Every Christmas growing up, my aunt would make a dish just like thispork, bacon, and a savory crackle that would fill the whole house with delicious comfort. These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions bring back that nostalgia but with modern easethey’re ready in under 20 minutes with no oven required. It’s no wonder they’re all over Pinterest and TikTok latelypeople are realizing what a brilliant easy dinner idea they really are.
You get juicy pork that’s perfectly tender, wrapped in a golden ring of smoky bacon, plus a subtle brush of maple glaze or whole grain mustard if you’re feeling fancy. Nothing complicatedthese are made with ingredients you probably already have at home. Pantry-friendly, air fryer-ready comfort food that’ll make weeknights feel special. Check out all the details below!
I learned to wrap cuts like this from my grandmother during Sunday supper prep. She’d give a silent nod, and I’d get to work, wrapping proteins with care. That simple knowledge has stuck with me, and after testing this recipe over and over, I’ve found the sweet spot for crisp bacon and juicy pork every time. Wait until you see the trick that makes all the difference!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: These bacon-wrapped bites are ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
Family-Favorite Flavors: A guaranteed crowd-pleaserthink crispy bacon and tender, juicy pork.
No Oven, No Fuss: Your air fryer handles the heavy lifting with less mess and no heating up the kitchen.
Beginner-Friendly: Perfect for new cooksno fancy gadgets or culinary degree needed!
What You’ll Need
With just a few everyday ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you’ll be on your way to dinner perfection. Here’s what goes in:
Ingredient
Notes
Pork tenderloin
Cut into 1 to 1.5-inch thick medallions; a 1 lb tenderloin yields about 6–8 pieces.
Bacon
Use regular-cut for optimal crispnessthick-cut may stay chewy during the short cook time.
Salt & Pepper
Just enough to enhance the natural flavors of the pork and bacon.
Garlic powder
Optional boost of flavorsavory and sweet notes that meld with the bacon’s smokiness.
Olive oil
Brushing it over the bacon adds crispness and visual shineavocado oil also works well.
How to Make Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
You’re just a few simple steps away from serious dinner satisfaction:
Preheat: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it run for a few minutes so it’s hot and ready.
Season: Pat the pork dry with paper towels, then lightly season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Wrap it up: Wrap one slice of bacon around each medallion, overlapping slightly. Secure ends with a toothpick (soak wooden toothpicks in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning).
Brush: Lightly brush the bacon with olive oilit’ll help with browning and create extra crispness.
Cook: Arrange medallions in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until bacon is crisp and pork reaches 145°F internally.
Rest: Remove from air fryer and let rest for 3–5 minutes. This keeps them juicy and tender!
Timing Breakdown
Step
Time
Prep (season, wrap, brush)
10 minutes
Air fryer cook time
12–15 minutes
Resting
3–5 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Tips, Tweaks & Troubleshooting
Keep the bacon crispy: Don’t overcrowd the air fryerspace allows air circulation for even browning.
For thicker cuts: If your medallions are thicker than 1.5 inches, add 1–2 minutes to your cook time and check with a thermometer.
Turkey bacon option: Go leaner with turkey baconit may not crisp quite the same, but still tastes great.
Sweet finishing touch: Brush with a little maple syrup or Dijon mustard before cooking for a hint of sweetness or tang.
Swap
Why It Works
Turkey bacon
A lighter option with good flavorwatch it closely as it can dry out faster.
Avocado oil
Higher smoke point than olive oil, making it a solid alternative for air frying.
Serving & Storing
Whether you’re setting the table for a quick dinner or serving guests, these pork medallions shine every time.
Serving Suggestions: They go wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or even a crisp arugula salad.
Storage: Cool leftovers completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage Method
How Long
Reheating Tips
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness.
Freezer
Up to 1 month
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Expert Insight: Perfecting Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions
Air frying pork medallions wrapped in bacon ensures a crispy exterior and tender, juicy centerno need for extra fat or frequent flipping. The circulating hot air crisps the bacon while locking in moisture, delivering restaurant-style results at home. It’s a simple upgrade that adds huge flavor without complicating your weeknight routine.
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Mastering Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions
After countless test runs balancing seasoning and texture, I’ve finally nailed the method. One batch over-crisped before the pork was donelesson learned! This final version has been perfected for even cooking and big flavor. The result: cozy, satisfying bites that feel celebratory without the stress.
These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pork Medallions deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. A golden ring of bacon hugs tender pork, giving you that cozy-home dinner vibe in just minutes. Perfect for nights when you need something both hearty and hassle-free.
Try tweaks like turkey bacon or a touch of maple for surprise flavor pops. And don’t toss the extrasthese reheat beautifully for lunch tomorrow or another round of dinner. It’s one of those go-to recipes you’ll keep in your back pocket.
Did this meal remind you of something homemade you grew up withor maybe sparked a new tradition? Snap a photo or drop your variation in the comments. Let’s inspire each other with real food and feel-good flavors!
Yesica Andrews
Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions: Irresistibly Easy Recipe
Enjoy tender pork tenderloin medallions wrapped in crispy bacon, cooked perfectly in an air fryer. This gluten-free, quick dinner idea combines bold flavors with simple preparation for an irresistible meal.
