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    Home » Real Food » Instant Pot » Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes

    Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes

    By Kristen Chidsey | 105 Comments | Published September 14, 2021 | Updated September 14, 2021 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    This is the BEST recipe for pork tenderloin made in the pressure cooker. Juicy, rich and full of flavor, this one pot meal is done in less than 30 minutes. A perfectly cooked pork tenderloin is served with a sweet potato apple mash that is a little bit savory and a little bit sweet, for a perfectly balanced, harmonious meal.

    This recipe for Instant Pot Tenderloin features a perfectly cooked, seasoned pork tenderloin served alongside a delicious sweet potato puree for a flavorful all-in-one meal.

    Sliced pork tenderloin on white platter next to Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

    Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of pork that when cooked with care, results in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cut of meat.

    But because pork tenderloin is such a delicate cut of meat that can easily overcook, I was hesitant to try cooking it in the Instant Pot. After all, I love my recipes for Baked Pork Tenderloin and Grilled Pork Tenderloin--why mess with perfection?

    But after many requests from YOU, I have perfected the timing for cooking pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot and the results are quite spectacular.

    Seasoned with garlic and cooked in apple cider, the pork tenderloin absorbs so much flavor, while cooking to the perfect temperature.

    And while delicious served as an entree all on its own, I love to cook apples and sweet potatoes along with the pork, which results in a delicious, easy, one-pot meal that everyone loves.

    Key Ingredients

    Ingredients for Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin labeled on coutner.
    • Pork Tenderloin: Be sure to use pork tenderloin not pork loin. The typical size of pork tenderloin is between 1.25 and 1.5 pounds.
    • Apple Cider: Apple cider or apple juice is the perfect cooking liquid for pork tenderloin. It will help to season and sweeten the pork. Just be sure to NOT use apple cider vinegar--vinegar would ruin this meal.
    • Garlic and Onions: For additional flavor and savoriness to the overall dish.
    • Sweet Potato and Apple Mash: This is completely optional, but does make for a nice all-in-one meal. Just be sure to use an apple variety that holds up well to cooking like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith.

    How To Make Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

    • Turn the Instant Pot to Saute, add in oil, and let heat for 2-3 minutes.
    • While the Instant Pot is heating, trim the silverskin if necessary from the pork and season liberally with salt and pepper.
    • Once the Instant Pot is heated, add the seasoned pork to the inner pot and sear the pork on each side, 2-3 minutes per side, or until just golden.
    Seared pork tenderloin in instant pot.
    • Remove the pork tenderloin to a plate. Turn the the Instant Pot OFF.
    • Add in the apple juice to the inner pot and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. This will prevent a burn notice.
    Scraping up browned bits on bottom of inner pot.
    • Add in the cubed sweet potatoes, apples, and onions to the inner pot, if using.
    • Nestle the seared pork on top of the potatoes or in the apple juice.
    Sweet potatoes and pork tenderlon in the instant pot.
    • Place the lid on the inner pot and set the cooking time for 3 minutes on high pressure.
    • Once the cooking time has elapsed, allow the pressure to release for 10 minutes. This will prevent the pork from being tough!
    Cooked pork tenderloin in instant pot with cooked sweet potatoes.
    • Remove the pork tenderloin from the instant pot and place it on a cutting board to rest.
    • Strain off the apples, sweet potatoes, and onions and place them into a blender or a large mixing bowl and add in ½ cup of the cooking liquid. Mash or blend to desired consistency, adding additional cooking liquid as needed.
    pork tenderloin, sliced, on a cutting board

    Cooking Frozen Pork Tenderloin

    You can prepare frozen pork tenderloin in the Instant Pot. There are just a few things to keep in mind.

    • You will not be able to sear the pork, so the meat will be a bit more gray and soft after cooking.
    • You will need to cook the frozen pork tenderloin for 12 minutes on high pressure instead of 3 minutes.
    • Cut the sweet potatoes and apples into larger (2-inch) chunks to account for the longer cook time.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can you make this without the sweet potatoes and apples?

    Yes! Simply omit the sweet potatoes, onions, and apples from the recipe. Season, sear, and cook the pork tenderloin in apple juice as the recipe states.

