Instant Pot Applesauce Pork Tenderloin: Your Ultimate Guide to a Tender & Flavorful Meal

There’s an undeniable culinary magic that unfolds when the savory richness of pork tenderloin meets the sweet-tart brightness of apples. This harmonious pairing creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated, making it a perennial favorite. Our Instant Pot Applesauce Pork Tenderloin recipe captures this classic combination, transforming it into an incredibly easy-to-make, tender, and intensely flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner, a festive holiday gathering, or even a delightful summer barbecue, this versatile pork tenderloin with applesauce recipe is designed to impress and satisfy.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its exquisite taste but also in its adaptability. While it shines as a warm, comforting meal during cooler months, imagine the delight of grilling this succulent pork tenderloin outdoors, allowing a hint of smoky flavor to mingle with the sweet applesauce glaze. It’s a recipe that truly transcends seasons, offering a burst of comforting flavors year-round, always ready to be the star of your dining table.

Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin with Applesauce: A Holiday Favorite

As the holiday season approaches, the quest for the perfect main course often begins. For many families, Thanksgiving and Christmas menus are steeped in tradition, yet sometimes, a refreshing alternative is exactly what’s needed. While the classic roast turkey holds a special place, it’s not always a unanimous family favorite. This is where our Instant Pot Applesauce Pork Tenderloin steps in as a brilliant solution, offering a tender, juicy, and universally loved option.

Just recently, as we planned our own holiday menu, we found ourselves in this very dilemma. My spouse and I adore turkey, but our children, like many others, aren’t always enthusiastic about it. However, there’s one dish that consistently earns their enthusiastic approval: this very applesauce pork tenderloin. Its tender texture and sweet-savory glaze make it an irresistible choice for even the pickiest eaters, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied and happy.

Consider adding these other delightful Instant Pot recipes to your holiday spread to complement your pork tenderloin, making meal prep a breeze:

• Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce: A tangy, vibrant accompaniment that cuts through richness and adds a festive touch.
• Instant Pot Loaded Cauliflower Casserole: A cheesy, comforting side dish that’s surprisingly light.
• Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes: A classic holiday staple, simple, sweet, and incredibly delicious when pressure cooked.
• Instant Pot Applesauce Cake: A moist and flavorful dessert to complete your meal, echoing the apple theme.

This applesauce pork tenderloin truly embodies the spirit of holiday feasting, offering a delicious and crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional meats. It might just be the perfect centerpiece for your upcoming holiday celebrations, guaranteeing smiles all around!

Mastering Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin: Avoiding the Burn Notice

One common concern when cooking with the Instant Pot, particularly with thicker sauces or glazes, is the dreaded “Burn Notice.” This alert from your Instant Pot typically indicates that food at the bottom of the pot is getting too hot and sticking, potentially scorching. When preparing a delicious pork tenderloin glazed with a rich applesauce mixture, this can indeed be a factor, as the sauce can thicken significantly under the high pressure, increasing the risk of it sticking to the pot’s base.

However, fear not! There are simple and effective strategies to ensure your Instant Pot Applesauce Pork Tenderloin cooks perfectly without any burn warnings. We’ll explore two primary methods, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your cooking style and desired sauce consistency:

Option 1: Dilute the Sauce for Direct Pot Cooking

If you prefer the simplicity of cooking directly in the Instant Pot’s inner pot, you can easily prevent the burn notice by diluting your applesauce mixture. This involves adding about 1/2 to 1 cup of water (or for richer flavor, chicken or vegetable broth) to the sauce before pressure cooking. The added liquid helps to thin the sauce, ensuring there’s enough free liquid to come to pressure efficiently and preventing the thicker sauce from scorching at the bottom. The flavor of your pork tenderloin will remain just as delicious and robust; the only difference will be a slightly thinner, more pourable sauce, which can still be fantastic for spooning generously over the meat or accompanying side dishes like mashed potatoes or rice. This method is quicker if you want to avoid extra dishes associated with PiP.

Option 2: Embrace the Pot-in-Pot (PiP) Method for Thicker Sauce

For those who desire a thicker, more concentrated applesauce glaze without any dilution, the Pot-in-Pot (PiP) method is your go-to technique. This method involves placing your pork tenderloin and applesauce mixture in a separate, smaller, pressure-cooker-safe pot or pan, which then sits on a trivet inside your main Instant Pot. You add a specified amount of water (typically 1 cup for this recipe) to the main Instant Pot’s inner pot, beneath the trivet, to create the steam needed for pressure cooking.

