Tender, juicy and full of flavor, this simple Instant Pot pork tenderloin is cooked with apples, rosemary and a hint of spice. With quick prep, straightforward ingredients and under 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a weeknight winner the whole family will enjoy.
I’ve been a devoted Instant Pot user for a while, and this pork tenderloin recipe might be my favorite yet. From easy mac and cheese to perfectly cooked eggs, the pressure cooker simplifies dinner—and this pork delivers tender, juicy results with minimal effort.
This Instant Pot pork tenderloin is flavorful, quick and done in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights or a simple gathering.
Why We Love This Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
Tender, juicy pork in 30 minutes. This recipe gives great texture and flavor with minimal prep—ideal for a fast, satisfying dinner.
Versatile pairings. Serve the pork with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or a simple salad. The apple-onion pan base also works as a flavorful topping for rolls or biscuits.
Great for weeknights or entertaining. It’s elegant enough for guests yet quick and simple enough for a busy evening.
Ingredient Notes
- pork tenderloin: This recipe uses pork tenderloin—not pork loin. Tenderloin is smaller and cooks quickly. If needed, cut a long tenderloin in half so it fits your Instant Pot.
- rosemary: Fresh rosemary adds the best aroma and flavor; use dried if that’s what you have (about 1/2 tsp).
- rub: A simple rub of garlic powder, ground mustard, thyme, salt and pepper seasons the meat. Optional paprika adds color and warmth.
- broth: Low-sodium chicken broth gives flavor and helps deglaze the pot. Water can be used in a pinch, but broth is preferable.
- apples: Use any firm baking apple such as Gala or Fuji. Leaving the skins on saves time and adds texture, but you can peel them if you prefer a smoother applesauce-like base.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix garlic powder, ground mustard, thyme, salt and pepper in a small bowl to make the rub.
Step 2: Pat the pork dry, trim any excess fat and rub the seasoning evenly over all sides. Cut the tenderloin in half if needed to fit the pot.
Step 3: Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the pork and brown for about 2–3 minutes per side.
Step 4: Remove the pork and turn off Sauté. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits.
Step 5: Add the sliced apples, sliced onion, brown sugar and butter to the broth and toss to combine.
Step 6: Place the pork on top of the apple-onion mixture and tuck the rosemary sprigs on top of the meat.
Step 7: Close the lid, set the vent to sealing and pressure cook on High (Manual) for 3 minutes. When the cycle finishes, allow a 5–10 minute natural release, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
Step 8: Remove the pork and let it rest for several minutes before slicing. Serve the slices over the cooked apples and onions with your favorite sides.
Recipe Tips
- Ideal internal temperature: Pork is safe at 145°F. For best texture, aim for 145°–160°F and use an instant-read thermometer. A slight pink in the center is acceptable.
- Apple skins: Leaving the peel on keeps the apples intact; peeling gives a softer, applesauce-like result. Choose based on your preference.
- Adjust cooking time for thickness: If your tenderloin is particularly thick, increase pressure cooking to 6–7 minutes for a more well-done center.
What to Serve with This Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
This dish is classic comfort food. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, biscuits or cornbread. Roasted vegetables—like Brussels sprouts, green beans or maple-glazed carrots—make a balanced plate. Garlic-parmesan or Boursin mashed potatoes are especially good with the apple-onion pan sauce.
Other Pork Recipes
- Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Nachos
- Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops
- Creamy Mushroom Pork Chops
- Pork Teriyaki Stir-Fry
- Instant Pot Carnitas
- Slow Cooker BBQ Country Style Ribs
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to the newsletter and follow food accounts for new recipes and updates.
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 2–2½ lb pork tenderloin
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ⅔ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- ½ tsp thyme
- 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- ½ tsp cracked pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 apples, thinly sliced (Fuji or Gala suggested)
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp butter
Instructions
- Pat pork dry, trim excess fat and cut in half if needed. Mix garlic, mustard, thyme, salt and pepper and rub over the pork.
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté, heat olive oil until shimmering and brown pork 2–3 minutes per side. Remove pork and set aside.
- Turn off Sauté, pour in broth and scrape bottom of pot. Add apples, onion, butter and brown sugar and toss to combine.
- Place pork on top of the apple mixture, add rosemary, close the lid and set vent to sealing. Pressure cook on High for 3 minutes.
- When finished, allow a 5–10 minute natural release, then quick-release any remaining pressure. Remove pork and let rest a few minutes before slicing.
- Slice and serve over the cooked apples. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Notes
Apple skins: Leaving skins on adds texture; peeling creates a softer applesauce-like base.
Adjust for thickness: Very thick tenderloins may need 6–7 minutes pressure cooking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Shop this post
Instant Pot
Tongs
Garlic Press