    Do you have to mash up the apples and sweet potatoes?

    No. You can serve the sweet potatoes, apples, and onions on the side of the pork tenderloin. I just find that the mash is more kid-friendly.

    What temperature is the pork tenderloin when cooked this way?

    Pork tenderloin is a very lean cut of meat and therefore only needs to be cooked in a couple of minutes. Cooking longer than the suggested times will result in an overcooked piece of meat that will likely be dry and tough. This method for cooking pork tenderloin at 3 minutes on high pressure will result in pork tenderloin at 150-155 degrees--which in my book is perfect. The pork tenderloin will be juicy, slightly pink, but warm all the way through.

    Is it necessary to sear the pork tenderloin?

    Searing meat seals in the juices of the meat and gives the meat a bit of texture. It is not a necessary step, but it will elevate the flavor of the pork tenderloin, significantly. If you opt to skip searing the pork, cook for 4 minutes on high pressure.

    How should leftovers be stored?

    I recommend storing any leftover pork tenderloin in a sealed airtight container for up to 3 days. Store leftover sweet potato mash in a separate airtight container for up to 3 days as well.

    Can this recipe be doubled?

    YES! If you would like to prepare 2 pork tenderloins instead of just 1, simply sear both tenderloins in batches and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes as instructed. If you would like to double the sweet potato and apple mixture, reduce the cooking time to 2 minutes to account for the extra time it will take for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.

    More Instant Pot Pork Recipes

    • Instant Pot Carnitas
    • Instant Pot Pork and Sauerkraut
    • Instant Pot Pork Chops
    • Instant Pot Pulled Pork

    If you enjoyed this recipe for Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin, be sure to leave a comment and review below.

    Pork Tenderloin sliced next to sweet potato puree and apples

    Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin

    The Instant Pot perfectly cooks up pork tenderloin along with a delicious sweet and savory sweet potato apple mash. This Instant Pot meal is an all in one meal made in less than 30 minutes. 
    4.74 from 41 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 4 minutes
    Pressure Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 9 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 166kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    • 1 ¼ pound pork tenderloin
    • 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt divided
    • 1 teaspoon pepper divided
    • 2 teaspoons oil
    • 1 cup apple cider or apple juice (NOT APPLE CIDER VINEGAR!!!!)
    • 3 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed into ½ inch cubes
    • 1 large apple cubed
    • 1 large sweet onion cubed
    • 3 cloves garlic peeled
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • Season pork tenderloin with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Turn the instant pot to saute function. Once the pressure cooker is heated, pour in 2 teaspoons oil. Sear tenderloin on each side until just browned--about 1 minute per side.  Remove pork from the instant pot.
    • Pour apple cider or juice into inner pot and scrape up any browned bits of bottom of instant pot. 
    • Add in diced sweet potatoes, onions, apples, garlic, and remaining salt and pepper. Place the pork tenderloin back into the pressure cooker on top of vegetables.
    • Secure lid on instant pot and turn vent knob to sealed. 
    • Cook on high pressure:
      4 minutes for 165 degrees
      3 minutes for 155 degrees
      2 minutes for 145 degrees
    • Allow pressure to release for 10 minutes and then do a quick release. Remove pork from instant pot and place on cutting board to slice.
    • While pork is resting on cutting board, use a hand held-immersion blender or a potato masher,  to combine the sweet potatoes, apples and onions until smooth. (Remove ½ cup cooking liquid if you would like a thicker mash.) 
    • Serve pork alongside the sweet potato apple puree. 

