Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin: Juicy, Quick Weeknight Recipe

When you cook pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot you’ll get tender, juicy, and flavorful meat every time.

Making pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot is fast and simple. With minimal prep and a few basic ingredients you can have a delicious main course ready in under 30 minutes. Follow the steps below for reliably juicy results and easy cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Instant Pot pork tenderloin is quick, fuss-free, and consistently tender. Searing first locks in flavor, then pressure cooking finishes the meat evenly. You can adapt the seasoning or swap liquids to suit your taste, making this a versatile weeknight or weekend recipe that works for family meals and entertaining alike.

What You Need For This Recipe

Gather these ingredients before you start:

• Pork tenderloin (about 1 lb / 0.5 kg)
• Pork loin seasoning or your favorite spice rub
• Olive oil
• Unsalted butter
• Chicken broth (or substitute with water, beer, or wine)
• One small onion, finely diced
• Two cloves garlic, minced

The exact measurements and full ingredient list are provided in the recipe card below.

How To Make Pork Tenderloin In Instant Pot

1. Remove the pork tenderloin from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking so it comes closer to room temperature.
2. Pat the pork dry with paper towels and rub evenly with pork loin seasoning or your preferred spice blend. Set aside.
3. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
4. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and allow the inner pot to heat.
5. Add olive oil and butter to the hot pot.
6. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 2 minutes.
7. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until nicely browned, about 2–3 minutes per side.
8. Remove the pork and set it aside on a plate.
9. Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Bring the liquid to a brief simmer.
10. Turn off Sauté. Return the pork to the pot, lock the lid, and set the pressure valve to sealing.
11. Select Manual/High pressure and cook for 15 minutes.
12. When cooking finishes, allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to fully depressurize.
13. Open the lid and check the internal temperature with a thermometer. The pork is done at 145°F (63°C). If it hasn’t reached that temperature, close the lid, set the Instant Pot to Keep Warm for 3–5 minutes, and check again.
14. Transfer the pork to foil, tent it, and let it rest for 10–15 minutes to retain juices.
15. If the cooking liquid is thin, return the pot to Sauté and reduce the jus until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Swirling in a bit of cold butter at the end will enrich and lightly thicken the sauce.
16. Slice the pork tenderloin and serve with the pan jus.

How To Store

Store leftovers properly to maintain flavor and safety:

• Refrigerator: Cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Place in an airtight container or freezer bag, label with the date, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Pork Tenderloin In Instant Pot

To reheat, place slices or the whole tenderloin and any reserved cooking juices in the Instant Pot. If you don’t have juices, add about 1/4 cup water or broth. Close the lid, set to Manual for 4 minutes, then use a quick or natural release depending on how quickly you need it. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

Pork tenderloin pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider:

• Potatoes: creamy mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes to soak up the jus.
• Vegetables: steamed or roasted green beans, broccoli, or glazed carrots for color and balance.
• Rice or grains: fluffy rice, risotto, or quinoa to complement the savory sauce.

More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this pork tenderloin, try other Instant Pot mains such as pork shoulder steak, spare ribs, meatballs with gravy, shredded chicken, or a simple poached fruit dessert. These dishes follow the same easy, pressure-cooker approach for fast, flavorful results.

Pork Tenderloin In Instant Pot

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Simple steps deliver juicy, tender pork tenderloin made quickly in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (0.5 kg) pork tenderloin
• ½ tablespoon pork loin seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ cup chicken broth

Instructions

1. Take the pork tenderloin out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Pat the pork dry and rub with seasoning. Set aside.
3. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
4. Press Sauté on the Instant Pot and let it heat.
5. Add olive oil and butter once hot.
6. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
7. Sear the pork on all sides until browned (2–3 minutes per side).
8. Remove the pork and set aside.
9. Pour chicken broth into the pot and scrape up browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
10. Turn off Sauté. Return pork, lock lid, and set pressure valve to sealing.
11. Pressure cook on High for 15 minutes.
12. Allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick release remaining pressure.
13. Check internal temperature (145°F / 63°C). If needed, keep warm for a few minutes and recheck.
14. Remove pork, tent with foil, and rest 10–15 minutes.
15. Reduce the sauce on Sauté if desired and finish with cold butter to thicken.
16. Slice the pork and serve with the jus.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken broth with white or red wine, beer, or water depending on the flavor you prefer.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 249
Total Fat: 12g
Protein: 31g

Please note: Nutrition information is approximate and provided for reference only.