How to Prepare Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot

Make a quick dinner with an instant pot pork tenderloin. Purchase pre-seasoned meat or marinate it to your tastes for an easy dinner.

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When I was younger, we would have a full pork tenderloin in the slow cooker often, especially when we were camping since we could set it and forget about it while out hiking. But sometimes, I don’t have a long time to wait on the slow cooker. When that happens, the instant pot comes to the rescue!

Now and then, we find a full pork tenderloin on sale at the grocery store and will grab it since the whole family likes pork. They have some that are already seasoned and some plain. I get plain pork if I don’t have a meal in mind. That way, I can season it however I want once I decide to cook it.

If you are planning to make this meal, you can always grab the Italian-flavored pork tenderloin. Or, this recipe would work with any flavor if you don’t marinate it.

Since I was making a plain Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin, I went ahead and marinated it in Italian dressing and seasonings.

Why Cooking Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot Works so Well

The Instant Pot concentrates heat and steam, which helps lean cuts like pork tenderloin stay moist and cook quickly with minimal fuss. Pressure cooking shortens active cooking time while the natural pressure release lets the internal temperature even out and juices redistribute, producing a tender, juicy result that can be finished with a quick gravy made from the pot juices. This one-pot workflow (sear → pressure cook → sauce) also keeps cleanup simple and saves time on weeknights.

Choosing the Right Cut and What to Look for at the Store

Look for a labeled “pork tenderloin” (not a pork loin roast) — tenderloins are long, narrow, and typically 1 to 2 pounds each. If the package says the meat contains a solution or has been injected, note that it may affect the seasoning absorption and salt level; you can rinse and pat dry before seasoning or reduce added salt in your rub. If you find two smaller tenderloins, you can cook them together as long as they fit in one layer in the pot.

Marinating Options

• Italian Dressing or Italian Seasoning
• BBQ Sauce or Dry Rub
• Soy Sauce or Worcestershire Sauce
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Chili Powder
• Balsamic Glaze or Balsamic Vinegar

Serving Suggestions

• Add flavor by using chicken stock in place of water
• Serve with a side of cooked sweet potatoes, green beans, or broccoli
• Make a side salad and dinner rolls to go with your Instant Pot pork loin
• If you want a crispy edge to your pork, use the sauté function to cook the outside of the tenderloin then scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan and add the water to pressure cook the pork. 

Internal Temperature and Resting — Food Safety and Best Texture

The safest and most reliable way to know when your pork tenderloin is done is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. According to current food safety recommendations, pork is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin and avoid touching any fat or connective tissue. Once the pork reaches temperature, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Resting gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender pork tenderloin.

Pork Tenderloin vs Pork Loin

One of the most common mistakes when making an Instant Pot pork tenderloin is confusing pork tenderloin with pork loin. While the names sound similar, they are completely different cuts of meat and require different cooking times. Pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, lean cut that typically weighs between one and one and a half pounds. Pork loin is much larger, thicker, and often weighs several pounds.

Because pork loin is much larger, it requires significantly more cooking time in the pressure cooker. If you substitute a pork loin in a recipe designed for pork tenderloin, the meat will likely be undercooked. Likewise, cooking a pork tenderloin using pork loin cooking times can result in dry, overcooked meat. For the best results, always verify which cut you purchased before starting your recipe.

How Long to Cook Pork Loin in Instant Pot

Many readers ask how long to cook pork loin in Instant Pot recipes. The answer depends on the size and thickness of the roast. A pork tenderloin generally cooks in just a few minutes under high pressure, while a larger pork loin roast may require 20 to 30 minutes or more, depending on weight.

When cooking pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot, a short cooking time combined with a natural pressure release helps keep the meat juicy and tender. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness rather than relying solely on cooking times. The thickest part of the pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F before serving.

Why Natural Release Is Important

Natural pressure release is one of the keys to making tender and juicy pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot. During natural release, the pressure gradually decreases instead of dropping suddenly. This allows the meat fibers to relax and retain more moisture.

If you perform a quick release immediately after cooking, the rapid pressure change can cause the pork to tighten and become less tender. Allowing the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes helps produce consistently moist results and improves the overall texture of the pork.

Common Mistakes When Making Pork Tenderloin Instant Pot Recipes

Even though pork tenderloin is easy to cook, a few simple mistakes can affect the final results.

Skipping the searing step can reduce flavor because the browned exterior adds depth and richness to the finished dish. Failing to deglaze the pot after searing can lead to a burn notice during pressure cooking. Using a quick release instead of a natural release can make the meat tougher and less juicy.

Another common mistake is overcooking the pork. Because pork tenderloin is naturally lean, it does not need long cooking times. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to avoid dry, overcooked meat.

What to Serve with Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Instant Pot pork tenderloin pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic option because they soak up the flavorful cooking juices and gravy. Roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans also complement the tender pork beautifully.

For a lighter meal, serve sliced pork tenderloin with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables. Rice, buttered noodles, and roasted sweet potatoes are also delicious choices that help turn this easy pork recipe into a complete family dinner.

Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Step by Step

Ingredients

• 2 lb pork tenderloin (seasoned if desired)
• 2 cups water

Preparation

Marinate the pork tenderloin if it isn’t already seasoned. I used about 1 cup of Italian dressing, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 2 tbsp of Italian seasonings for a 2-pound tenderloin. This sat for about 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in a bit.

Pour the water into the bottom of the pot and put the pork on a wire rack. This lets the water steam the pork in the pressure cooker without it sitting in the moisture.

Close the lid and cook on high pressure for about 20 minutes. Do a 10-minute natural release of the pressure, then a quick release of any remaining pressure. Remove the pork tenderloin and use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s cooked completely to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, then slice to serve.

Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Leftovers

Storage: Let the pork cool completely. Place in a container in the refrigerator. 

Reheating: To reheat, bake at 325F for about 5-10 minutes, until the pork is warmed. Use as little time as possible so the pork doesn’t get too dry.

Recipe

Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Make a quick dinner with an instant pot pork tenderloin. Purchase pre-seasoned meat or marinate it to your tastes for an easy dinner.

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Pressure Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Course:

Main Dish

Cuisine:

American

Keyword:

instant pot

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instant pot pork tenderloin

|

pork

|

pork tenderloin

Dietary Needs:

Dairy-Free

|

Egg-Free

|

Gluten-Free

|

Keto

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Nut-Free

|

Paleo

|

Whole30

Meat:

Pork

Cooking Method:

Instant Pot

Servings: 6

5 from 8 votes

Ingredients

• 2 lb pork tenderloin (seasoned if desired)
• 2 cups water

Recommended Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Instant-Read Thermometer

Instructions

• Pour the water into the bottom of the Instant Pot
• Place the pork tenderloin on a wire rack in the Instant Pot
• Close the lid and cook under pressure for about 20 minutes
• Naturally release for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure
• Remove the pork from the instant pot, slice it, and serve

Notes

Note: If you purchase a plain pork tenderloin, marinate it in desired seasonings for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.

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Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Amount Per Serving (0.3 lbs)

Calories 181 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 2g10%

Cholesterol 98mg33%

Sodium 83mg3%

Potassium 594mg17%

Protein 31g62%

Calcium 11mg1%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

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