Oh my gosh, have you ever had one of those days where you need dinner to be quick, easy, AND feel like a treat? That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with these air fryer bacon wrapped pork medallions. Picture this – juicy, tender pork hugged by crispy, salty bacon, all ready in under 30 minutes. I swear, my air fryer has become my kitchen MVP, and this recipe is one of my go-tos when I want something that feels fancy but takes zero effort. As someone who’s been air frying everything from veggies to desserts for years (seriously, I even did a whole month of only air fryer meals once!), trust me when I say this combo is magic. The way the bacon gets perfectly crisp while keeping the pork moist? Absolute perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions Recipe 2
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say this recipe checks ALL the boxes for busy weeknights. Here’s why it’s become my secret weapon:
- Crazy fast: From fridge to table in 25 minutes flat – faster than takeout!
- That bacon crunch: The air fryer gives you that perfect crispy bacon texture without any flipping or splattering.
- Flavor bomb: The pork stays juicy while soaking up all that smoky bacon goodness.
- Easy cleanup: One basket to wash? Yes please! No greasy pans to scrub.
- Looks fancy: Serve these beauties to guests and watch them think you slaved for hours.
Seriously, once you try this combo, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked pork any other way!
Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions Recipe 2
Alright, let’s talk ingredients – and trust me, you’ll love how simple this shopping list is! Here’s everything you’ll need to make these beauties:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin – cut into 1-inch thick medallions (this gives you the perfect bite-sized portions)
- 6 slices bacon – I always go for thick-cut because it wraps better and gets extra crispy (but regular bacon works too in a pinch)
- 1 tsp salt – kosher salt is my go-to for even seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked if you’ve got it!
- 1 tsp garlic powder – this adds that irresistible savory depth
- 1 tsp paprika – smoked paprika is magic here if you have it
That’s it! Six simple ingredients that transform into something truly special. No fancy ingredients, no complicated prep – just good, honest flavors that work beautifully together.
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions Recipe 2
Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this is so easy you’ll laugh, but I’ll walk you through every step to ensure perfect results every time. The key is prepping properly and letting that air fryer work its magic.
Preheating the Air Fryer
First things first – preheat that air fryer! I know it’s tempting to skip this step (I’ve been guilty too), but trust me, it makes all the difference. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it run for about 3-5 minutes while you prep the pork. This ensures even cooking from the start and helps that bacon get perfectly crisp. My ancient air fryer beeps when it’s ready, but if yours doesn’t, just time it – you’ll smell that hot air when it’s good to go!
Seasoning and Wrapping the Pork Medallions
While the air fryer heats up, let’s prep our pork medallions. Pat them dry with paper towels – this helps the seasoning stick better. In a small bowl, mix together your salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Now here’s my trick: I like to season both sides of each medallion generously, rubbing the spices right into the meat. Then comes the fun part – wrapping with bacon! Take one slice of bacon and spiral-wrap it around each medallion, slightly overlapping the ends. Tuck the tail end underneath so it stays put during cooking. Don’t worry about toothpicks – if you wrap snugly, the bacon will stay put!
Cooking Time and Temperature
Time to cook! Arrange your bacon-wrapped beauties in a single layer in the air fryer basket – they shouldn’t touch. Cook for 12-15 minutes total, flipping them halfway through with tongs. You’ll know they’re done when the bacon is crispy and the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) internally. Pro tip: check temperature at the thickest part of a medallion, avoiding the bacon. Once done, let them rest for 3 minutes – this keeps all those delicious juices inside. And that’s it! Simple, right? Now prepare yourself for some seriously tasty pork!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions Recipe 2
Want restaurant-quality results every time? Here are my tried-and-true tricks for making these bacon-wrapped beauties absolutely perfect:
Thick-cut bacon is your friend – it wraps better and gets that irresistible crispiness without overcooking the pork. Regular bacon works in a pinch, but trust me, splurge on the good stuff!
Don’t skip the thermometer – pork can dry out fast, so checking for 145°F (63°C) ensures juicy perfection every time. I keep my instant-read thermometer right by the air fryer.
Batch cooking? No problem! Just don’t overcrowd the basket – cook in single layers with space between each medallion for even crispiness.
Pro tip: If your bacon isn’t crispy enough after cooking, pop them back in for 1-2 more minutes – but watch closely!
Common Questions About Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions Recipe 2
I get asked about these bacon-wrapped beauties all the time, so let me answer the most common questions before they even pop into your head!
“Can I use turkey bacon instead?” You totally can, but listen – turkey bacon won’t get as crispy or flavorful. If you go this route, spray it lightly with oil before cooking and add an extra minute or two to crisp up.
“How do I store leftovers?” These keep surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, then stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re amazing chopped up on salads or reheated for quick lunches.
“My air fryer is tiny/different brand – any adjustments?” No worries! Smaller baskets may need batch cooking (don’t overcrowd!). For compact models, check a few minutes early since heat circulates differently. All air fryers have personalities – mine runs hot!
“Can I prep these ahead?” Absolutely! Wrap and season them up to 24 hours ahead, then cook straight from the fridge – just add 1-2 extra minutes.
“What if my bacon isn’t crispy?” A quick 1-2 minute blast at 400°F usually does the trick! Just watch closely so the pork doesn’t overcook.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions Recipe 2
Oh, the fun part – plating up these beauties! For a cozy dinner, I love them with creamy mashed potatoes (that bacon drippings make the BEST gravy!). Roasted Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots work magic too. Feeling fancy? Serve over cheesy grits with a drizzle of maple syrup – trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
No way you’ll have leftovers (trust me, they’re that good!), but if you do, here’s how to keep them perfect: Store cooled medallions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, the air fryer is king – just 2-3 minutes at 350°F brings back that glorious crispiness without drying out the pork. Microwave works in a pinch, but the bacon loses its magic crunch!
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions Recipe 2
Okay, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are estimates based on my exact ingredients (your favorite bacon brand might vary slightly). Each juicy medallion packs about 280 calories with 26g of protein – perfect for keeping you satisfied! You’re looking at 18g fat (6g saturated), 1g carbs, and 620mg sodium. Not bad for something this delicious! Of course, values change if you tweak ingredients – like using center-cut bacon lowers fat slightly. But honestly? Sometimes you just gotta enjoy that bacon goodness!
Rate This Recipe
Did you make these bacon-wrapped beauties? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Drop a rating below or share your twists – your feedback helps me (and other home cooks) create even better recipes!
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Juicy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions in 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for air fryer bacon-wrapped pork medallions. Perfect for a quick meal with crispy bacon and tender pork.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch medallions
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Season pork medallions with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Wrap each pork medallion with a slice of bacon.
- Place the bacon-wrapped pork in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until bacon is crispy and pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for better crispiness.
- Check pork temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Adjust cooking time based on air fryer model.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medallion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: air fryer, bacon-wrapped pork, pork medallions, easy recipe