Are you tired of waiting for your frozen pork tenderloin to thaw before cooking it? Look no further than the Ninja Foodi!
With its pressure cooking and air frying capabilities, you can have a delicious and crispy pork tenderloin in just 15-20 minutes. Whether you’re in a rush or just want to skip the thawing process, this kitchen gadget will be your new go-to for cooking frozen meats.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to cook a frozen pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi, so you can enjoy a juicy and flavorful meal in no time.
How To Cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin In Ninja Foodi?
Step 1: Measure Your Frozen Pork Tenderloin
Since frozen meat is rock solid, it’s important to measure your frozen pork tenderloin to ensure it will fit in the Ninja Foodi.
Step 2: Pressure Cook The Pork Tenderloin
Place the frozen pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi and pressure cook it for 5 minutes. Follow this with a 5 minute natural pressure release.
Step 3: Air Fry The Pork Tenderloin
Use the air fryer lid of the Ninja Foodi to air fry the pork tenderloin for 10 minutes. Cook at 390*F until the internal temperature reaches at least 145*F.
Step 4: Baste The Pork Tenderloin (Optional)
If you want to add more flavor to your pork tenderloin, you can baste it with a marinade halfway through cooking. Use a basting brush to evenly spread it on top.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Remove the pork tenderloin from the Ninja Foodi and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy your delicious and easy meal.
Gathering Ingredients And Preparing The Pork Tenderloin
Before you begin cooking frozen pork tenderloin in Ninja Foodi, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and properly prepare the pork tenderloin. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Thaw The Pork Tenderloin
If your pork tenderloin is frozen, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can do this by placing it in the fridge for a few hours or by using the defrost function on your microwave.
Step 2: Measure Your Pork Tenderloin
Measure your pork tenderloin to ensure it will fit in the Ninja Foodi. A typical pork tenderloin weighs around 1 to 2 pounds, so make sure your Ninja Foodi can accommodate this size.
Step 3: Season The Pork Tenderloin
Season the pork tenderloin with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a blend of seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the seasoning all over the pork tenderloin for even flavor distribution.
Step 4: Place The Pork Tenderloin In The Ninja Foodi
Place the seasoned pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi and make sure it’s evenly spaced out. If you’re using a marinade, you can pour it over the pork tenderloin at this point.
Step 5: Secure The Lid
Secure the pressure cooker lid on top of the Ninja Foodi and make sure it’s properly sealed.
By following these steps to gather ingredients and prepare your frozen pork tenderloin for cooking in Ninja Foodi, you’ll be able to create a delicious and flavorful meal with ease.
Setting Up The Ninja Foodi For Pressure Cooking
Before pressure cooking your frozen pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi, it’s important to set it up properly. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Add Water
To start, add 3 cups of room temperature water to the inside pot of the Ninja Foodi.
Step 2: Place The Pressure Lid
Next, place the pressure lid on the Ninja Foodi and make sure the pressure release valve is in the SEAL position.
Step 3: Select Pressure Cook
Select the PRESSURE button on the control panel of the Ninja Foodi. The unit will automatically default to high pressure with a timer setting of 2 minutes.
Step 4: Activate The Pressure Cooker
Click the START/STOP button to activate the pressure cooker. The Ninja Foodi will start to build pressure inside the unit, indicated by rotating lights (which will take about 8-10 minutes).
Step 5: Wait For Countdown
Once fully pressurized, the Ninja Foodi will start counting down for 2 minutes. When the countdown is completed, the unit will beep and automatically switch to Keep Warm mode.
Step 6: Release Steam
Quickly release the pressurized steam by switching the pressure release valve to VENT position. A blast of steam will flow out of the valve.
With these steps, your Ninja Foodi is now ready for pressure cooking your frozen pork tenderloin.
Pressure Cooking The Frozen Pork Tenderloin
Pressure cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi is a quick and easy process. Follow these steps to ensure that your pork tenderloin is cooked to perfection:
First, measure your frozen pork tenderloin to make sure it will fit in the Ninja Foodi. Once you have confirmed that it will fit, place the frozen pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi and add 2 cups of chicken broth and bay leaves.
Next, close the lid and make sure the valve points to seal. Press the Pressure Cook button and set the timer for 5 minutes. After the 5 minutes are up, allow for a 5 minute natural pressure release.
Once the pressure has been released naturally, open the lid and carefully lift the trivet with the meat. Remove and discard any excess fat from it.
Clean the Ninja Foodi pot, and then select Air Fry. Place the pork tenderloin back into the pot and air fry for 10 minutes at 390*F until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145*F.
If you want to add more flavor to your pork tenderloin, you can baste it with a marinade halfway through cooking. Use a basting brush to evenly spread it on top.
Once your pork tenderloin is cooked to perfection, remove it from the Ninja Foodi and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy your delicious and easy meal.
Air Frying The Pork Tenderloin For A Crispy Finish
If you want a crispy finish on your pork tenderloin, you can use the air fryer function of the Ninja Foodi. Here’s how:
1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl and rub the spice mixture on the entire pork tenderloin.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
3. After 5 minutes, carefully place the pork tenderloin into the air fryer and air fry at 400°F for 20-22 minutes. Internal temperature should be between 145°F to 160°F.
4. When the air fryer cycle is complete, carefully remove the pork tenderloin to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
5. Save any juices to serve over sliced meat.
By following these steps, you can achieve a crispy and juicy pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi. Don’t forget to adjust the cooking time based on the size of your pork tenderloin and your desired level of doneness. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Letting The Pork Tenderloin Rest Before Slicing And Serving
After cooking, it’s important to let the pork tenderloin rest before slicing and serving. This allows the meat fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices that were squeezed out during cooking. If you cut the pork tenderloin too soon, the juices will be released onto your cutting board, resulting in a dry and tough texture.
The general rule of thumb is to let the meat rest for half the time it took to cook it. For a 1-pound pork tenderloin cooked in the Ninja Foodi for a total of 15 minutes, it should rest for about 7-8 minutes.
During this resting period, the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin will continue to rise by a few degrees. It’s important to remove the pork tenderloin from the Ninja Foodi before it reaches its target internal temperature to prevent overcooking.
To keep the pork tenderloin warm during resting, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil or place it in a warm oven with the heat turned off. Avoid covering it tightly with foil as it can trap heat and cause the meat to overcook.
Once the pork tenderloin has rested, use a sharp knife to slice it against the grain into thin pieces. This will ensure that each slice is tender and juicy. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy your delicious and perfectly cooked pork tenderloin!
Tips And Tricks For Cooking Frozen Pork Tenderloin In The Ninja Foodi
Cooking frozen pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi can be a bit tricky, but with the right tips and tricks, you can achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful meal. Here are some helpful tips to get the best results:
1. Measure the size of your frozen pork tenderloin before cooking to ensure it will fit in the Ninja Foodi.
2. For added flavor, consider marinating the pork tenderloin before cooking. You can also baste it with a marinade halfway through cooking for even more flavor.
3. If you prefer a crispy exterior, use the air fryer lid of the Ninja Foodi to air fry the pork tenderloin after pressure cooking it. Cook at 390*F until the internal temperature reaches at least 145*F.
4. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin before serving. The FDA recommends cooking pork to a temperature of 145*F.
5. If your pork tenderloin is still too tough after cooking, try giving it extra time in the pressure cooker. This will give the braise more time to break down the meat’s connective tissues, resulting in more tender meat.
6. You can cook more than one pork tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi at once by stacking them up, but make sure they don’t overlap completely.
By following these tips and tricks, you can cook a delicious and perfectly cooked frozen pork tenderloin in your Ninja Foodi.