• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Seeking Good Eats
  • Recipes
  • by Course
  • Low Carb Recipes
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
×
Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Modified: Jan 27, 2025 by Kori Butler · Published: Jul 12, 2023

FacebookPinterestEmailReddit
Jump to Recipe
Pinterest Hidden Image

This Instant Pot pork tenderloin recipe is super fast and easy to make in just 30 minutes! Tender, juicy, perfectly pressure cooked, and seasoned tenderloin with a wonderful savory gravy! Bonus: you can make it low carb and keto friendly!

A white plate with pork tenderloin medallions and gravy.Pin

This Pressure Cooker Pork Tenderloin recipe is a game changer! 

Perfect tenderloin in 30 minutes. Yep, you read that right - this tenderloin is seared and cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot in under 30 minutes--and it's juicy and tender too! Make gravy from the pot juices and serve with your tenderloin roast.

Seasoned for perfection. In this version, I use Italian seasoning with a little chili powder and garlic powder for a simple seasoning blend. The seasonings pair really well together and provide a great flavor payoff. Tip: You can also substitute your favorite pork seasoning if preferred!

Healthy. This recipe is lower in calories and high in quality protein, but you can make it keto and gluten-free by using xanthan gum as the thickener for the gravy in this recipe.

Pork Tenderloin Instant Pot ingredients 

Ingredients needed for making instant pot pork tenderloin.Pin

Here's what you'll need to make this Instant Pot pork loin:

  • Pork Tenderloin: in this recipe, I used a one-pound and about 1-and-a-half-inch thick pork tenderloin. Use a larger tenderloin if desired. You may need to cut your tenderloin to help it fit in your Instapot.
  • Butter
  • Kosher Salt
  • Ground Black Pepper
  • Chicken Broth: use low sodium or fat-free options if desired.
  • Garlic Powder
  • Italian Seasoning: you can use any Italian seasoning blend you prefer, or you can use oregano, parsley, basil, or thyme.
  • Chili Powder: used to add a little smoky flavor and adds just the slightest heat--omit if desired.
  • Cornstarch: used to make a thickener to add to the pot juices to create a gravy. Use xanthan gum to make low-carb and gluten-free.

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

Substitutions and Variations

  • Use vegetable or beef broth or stock in this recipe in place of chicken broth--use low-sodium or low-fat options if preferred.
  • Adjust any seasoning to taste; add or omit any seasonings as desired.
  • After searing the pork, remove and add in any vegetables you'd like to make it a full meal. You can add carrots and sliced potatoes and then add your roast back on top to cook as directed.
  • Use xanthan gum as a thickener for your gravy if following a gluten-free or keto plan. You only need half a teaspoon of xanthan gum dissolved in olive oil if using.
  • If using a larger tenderloin than the 1 and-a-half inches thick, add 2 minutes of cooking time for each half-inch increase.
  • Use this recipe for the best pork dry rub in place of the seasoning in this recipe. The recipe makes plenty to store for use for many more!

Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later! 🙂

Three slices of intant pot pork tenderloin served with gravy over mashed potatoes.Pin

How to Make Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Here are the instructions for making this sauce. For full details, see the recipe card below. Enjoy!

Sprinkling a pork tenderloin with salt and pepper then searing it in an Instant Pot.Pin

1. Sprinkle pork with salt and pepper. Using the saute setting, sear the tenderloin in butter for 2 minutes on each side.

Removing the tenderloin from the pot then adding broth.Pin

2. Remove tenderloin and set aside. Add broth and scrape the bottom to free any bits brown bits.

Mixing the seasonings together in a small clear glass bowl then sprinkling the tenderloin with it.Pin

3. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and chili powder. Sprinkle on one side of the tenderloin.

Securing the Instant Pot lid for cooking then setting time to zero minutes.Pin

4. Place loin in pot seasoning side up. Secure lid and set to zero minutes. Once pressure cooking is complete, allow pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes.

Removed the pressure cooked tenderloin setting on a white board covered in foil.Pin

5. Remove tenderloin and tent with foil. Rest for 10 minutes.

Adding dissolved cornstarch and water to the pot and thickening the gravy.Pin

6. Thicken gravy with cornstarch or xanthan gum.

How long to cook Pork Tenderloin in Instant Pot

How long it takes to cook a pork tenderloin in an Instant Pot depends on how thick your loin is, as well as how much you are cooking.

  • If your tenderloin weight is 1.50 pounds or less. Set the pressure cook time to zero, followed by 15 minutes of natural release.
  • If your tenderloin weight is between 1.5 and 2 pounds. Set your Instant Pot for 2 minutes (the pressure takes about 10 minutes to build, then the timer starts). When the timer is up, let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes (So, approximately 27 minutes in total).
  • Add 2 minutes for every half pound increase in weight over 1.5.

How to Serve this Pork Tenderloin Recipe (Instant Pot Recipe)

  • Serve this delicious pork loin roast sliced about half an inch thick slices.
  • Serve your gravy over the top of your slices.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, rosemary, or thyme.
  • Pair with sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, or this buttery cauliflower mashed recipe.
  • Make your favorite vegetable side dishes such as broccoli, green beans, or sweet peas. Check out my recipes for side dishes for tons of ideas on vegetable side dishes!

