Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin is so easy to make in 45 minutes or less! You'll love the juicy, tender pork along with the creamy potatoes and flavorful gravy!
Hello new favorite weeknight dinner! I know you guys love the Instant Pot recipes, so it was time for a new one! I was truly amazed at how tender and juicy this pork came out. The seasoning is just right, the potatoes cook at the same time, and then you can whip up some gravy right in the pot too. Doesn't get easier than that! While you're here, if you're looking for more instant pot dinners try out our Instant Pot Pot Roast and a reader fave, our Instant Pot Mac and Cheese!
What's the Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?
Ok, let's get right into it today. I know there will be some questions about actual cut of meat for this recipe, so I want to chat about it first! Pork tenderloin, and pork loin are completely different! You can tell them apart in your grocery store because pork loin is a big cut of meat, also known as a "pork roast" like we use in our Instant Pot Pulled Pork. It is the perfect cut for slower roasting (or 40 minutes in the pressure cooker) and shreds very easily. Now, pork tenderloin is what we use in this recipe. You will notice that when you buy them, the tenderloins usually come in whole, one pound portions that are long and skinny. This is the cut that slices perfectly like you see above. The trick is to not overcook it, which is why it only takes an actual 5 minutes of cooking time for this recipe!
How to Make Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin:
- I always start this dish by peeling and slicing my potatoes. You can see in the photo below that this is what 2.5 pounds of russet potatoes look like when sliced large. Each potato was cut into about 3-4 slices, don't cut them any smaller or they will dissolve.
- Now, remove your pork tenderloin (or loins) from the packaging. Note, this recipe uses 24 ounces of tenderloin, this may be sold in one or two at your grocery store. Season them well and give the spices a good rub into the meat.
- Get your instant pot hot on saute mode. Once it's nice and hot, add in your olive oil. Sear the pork on all sides until golden, it won't be cooked through at this point. Note that if you have two loins, you will need to sear one at a time. Now, remove them to a plate.
- Turn the Instant pot off and add about ¼ cup (doesn't have to be perfect) of your broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the browned bits. This will keep you from getting the burn notice, and it also adds flavor!
- Add in the rest of the broth to the pot along with your potatoes. Then, place the loins right on top of the potatoes. Seal the pot, set for manual (high) for five minutes. Keep in mind that this will take 5-7 minutes to come to pressure, and 10-15 minutes for natural pressure release at the end.
- Once you have let the pot come to pressure naturally, you can open the lid. Use tongs and move the loins to a cutting board and tent with foil. Then, use a slotted spoon to add the potatoes to a large bowl for mashing.
- Add in your butter, sour cream, milk, and seasonings to taste. Keep in mind that the amount of butter, milk, and sour cream here is what works best for us for creamy potatoes. You can use more if you'd like!
- Use a hand held potato masher or a mixer if you like whipped potatoes. Mash/whip until you have your desired consistency, then cover the potatoes and set aside.
- To make the gravy, turn the instant pot on to saute (high) and it will start boiling within about 1 minute. As soon as it's bubbling, whisk together your cornstarch and cold water and add to the pot while whisking constantly until nice and smooth.
Tips for Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin:
- I can say for certain that this recipe will work in a 6 quart or 8 quart Instant Pot or pressure cooker. I have not tired it in a smaller size. Note that since pork tenderloins are long, you may need to cut yours in half if they don't fit in one piece.
- DO NOT do a quick release of the meat when your cooking time is up! You have to let the pot come to pressure naturally (leave the valve sealed) and wait for the pin to drop on it's own. If you don't do it this way, you will end up with either undercooked or super tough meat.
- Check the temperature of your meat with a meat thermometer. I have tested this multiple times and never had an issue with the pork being the correct temp, but I do like to advise that you have a meat thermometer on hand and check in your own kitchen as well. The USDA says that pork is safe to eat at 145 degrees, so that or a little higher is what we're looking for here.
- I don't recommend cooking this specific recipe with frozen pork. The cooking times don't align well with the potatoes.
- This one seems to be just perfect for a hungry family of 4! However, any leftovers of this pork and potatoes should be stored in airtight containers in the fridge, and eaten within 2 days for best flavor.
Enjoy!
