How Long to Pan-Fry Pork Tenderloin?
Get a size-aware pan estimate below, then verify doneness before serving. How we calculate times.
Calculator
Adjust exact weight, thickness or quantity when you need to.
Estimated cooking time
16–20 min
- Rest
- 3 min
- Food safety guidance
- Official minimum: 145°F / 63°C + 3-min rest USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service
Evidence-informed estimate · Cooking times vary — follow the food-specific completion and food-safety guidance.
- Sear on all sides (about 2 minutes per side) then lower the heat until 60°C inside.
- Assuming a typical thickness — enter the exact thickness for a better estimate.
- Times assume the food starts refrigerated, not room temperature.
Pork tenderloin by method
At typical settings. Pan is fastest at 16–20 min.
| Method | Typical time | Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 25–29 min | |
| Grill | 20–24 min | |
| Air fryer | 21–25 min | |
| Pan | 16–20 min |
How to pan-fry pork tenderloin
Start checking at the early end of the 16–20 min estimate. Appliance output, size and starting state vary, so use the settings above and follow the food-specific completion and safety guidance.
Pan pork tenderloin time by size
| Size | Approximate | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small (350 g) | 16–20 min | |
| Regular (450 g) | 16–20 min | |
| Large (600 g) | 16–20 min |
How to know when it's done
Time is an estimate — temperature is the truth. Check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer: pork tenderloin is safely done at 145°F / 63°C.
Food-level cooking reference: Serious Eats — Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin (checked 2026-08-18). CookCue applies deterministic adjustments; food-safety guidance is sourced separately.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature should pork tenderloin reach?
62–63°C (145°F), then rest 3 minutes. It is very lean — even 5 extra minutes noticeably dries it out.