Storage Recommendations

Store your cooled tenderloin slices in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze your leftovers in the freezer for up to 4 months. Store your pork separately from the gravy if freezing for the best result.

FAQs

Why is my pork tough in the Instant Pot?

The most likely reason is that Because the Instant Pot rapidly cooks meat, it is easy to overcook. It is important to remove it once it reaches 145 degrees F for the best result.

How long does pork take in Instant Pot?

A 1.5 pound pork tenderloin that has been seared 2 minutes per side, will take zero pressure cooking minutes, 10 minutes to build the pressure, and 15 minutes of natural pressure release (25 minutes total). Increase pressure cooking time 2 minutes for every half pound increase in tenderloin size.

How do you cook pork tenderloin so it is not tough?

It is important that you do not overcook your pork tenderloin. Pork tenderloin is different than your other fatty cuts of pork, such as pork butt or shoulder, that get more tender when cooked longer. Pork tenderloin should only be cooked to 145 degrees and removed from heat when done. This will give you the best result.

Does pork tenderloin get more tender the longer you cook it?

No, it will get dryer. Pork tenderloin best cooked for a shorter period of time because it is a tender, leaner cut of meat.

Can I cook frozen pork tenderloin in the instant pot?

Yes! You can cook a frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot. For a 2 pound frozen pork tenderloin cook it 20 minutes with a 15 minute natural release of pressure.

How can I avoid overcooking my pork tenderloin?

Once the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, you can remove it from cooking and then let it rest. Resting is an important part of keeping the moisture in the roast. Check your temperature often, if possible, when cooking to avoid overcooking.

Can I ask you a favor?

If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get healthy fresh recipe ideas every week!

📖 The recipe.

Slices of pork tenderloin topped with brown gravy on mashed potatoes and green peas.

Pork Tenderloin in Instant Pot

A delicious tender quick-cooking Instant Pot pork tenderloin with the best gravy!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Author Kori Butler
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Instant Pot Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 222 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (1-pound) 1½" thick pork tenderloin
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus extra to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper plus extra to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth, divided
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch (or ½ teaspoon xanthin gum - low carb gluten free thickener option)

Instructions
 

  • Season pork with salt and pepper. Preheat pot on medium high and melt butter. Once the pot is very hot, brown the pork tenderloin 2 minutes on each side.
  • Turn off the heat. Remove tenderloin and set aside. Add 1½ cups of the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pot.
  • In a small bowl mix the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and chili powder. Sprinkle one side of the pork with seasoning.
  • Place tenderloin in the bottom of the pot, seasoning side up. Secure the lid and set the timer to zero minutes. Once the cycle has completed, allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes. (Note: Add 2 minutes for each additional ½" diameter in size.)
  • Remove tenderloin, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes. Turn pot to high heat saute setting.
  • Whisk together cornstarch in ½ cup cold chicken broth. (If using xanthan gum, whisk with 1 teaspoon olive oil.) Whisk mixture into the pot juices. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Continue simmering until gravy is reduced and thickened. (Note: is gravy has thickened too much, add in more broth or water)
  • Slice tenderloin and serve with gravy. Season pork and sauce to taste.

Kori's Tips

  • Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
  • TIPS: Use xanthan gum as a thickener if following gluten free or keto; Use any seasoning blend to your taste. Add 2 minutes of pressure cooking time for each ½" increase in tenderloin size.
  • NOTE: Pork tenderloin cooks really fast - it is not a typo that the pot is set to zero minutes. The Instant Pot will build up pressure, then immediately start the natural release of pressure. During this time the tenderloin will cook. 
  • SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve sliced with gravy. Pairs well will mashed potatoes, broccoli, green beans, or sweet peas. 

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 6gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 543mgPotassium: 323mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 525IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 3mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @seekinggoodeatsofficial or tag #seekinggoodeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

© 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

Reader Interactions

Comments

No Comments

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Image of Kori Butler Seeking Good Eats Founder

Hey there, I'm Kori.

I’m a culinary school trained chef specializing in holistic nutrition and wellness. I’ve always been a major foodie, and as I’ve aged, the full impact of my love of food—and not-necessarily-healthy eating habits—caught up to me. In an effort to make positive changes in my life (and hopefully yours, too), I created this website where I could share great-tasting, craveable, healthy recipes.

More about me

Most Popular Recipes

  • A round white bowl of fried rice with shrimp and chicken.
    Shrimp and Chicken Fried Rice
  • Buffalo chicken wing dip served in a gray baking dish and garnished with celery. A person is dipping a cracker into the dip.
    Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip Recipe
  • A bowl of New Orleans gumbo served over rice with a spoon.
    Louisiana-Style Gumbo Recipe
  • Pork Shoulder Roast Recipe
  • a jar full of premade fajita seasoning mix with a spoon full of seasoning on a cutting board.
    Easy 8-Ingredient Fajita Seasoning Mix
  • Blue cheese wedge salad with dressing, bacon, tomato, and cheese
    Wedge Salad Recipe with Blue Cheese

Footer

as featured in:

Seeking Good Eats as feature in various publication online
back to top
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Newsletter
  • Sponsor
  • Accessibility Policy
Badge of the Internation Association of Culinary Professionals

Copyright © 2025 Seeking Good Eats™

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.