One of my favorite ways to cook is to play off sweet and savory flavors. In this recipe, smoky paprika and a hefty pinch of salt keep this extra-tender Instant Pot pork tenderloin on the savory side, while juicy apples and caramelly bourbon round out the flavors with rich sweetness.
A splash or two of apple cider vinegar brings everybody together for the perfect big finish. It’s easy, elegant, and oh-so good!
The Difference Between Pork Tenderloin and Pork Loin
Pork loin and tenderloin are completely different cuts of meat and it’s important to get the right one or the cooking times will be off.
Pork loin is like a wide and thick pork chop, so big in fact that you can cut individual steaks from it.
Pork tenderloin is long and thin (see photos below) and takes much less time to cook!
Pro Tip: It’s important not to substitute these cuts of meats for each other as pork loin is best slow-cooked and tenderloin cooks much faster!
How to Make Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
First, rub the pork tenderloin with the seasoning (you may need to cut it in half to fit in the instant pot) then brown in the instant pot.
Remove the pork then saute the apples and onions before adding the bourbon and vinegar.
Add the pork back to the instant pot and cook as instructed below (see recipe card).
Once cooked remove the pork, add the molasses and cook the sauce until thickened and serve.
How to Know the Pork is Cooked?
This recipe has been tried and tested using 1.5lb weight of pork tenderloin but if your weight differs slightly you might want to use a meat thermometer to double check.
Insert it into the center and make sure it reaches 165F that way you know that pork tenderloin is cooked all the way through!
What Sides go well with Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin?
If you’d like to keep this dish light then a fresh salad would work perfectly alongside the juicy apples and pork but if you’re looking for something more substantial then roasted potatoes, Potato au Gratin, creamy mash or grilled veggies would be great options!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days in suitable containers and eaten cold with salad or reheated.
You can also freeze leftovers then thaw completely before reheating.
Top Tips for Making Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
- If your pork tenderloin is too long to fit in the Instant Pot, cut it in half.
- I prefer Pink Lady or Gala apples for this recipe; they hold their shape and color best when cooked.
- If cooking with alcohol isn’t your thing, substitute apple cider or unfiltered apple juice for the bourbon.
- Be sure to let the pork rest for about 5 minutes to give the natural juices time to reabsorb into the meat.
- For an extra treat, sprinkle the finished pork with crispy cooked bacon.
More Instant Pot Recipes You Might Like
Ultimate Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Instant Pot Whole Chicken with Lemon Pepper
If you’ve tried this Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin recipe then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
Instant Pot Apple-Bourbon Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 1 1 1/2 lb. pork tenderloin
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- ½ tsp. ground black pepper
- ½ tsp. brown sugar
- ½ tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 apples cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp. molasses
- Arugula to serve
Instructions
- Set a 6-quart Instant Pot to saute; add olive oil and butter.
- In a small bowl, stir together salt, pepper, brown sugar, and smoked paprika.
- Sprinkle pork tenderloin evenly with salt mixture.
- When oil mixture is hot, add pork to Instant Pot. Cook until browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Remove pork; set aside.
- Add onion and apple to Instant Pot; saute 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add bourbon and vinegar to Instant Pot; stir to release browned bits.
- Press Cancel to reset Instant Pot. Return pork to Instant Pot.
- Place top on Instant Pot; twist to seal and lock. Turn Steam Release Valve to “sealing.”
- Set Instant Pot to cook at High Pressure for 7 minutes.
- After cooking is complete, let pressure release naturally (approximately 10 minutes). After
- that, manually release the pressure by turning the Steam Release Valve to “venting.”
- Remove pork from Instant Pot. Press Cancel to reset Instant Pot; stir in molasses.
- Saute apple mixture until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
- Spoon apple mixture onto a platter; top with arugula and sliced pork.
- Drizzle with any remaining juices.
Notes
- If your pork tenderloin is too long to fit in the Instant Pot, cut it in half.
- I prefer Pink Lady or Gala apples for this recipe; they hold their shape and color best when cooked.
- If cooking with alcohol isn’t your thing, substitute apple cider or unfiltered apple juice for the bourbon.
- Be sure to let the pork rest for about 5 minutes to give the natural juices time to reabsorb into the meat.
- For an extra treat, sprinkle the finished pork with crispy cooked bacon.
This is quite a delicious, easy, and lean recipe to make and enjoy often!