin. Cooking in the oven at a high temperature also helps. Avoid microwave and stovetop methods for a crispy texture.

Here are 5 specific model recommendations for each appliance category to use for reheating pork tenderloin:

Microwaves:

1. Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S – 1200W, 2.2 cu. ft. capacity
2. Toshiba EM131A5C-BS – 1100W, 1.2 cu. ft. capacity
3. Breville Quick Touch BMO734XL – 1200W, 1.1 cu. ft. capacity
4. GE JES1656SRSS – 950W, 1.6 cu. ft. capacity
5. Farberware Classic FMO12AHTBKE – 1000W, 1.2 cu. ft. capacity

Ovens:

1. LG LDE4415ST – Electric double oven, 5.0 cu. ft. capacity
2. GE JB860SJSS – 30″ slide-in gas range double oven, 5.8 and 2.5 cu. ft. capacities
3. Bosch HGI8056UC – 30″ gas range, 4.0 cu. ft. European convection oven
4. Whirlpool WFE515S0ES – 30″ electric range, 5.3 cu. ft. Accubake system oven
5. Frigidaire FFET3025PS – 30″ electric wall oven, 4.8 cu. ft. Even-Bake technology

Air Fryers:

1. Cosori Air Fryer Max XL – 5.8 qt capacity, 11-in-1 functionality
2. Ninja Air Fryer AF101 – 4 qt capacity, wide temperature range
3. Instant Vortex Plus – 6 qt capacity, 7 built-in smart programs
4. Philips XXL Airfryer – 3 lbs capacity, fat removal technology
5. Chefman TurboFry – 8 qt capacity, adjustable temperature control

Grills:

1. Weber Spirit II E-310 – 529 square inch cooking surface, porcelain-enameled cast iron grates
2. Char-Broil Performance 4-Burner – 480 square inch primary cooking surface, side burner
3. Dyna-Glo 4 Burner – 667 square inch total cooking surface, 12,000 BTU side burner
4. George Foreman 15-Serving Indoor/Outdoor Grill – 240 square inches cooking surface, adjustable temperature control
5. Cuisinart CGG-306 Chef’s Style Stainless Tabletop Grill – 306 square inch cooking surface, foldaway legs

Stovetops:

1. GE 30″ Gas Range with Griddle – 18,000 BTU power burner, integrated griddle for versatility
2. Bosch 800 30″ Induction Range – fast, energy-efficient induction elements
3. LG LSEL6335F – 6 burners, up to 18,500 BTU dual-stack burners
4. Frigidaire FFGF3054TS – Smoothtop range with PowerPlus Preheat and Precision Coil elements
5. Whirlpool WFG575S0FV – AccuSimmer burner for precise low heat, dishwasher safe grates

By following these simple methods, you can enjoy perfectly reheated pork tenderloin that is hot, juicy and delicious. Be careful not to overcook it, and your leftovers will taste just as amazing as the original meal.