~Nichole
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
FOR THE PORK:
- 1 (24 OuncPork Tenderloin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 Cups Chicken Stock
- 2 Pounds Russet Potatoes peeled and sliced**
FOR THE POTATOES:
- ¼ Cup Milk
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Sour Cream
- Salt & Pepper to taste
FOR THE GRAVY:
- 2 ½ Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons Cold Water
Instructions
FOR THE PORK:
- Remove the pork from its package and place on a cutting board. If necessary, cut the pork in half so that it will fit in the instant pot.
- In a small bowl, mix together the seasonings and rub evenly over all sides of the pork.
- Turn the Instant Pot on to saute mode. Once hot, add the olive oil. Add the pork tenderloin and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, then remove the roast to a plate.
- Pour ¼ cup of the broth into the pot and use a wooden spoon to (deglazscrape up any browned bites on the bottom of the pot.
- Turn the pot off, and pour in the remaining broth. Add in the the sliced potatoes, and set the pork on top.
- Place the lid on the pot and set the valve to seal. Set the pot to manual or meat setting for 5 minutes.
- Once the 5 minutes is up, do a natural pressure release (allow the pot to come back to pressure on its own, do not open the valve).
- When the pressure has released naturally, open the valve, then open the lid of the instant pot.
- Transfer the roast to a large serving platter and cover loosely with foil.
FOR THE POTATOES:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the potatoes to a large bowl.
- Add the milk, butter, sour cream, and seasonings to taste.
- Mash to desired consistency with a potato masher or hand mixer.
FOR THE GRAVY:
- Turn the Instant Pot on to saute (higmode.
- Once the liquid is boiling, use a small bowl to stir together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the broth, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Video
Notes
Delicious, super easy!
Would sweet potato work?
Should work fine 🙂
Wow! Such a delicious recipe and easy!! It’s my family’s new favourite recipe! 5 ⭐️
I usually prefer Yukon gold potatoes, they would work fine too right? Maybe just quarter them? Thanks.
Yes, they should work fine 🙂
I used Yukon Gold and it was great. Cut each into four.
Thanks for the quick and easy recipe. I love pork tenderloin especially as a grab-and-go snack the next day.
Please, for the sake of some newer cooks, I notice that you say it will take the IP 5-7 minutes to 'come to pressure'; that part is very easy to understand. But later, you twice say to let the pot 'come to pressure' when what you actually mean is for the IP to release pressure. Some very new cooks working with the IP may not understand. I wonder if you could make a small edit to clarify that the pot needs to release pressure naturally?
Thanks again. I'll get back to slicing the potatoes. Everything else is ready to cook and I'm looking forward to a lovely dinner. This afternoon I'll be making food for the dog using the Instant Pot.
Oops, I forgot to rate the recipe. 5 stars!!
Absolutely delicious!! Every one of my 5 picky eating daughters loved it. Thank you!
It was sooooo easy and the potatoes and meat came out perfect. It was a surprise hit with the kids! Thanks for sharing!
Excellent recipe! Whole family loved it.
My first try with my new Instant Pot (8 qt) and everything came out delish! Substituted some thyme for the salt in the rub, and didn't have onion powder. Still great! A bit too much gravy so will try cutting down next time.
Awesome!! Family loved it!
Super easy and delicious. I'm not a pork fan but this was amazing. Followed the recipe as directed and not at all disappointed.
I put everything in the Instantpot, took my dogs for a walk and voila dinner was done!
Can I make this without the potatoes (I don’t have any in hand). If so, would you suggest any modifications?
Great Flavor and tender pork. Another quick recipe for the instant pot that works! will definitely be making again. Great for the chilly nights we have been having.
Excellent recipe! And so easy, hardly any chopping or prep - we actually just ate the potatoes with the broth poured over, didn't bother to mash. Thanks for a great pork tenderloin recipe!
Wow! Thank you!! This recipe actually worked! The time, the meal, I also made broccoli and presto instant pot and a great recipe equaled a happy family around the table.
I love adding the potatoes to the pork and then mashing them. I have never thought of that before - thanks!
This is the perfect easy fall dinner - and the potatoes and gravy look so good! I am not huge on pork myself but my hubby would love this and I would have the sides with some grilled chicken.
Great recipe! My sister in law loves pork. I will show her your recipe and she will make it for sure. Thanks!
Wow, how good does this look. I would be all over it for dinner. I love using powders too for the onion and the garlic as it saves so much time. Great recipe, cheers!
I will be making this tomorrow. I was looking for a wonderful recipe, and now I found it. Thank you.
This was quick, easy and delicious. It will be a regular in my house.