If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to create a flavorful main dish, this Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin is the perfect choice! Juicy, tender, and seasoned to perfection, it’s a meal that’s ready in just 17 minutes. The rich gravy made right in the pot takes this recipe to the next level, making it a must-try for busy weeknights or elegant dinners.

This Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin recipe makes juicy, tender meat that is perfectly seasoned. Plus gravy right in the pot! You’ll love how easy it is to cook flavorful pork tenderloin in the pressure cooker.

Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot

We love to cook pork tenderloin in the pressure cooker. It cooks up perfectly and makes a delicious gravy to serve alongside. 

Just season liberally and pressure cook in a cup of water. 10 minutes gets you a tender pork tenderloin that will wow a crowd.

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in under 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights. The Instant Pot handles the cooking, so you can relax while dinner practically makes itself.
• Juicy and Tender: The pressure cooker ensures that the pork stays moist and full of flavor. It’s the perfect way to enjoy pork tenderloin without worrying about it drying out.
• Rich Gravy Made Right In the Pot: No need for extra pots or pans! The flavorful liquid transforms into a delicious, smooth gravy with minimal effort.
• Customizable Seasonings: You can adjust the spices to suit your taste, making this dish as mild or bold as you like. Try experimenting with your favorite seasonings for a personal touch.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether served as the star of a holiday meal or a casual dinner, this recipe is always a hit. Pair it with sides like veggies, potatoes, or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients For Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

• Pork Tenderloin – The star of the dish, this lean and tender cut cooks up perfectly in the Instant Pot.
• Water – Keeps the pork moist and creates the base for a rich gravy.
• Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the pork.
• Pepper – Adds a touch of heat and depth to the seasoning.
• Garlic Powder – Brings a robust, savory flavor to the dish.
• Paprika – Adds a warm, smoky taste and beautiful color to the pork.
• Corn Starch – Used to thicken the gravy for the perfect finishing touch.

For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

• Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker – The key to cooking tender and juicy pork quickly and efficiently.
• Whisk – Essential for blending the corn starch into the gravy for a smooth consistency.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – To ensure precise measurements for seasoning and water.
• Tongs – Perfect for safely lifting the tenderloin out of the Instant Pot without breaking it apart.
• Gravy Boat or Bowl – For serving the rich, flavorful gravy alongside the pork.

If you love the ease of making the main dish in the instant pot, try this Hamburger Helper or Chicken Drumsticks. You can also cook up easy sides in the instant pot, like these Great Northern Beans or Fresh Steamed Spinach.

How to Cook Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

Prep pressure cooker by pouring in a cup of water. 

Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika onto both sides of pork. Note you’ll be over-seasoning the meat, since some of the seasonings end up in the water. Rub seasonings onto pork.

Add pork to pressure cooker, right in the water.

Close lid and seal the valve. Press pressure cook button and set to 10 minutes on high pressure.

When time is up, carefully quick release the steam. Once pin drops, open the lid. You can remove the tenderloin with tongs and place on a serving platter or plate.

Next press “cancel” on the pressure cooker. Add corn starch to the seasoned water in the pot. 

Then press the sauté button. As soon as the liquid starts bubbling, whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes or until you reach your desired consistency.

Press “cancel” again and pour gravy out into bowl or gravy boat. You can spoon over pork tenderloin or serve alongside.

Cooking Tips for Pork Tenderloin Instant Pot

• Be sure to pour a cup of water into pressure cooker first

• Season the meat liberally, as some of the seasoning will end up in the water at the bottom of the instant pot

• Use any seasonings you like

• Tongs work best for scooping the cooked pork out of the instant pot

• Cook gravy for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until desired consistently is reached. Remember also that gravy will thicken as it sits outside of the pot

What To Serve with Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with Gravy

For a delicious home-cooked meal with minimal effort, serve this tenderloin with Instant Pot Frozen Brussels Sprouts and Air Fryer Cornbread Muffins From Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix. Yummy and so easy!

Or slice up this pork tenderloin and use it in recipes! It’s a delicious addition to fresh salads, like this Kale Salad With Raisins And Sunflower Seeds and adds a protein boost to sides like this Broccoli Apple Salad.

Variations and Substitutions

• Change Up the Seasonings: Experiment with flavors by swapping out the garlic powder and paprika for your favorite spice blends. Italian seasoning, Cajun spices, or a smoky barbecue rub are great options to try.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a bit of heat. You can also drizzle some sriracha or hot sauce over the finished dish.
• Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fragrant, savory twist. Add them to the seasoning mix or stir them into the gravy for an herby finish.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use a salt-free seasoning blend or reduce the salt to make the dish lower in sodium.
• Gluten-Free Gravy Alternative: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but you can substitute corn starch with arrowroot powder if needed. Both options create a thick, glossy gravy.
• Double the Gravy: If you’re a gravy lover, double the water and corn starch amounts to make extra sauce for drizzling over sides like mashed potatoes or rice.
• Add Veggies to the Pot: Place carrots, potatoes, or chunks of onion in the bottom of the Instant Pot with the pork for a one-pot meal. The veggies will soak up the flavorful cooking liquid.
• Pork Alternatives: Try this method with pork loin or thick pork chops. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size and thickness of the meat.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store any leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the gravy in a separate container if possible.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked pork slices in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Let the meat cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming. Store the gravy in a separate freezer-safe container.
• Reheating Pork: For the best results, reheat the pork gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the meat moist while warming.
• Reheating Gravy: Warm the gravy in a small saucepan over low heat, whisking occasionally. If it becomes too thick, add a little water or broth to thin it to your desired consistency.
• Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be careful not to overheat the pork, as this can make it dry and tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen pork tenderloin for this recipe?

Yes, you can! To use frozen pork tenderloin, skip the seasoning step and place the frozen meat directly into the Instant Pot with water. Increase the cooking time to 15 minutes on high pressure. Once cooked, carefully remove the pork, season it, and return it to the Instant Pot for a few minutes on sauté mode to absorb the flavors.

How do I prevent my pork tenderloin from drying out?

The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking method helps retain moisture, but for the best results, avoid overcooking. Stick to the recommended 10-minute cooking time and perform a quick release as soon as it’s done. A meat thermometer is helpful to ensure the internal temperature is 145°F, which is perfectly cooked and juicy.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! If your Instant Pot is large enough to accommodate two pork tenderloins, you can double the recipe. Keep the water amount the same, and place the tenderloins side by side without overlapping. The cooking time remains the same.

What can I substitute for corn starch in the gravy?

If you don’t have corn starch, you can use arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour as a thickening agent. Dissolve the substitute in a small amount of cold water before whisking it into the cooking liquid to prevent lumps.

What sides go best with pork tenderloin?

This dish pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or rice. For a fresh twist, serve it with a salad or steamed greens. The gravy complements both hearty and light side dishes beautifully.

How do I know when my pork tenderloin is cooked?

The USDA recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin to check doneness.

More Instant Pot Recipes:

• How To Cook Gnocchi in the Instant Pot
• How To Cook Frozen Tamales In The Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Soup With Spinach 
• Eye Round Of Roast Beef Cooked In The Instant Pot
• Instant Pot No Bean Keto Chili

See Also:

• Chicken Tortilla Soup in the Instant Pot
• Chicken Teriyaki IP Recipe
• Whole Chicken Cooked in the Instant Pot