Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

I am going to let you in on a little secret I wish someone had told me before I threw one of the more disastrous dinner parties of my short but colorful mid-20s entertaining career: Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin is the absolute EASIEST, most foolproof way to cook juicy, succulent pork.

Follow-up advice: do not skip the gravy.

If by some act of the universe you mess up the Instant Pot pork tenderloin (which you will not if you follow this pressure cooker recipe), the easy gravy (which you cook in the Instant Pot while the pork rests) will cover your tracks.

Rich and intensely savory with a touch of tangy sweetness from maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and the pork’s own juices, you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful.

5 Star Review

“Outstanding!!! So flavorful!!! My husband said it was the BEST meal he’d had in a long time. I will DEFINITELY make this recipe again!”
— Angie —

About this Pork Tenderloin

Despite a rocky start, pork tenderloin is one of my favorite cuts of meat to cook both for dinner parties and for easy weeknight dinners.

Pork tenderloin is lean, healthy, and a refreshing change of pace from Instant Pot Chicken and Baked Chicken Breast.
It’s relatively inexpensive, yet it still feels festive. This Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, for example, is fit for special occasions and holidays.
It is super versatile! Because pork tenderloin is mild, you can flavor it with a wide range of spices, sauces, and rubs.

The biggest hazard to pork tenderloin is overcooking, one of the many reasons I love making pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot. (Or if you’re a grilling aficionado, Grilled Pork Tenderloin is fabulous too!)

why cook pork tenderloin in the instant pot

Multicookers like the Instant Pot (this is the Instant Pot model I own) lock in moisture, which helps the pork stay juicy. (Similarly, Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin uses a high temperature for a short time to keep it juicy.)
It’s a one-pot wonder. Thanks to the sauté function, you can brown the pork, pressure cook it, and even make the gravy all in the same pot.
All of the cooking juices stay in the pot, so not one drop of flavor is wasted.
The Instant Pot is hands free! Forget opening and closing the oven door to check the pork’s temperature. You can set it and walk away. (One of the reasons I love cooking Instant Pot Ribs.)

How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot

Pork tenderloins vary in size. While they are usually between 1 ½ and 2 pounds, they can be as small as 1 pound.

If your tenderloin weighs between 1.5 and 2 pounds. Set your Instant Pot for 3 minutes (the pressure will take about 10 minutes to build, then the timer will start). When the timer is up, allow the pressure to naturally release for 12 minutes.
If your tenderloin weighs 1.25 pounds or less. Reduce the pressure cook time to 1 minute, followed by the same 12 minutes of natural release.

How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in an Instant Pot

As with much of cooking, the secret to this recipe’s success (in addition to NOT overcooking the pork—hopefully you are seeing the emphasis here) is in building layers of flavor.

For Instant Pot pork tenderloin, that means an easy garlic herb rub, pan-searing the outside of the tenderloin in the Instant Pot prior to pressure cooking, and finishing off the recipe with an easy honey Dijon gravy.

The Ingredients

Pork Tenderloin. A lean, boneless cut of meat, pork tenderloin is delicious and tender. It has a very mild flavor, so it’s perfectly suited for spice rubs and sauces (like the smoky rub on this Baked Pork Tenderloin). Plus, it’s rich in protein and vitamins.

Tip!

You can use this recipe to cook 1 or 2 tenderloins at the same time. If making two tenderloins, sear them one at a time and double the olive oil and rub.

Spice Mixture. A mixture of garlic powder, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper gives the pork an exceptional flavor.
Chicken Broth. Helps deglaze the pot and builds the foundation for our gravy sauce.
Soy Sauce. For rich umami flavor. Use low sodium soy sauce so the sauce doesn’t become too salty.
Honey or Maple Syrup. Either honey or maple syrup will add the perfect amount of natural sweetness and pair nicely with the herbs and spices in the pork rub.
Dijon Mustard. A tangy and delicious complement to the pork.
Cornstarch Slurry. The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the gravy sauce to luscious, flavorful perfection.

The Directions

Let the pork come to room temperature. Stir the seasoning ingredients together in a bowl.

Whisk the gravy ingredients together in a separate bowl (minus the cornstarch). Trim and dry the pork. Rub it with olive oil.

A seasoned pork tenderloin on a cutting board

Add the seasoning to the pork.

Sear the pork in the Instant Pot. Transfer it to a plate.

Add the broth to the Instant Pot, scraping along the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck-on bits.

Pork tenderloin in a sauce in a pressure cooker

Place the pork in the pot and pressure cook on HIGH for 3 minutes. Let naturally release for 12 minutes.
Check the pork for doneness. Cook for additional time if needed, then set the pork aside to rest.
Turn the Instant Pot to sauté, add the slurry, then make the gravy. Cut the pork into slices, serve with the gravy, and DIG IN!

What to Serve with Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Potatoes. Instant Pot pork tenderloin and potatoes would be delicious! Try Instant Pot pork tenderloin with these Roasted Sweet Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes in Oven. Crock Pot Baked Potatoes or Oven Baked Potatoes would also be tasty.
Salad. Apple Walnut Salad and pork tenderloin would be a perfect match.
Vegetables. Pair Instant Pot pork tenderloin with veggies like Roasted Asparagus, Roasted Broccoli and Carrots, or Baked Carrots (Instant Pot pork tenderloin with potatoes and carrots would be delish).

Storage Tips

To Store. Refrigerate pork in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
To Reheat. Gently rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F. In a pinch, the pork can also be reheated in the microwave.
To Freeze. Freeze pork in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Instant Pot pork tenderloin on a plate with green beans

Leftover Ideas

Add thinly sliced leftover pork tenderloin to a sandwich. Or, dice up the pork and add it to your favorite stir fry (like this Vegetable Lo Mein).

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

Instant Pot. One of my most-used kitchen appliances.
Instant Read Thermometer. The easiest way to ensure your meat is cooked through.
Measuring Spoons. This set is perfect for measuring spices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cook Frozen Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot?

While you can cook meat from frozen in the Instant Pot, I don’t recommend making this Instant Pot pork tenderloin frozen, as it would hinder your ability to sear the pork and add the spice rub.

Why is My Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Tough?

If your pork tenderloin is tough, it’s likely been overcooked. To make sure you don’t overcook your pork, follow the tips listed in the question box below.

How Can I Avoid Overcooking My Pork Tenderloin?

The biggest mistake when making pork tenderloin is overcooking. Here are my best tips for avoiding this mistake:
1. Use an instant read thermometer to gauge when your pork is done.
2. Err on the side of less versus more cooking time. You can always cook the pork longer if needed, but once it is overdone, there is no going back.
3. Let carryover cooking be your friend. Pork is considered safe to eat at 145 degrees F. I like to remove mine when the pork reaches 135 to 140 degrees F, then let the carryover cooking finish the rest.
4. Speaking of rest—meat needs to rest after cooking to allow the juices to reincorporate into the meat. If you cut it early, you’ll lose that beautiful moisture.

Can I Add Onions?

If you’d like to make Instant Pot pork tenderloin with onions, you can incorporate them in a few different ways. Serve the pork alongside caramelized onions, stir cooked onions into the gravy just before serving, or you could even pair this pork with a side of Air Fryer Onion Rings.

Whether it’s your first time cooking pork tenderloin or you’re an old pro, this honey garlic pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot is a mini triumph. Successful dinners (with or without boxed wine) are ahead!

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