    Equipment Needed

    • Electric Pressure Cooker (6 or 8 quart)

    Notes

    • Sweet Potato Mash: There will be a lot of cooking liquid, feel free to remove ½ cup with a ladle or measuring cup before blending up the sweet potatoes and apples, for a thicker sweet potato mash. You can also opt to serve the apples, onions and sweet potatoes whole instead of serving it as a mash. 
    • Apple Cider: Feel free to use apple juice in place of apple cider. But DO NOT USE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR--this recipe is for apple cider or apple juice. Vinegar will ruin your dish. 
    • Pork Tenderloin without Sweet Potatoes and Apples: Sear the pork tenderloin as directed, and then add in apple cider to the Instant Pot and scrape up any browned bits from bottom of inner pot. Add in the onions and garlic and place tenderloin back in pressure cooker and cook as directed. 
    • Frozen Pork Tenderloin: skip Searing Pork Tenderloin and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. If you want to add in sweet potatoes and apples, cut them into 2 inch chunks to account for the longer cook time. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 633mg | Potassium: 456mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 2.6mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    This recipe was originally published in 2018 but was updated in 2021 with step-by-step process shots.

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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cathy

      January 01, 2022 at 9:51 pm

      Hi, What is the dressing you have drizzled on top of your tenderloin in the pictures? I didn't see any dressing noted in the recipe. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        January 02, 2022 at 8:04 am

        I just drizzled with soy sauce for a bit of pop of color. I should note that, but not necessary for flavor 🙂

        Reply
    2. Jennifer

      September 27, 2021 at 8:09 pm

      5 stars
      Such a YUMMY dinner! The flavors were perfect and was such an awesome dinner!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 28, 2021 at 6:55 am

        Thanks for sharing Jennifer! I am so happy to hear you enjoyed!

        Reply
    3. Lily

      September 23, 2021 at 10:54 pm

      5 stars
      This was incredible, I was surprised that I loved it so much. I went a bit crazy buying tons of apples this fall and was looking at recipes to make using them and this tenderloin stood out and I am so glad it did, it was so easy and tender, it's amazing it requires so little effort to make something so amazing!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 24, 2021 at 6:27 am

        I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed so much Lily! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    4. Samantha

      September 23, 2021 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      This was the perfect meal to ring in fall! So juicy and flavorful, SO easy to make, and I love that a side dish cooked right along with the pork. My whole family raved over this one and already asked when I can make it again! Thank you for a great recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 24, 2021 at 6:29 am

        I love hearing your family (and you) enjoyed this one-pot meal. It is a favorite in the fall here as well.

        Reply
    5. Hanna

      September 21, 2021 at 10:42 am

      5 stars
      The pork with a little bit of apple cider is amazing! I'm so glad you specified in your recipe "not apple cider vinegar" Ha! it was almost a tragic situation. This was delicious and we will be making this again!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 21, 2021 at 11:31 am

        I am so glad you caught that note and that you enjoyed this recipe.

        Reply
    6. SH

      September 21, 2021 at 10:28 am

      5 stars
      I was looking for a recipe like this, thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    7. Shadi Hasanzadenemati

      September 21, 2021 at 10:27 am

      5 stars
      This is absolutely delicious! I love that it’s such a crowd pleaser for the whole family

      Reply
    8. Ned Koe

      June 16, 2021 at 10:20 am

      5 stars
      This was so good! I followed the advice of a commenter to make it an easier/quicker weeknight meal and used 2 cans of sweet potatoes rinsed of the syrup and used one cup of applesauce. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly after 3 mins, although my meat thermometer only came up to 150 not 155. My hubby was pleased. Nobody else like the sweet potato mash, but I thought it was AWESOME, so next time I'll only make half as much. Would cook time need to be changed if I doubled the amount of tenderloin?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 16, 2021 at 10:59 am

        I am so glad you enjoyed! If you were to cook 2 tenderloins, the cook time will remain the same.

        Reply
    9. Starlene

      March 30, 2021 at 11:05 am

      Thank you for this delicious recipe! I used it as a basis but, due to time and ingredients available to me, I ended up simplifying it quite a bit. It still came out fabulous!
      I still browned the salted and peppered tenderloin as in the recipe instructions, then just added the following to the instant pot, stirred it up, and cooked as instructed. I used water instead of broth (less than 1 cup), about 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, a can of sweet potato puree, onion powder, garlic powder, and S&P.
      I didn't really measure anything. When it was done with the 10 min NPR, I just took the meat out to rest then slice. No need to puree the sauce or thin it. Served over spiced cauliflower rice, it was such a delicious meal!

      Reply
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