Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin is the ultimate busy-night dinner hack. A quick spice rub, a short sear, and a fast pressure cook give you pork that’s juicy, tender, and loaded with flavor. It all happens in one pot, so cleanup’s a breeze. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal on the table that tastes like it took hours.
Why This Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Is a Weeknight Win
- Fast prep: You can get everything ready in just 10 minutes.
- Easy cleanup: The Instant Pot makes it simple with fewer dishes to wash.
- Big flavor: The spices and broth create a tasty meal that everyone will love.
How to Make Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin (3 Steps & Timing)
Making Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin is simple. Follow these three easy steps:
Seasoning and Searing:
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
- Rub this spice mixture over the entire pork tenderloin.
- Set the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function, adding 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat the oil until shimmering.
- Sear the pork tenderloin for about 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove the pork from the pot.
Cooking in the Pot:
- Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/4 cup dry white wine (if using) into the Instant Pot.
- Scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any browned bits. This adds extra flavor.
- Place the seared pork tenderloin back into the pot. Secure the lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing.’
- Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
Releasing Pressure and Serving:
- After cooking, let the pot release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Then, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the pork tenderloin, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Cut the pork against the grain and serve it with the pan juices as a sauce.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
Pair your Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with these quick sides:
- Steamed broccoli or green beans.
- Mashed potatoes or rice.
- A fresh salad with your favorite dressing.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
Store cooked pork tenderloin in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven at 350°F for a few minutes. This keeps the pork crispy and delicious.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Most of the time they’re a head start on tomorrow’s meal. Toss roasted veggies into eggs, turn last night’s chicken into wraps, or freeze soups for a lazy-night rescue. The trick is storing them right and keeping it simple. That way, instead of another chore, leftovers feel like a shortcut. See more easy ideas here and make the most of what you’ve got.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
- Use pre-chopped vegetables to save time on prep.
- Grab a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch.
- Choose bagged salad mixes for quick, fresh sides.
Smart Swaps & Variations
- Substitute low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option.
- Swap the white wine with extra broth for an alcohol-free version.
- Use different herbs like rosemary or oregano to change the flavor.
- Try adding a splash of soy sauce for a twist on the broth.
Craving Something Quick and Crave-Worthy?
Lazy Bites is my go-to spot for those snack cravings that hit out of nowhere. Cheesy pulls, sweet bites, and sides that come together fast no fuss, no fancy prep. Whether it’s a lazy Saturday, a game night spread, or just a quick fix before dinner, these recipes are made to hit the spot without stealing your time. Grab a bite now and keep it easy.
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth low-sodium recommended
- 1/4 cup dry white wine optional, can substitute with more broth
Instructions
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the pork tenderloin.
- Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ and heat the olive oil until shimmering.
- Sear the pork tenderloin for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove from the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth and white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Return the pork tenderloin to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the valve to ‘Sealing.’
- Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Remove pork and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve with the pan juices spooned over the top.
Notes
Nutrition
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
A couple of small tweaks can save you time every week. Line sheet pans with parchment for zero scrubbing, keep pre-chopped garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve got a backup for busy nights. Little shortcuts like these keep dinners easy without giving up taste. See more time-saving tips here and make cooking less of a chore.
FAQs about Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Can I cook Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin without searing first?
Yes, but searing adds flavor and helps lock in juices. If you skip it, the pork will still cook fine, but the crust and depth of flavor won’t be as bold.
What if my Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin is dry?
That usually means it was cooked too long. Stick to 12 minutes under pressure with a 10-minute natural release. Letting the meat rest before slicing also helps keep the juices inside.
Can I use broth instead of wine?
Definitely. Just replace the wine with more chicken broth for an alcohol-free version. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the herbs and spices.
Can I double the recipe in one pot?
Yes, as long as both tenderloins fit without overlapping. Cooking time usually stays the same, but check with a meat thermometer to be sure they hit 145°F in the thickest spot.
What sides work best with Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin?
Mashed potatoes and steamed veggies are easy winners. Rice or a simple salad also pair well and make the meal feel complete.
Wrapping It Up
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin is proof you don’t need hours to make a dinner that feels special. With a quick rub, a short sear, and pressure cooking magic, you get juicy slices with big flavor and minimal effort. It’s weeknight-friendly, cleanup is simple, and it pairs with almost any side. Give it a try tonight and see how fast the Instant Pot can turn out a family favorite.
What’s Cooking in Your Kitchen?
Tried this recipe your own way? We’d love to see it. Snap a quick pic and tag us on Instagram or drop a comment below. Lazy cooking works best when we swap ideas.
Your version might be the next Lazy Meal Prep favorite!
Follow Lazy Meal Prep on your favorite platform and become part of our cozy kitchen crew:
- Instagram – for behind-the-scenes peeks and weekday inspiration
- Facebook – to swap ideas, tips, and share what you’re cooking
- Pinterest – to save and plan your week the lazy-smart way
Let’s make cooking easier, together one delicious bite at a time.