I personally find the PiP method ideal for this recipe, as it guarantees a perfectly thick, rich glaze. When using PiP, I highly recommend a silicone loaf pan or a small metal baking dish that fits comfortably inside your Instant Pot (ensure it’s oven-safe/pressure-cooker-safe). This method ensures that the delicious applesauce mixture surrounding the pork never directly touches the bottom of the Instant Pot, completely eliminating the risk of a burn notice. An added benefit of PiP is its incredible versatility; if you use stackable pots, you can cook multiple components of your meal simultaneously! For example, you could place your pork and apples in the bottom pan and a side dish like rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables in a stacked pan above it, creating an entire, perfectly cooked meal in one go. Remember, when stacking, always place the densest or thickest item (like the meat) in the bottom pan for optimal heat distribution and cooking.

These two approaches offer reliable ways to enjoy a perfect Instant Pot Applesauce Pork Tenderloin every time, allowing you to choose the consistency of your sauce and the cooking method that best fits your preference. Now that we’ve covered these essential tips, let’s dive into the delicious details and get cooking!

Instant Pot Applesauce Pork Tenderloin Recipe

This recipe provides a quick and efficient way to create a gourmet-tasting meal with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a fantastic dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need:

Prep Time: 10 minutes – This includes gathering ingredients, chopping apples, and mixing the sauce. Fast and easy preparation to get started on your culinary adventure.

Cook Time: 30 minutes – Pressure cooking ensures the pork reaches an exceptional level of tenderness and absorbs all the delightful flavors in record time, truly showcasing the magic of the Instant Pot.

Total Time: 40 minutes – From initial preparation to a delicious, complete meal ready to be served, this recipe is incredibly efficient.

Ingredients: The Heart of Our Flavorful Dish

The success of this dish lies in the careful selection and thoughtful combination of its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich, balanced, sweet-savory flavor profile that makes this pork tenderloin truly special.

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce: The fundamental building block of our sauce, providing natural sweetness and a delicate fruity tang without any added sugars. Opt for a smooth variety for a silkier sauce, or chunky for added texture.
• 3 Tablespoons honey: This golden sweetener adds a beautiful depth of flavor and contributes to the sticky, glossy glaze texture. For a slight variation, maple syrup can be a wonderful alternative, offering a different, earthy sweetness.
• 2 Tablespoons sugar-free Dijon mustard: This is a crucial ingredient that might surprise you! The sharpness, piquant tang, and subtle spice of Dijon mustard perfectly cut through the sweetness of the applesauce and honey, adding layers of complexity and a sophisticated gourmet touch. While “sugar-free” is specified, any good quality Dijon will work if sugar content isn’t a primary concern.
• 3 Tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped: Fresh herbs are transformative. Rosemary’s distinctive piney, earthy, and slightly peppery aroma pairs exceptionally well with both pork and apples, elevating the entire dish. If fresh rosemary is unavailable, use 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary, as its flavor is more concentrated.
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste: Absolutely essential for seasoning the pork tenderloin generously before searing and for balancing all the magnificent flavors in the applesauce glaze. Don’t underestimate the power of proper seasoning to enhance every bite.
• 2 Tablespoons coconut oil: Used primarily for searing the pork tenderloin. Coconut oil has a relatively high smoke point and imparts a subtle, pleasant aroma, which complements the dish. However, feel free to substitute with olive oil, avocado oil, or even butter for searing.
• 1½ lbs. pork tenderloin: This lean, tender, and quick-cooking cut is the perfect choice for this recipe. Ensure it’s properly trimmed of any silver skin or excess fat before cooking for the best possible texture and appearance.
• 3 medium firm apples, cored and chopped: The addition of fresh apples cooked alongside the pork adds delightful texture, natural sweetness, and a burst of fresh fruitiness. Choose apple varieties that hold their shape well when cooked, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith (for a tarter kick that contrasts beautifully).
• 1 cup water for pressure cooker: This water is specifically for the bottom of the Instant Pot’s main inner pot when utilizing the Pot-in-Pot (PiP) method. It creates the necessary steam for pressure cooking the food in the elevated pan. Do NOT mix this water with the applesauce mixture unless you are intentionally diluting the sauce for direct cooking in the main pot (as per Option 1 in the “Burn Notice” section).

Instructions: Crafting Your Perfect Pork Tenderloin

Follow these detailed steps carefully to achieve a wonderfully tender, juicy, and flavorful Instant Pot Applesauce Pork Tenderloin:

1. Prepare for Sautéing and Brown the Pork: Begin by turning your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function (use the “Normal” or “Medium” setting). Allow the inner pot to heat thoroughly for approximately 3-5 minutes until hot. A properly heated pot is absolutely crucial for achieving a deep, flavorful sear. Add the cold coconut oil to the hot inner pot. While the oil heats, generously season the pork tenderloin on all sides with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Carefully place the seasoned pork into the hot oil. Cook the pork tenderloin, turning it occasionally with tongs, until it is beautifully browned and evenly seared on all sides. This critical searing step typically takes approximately 5-10 minutes and is essential for locking in juices and developing deep, rich flavors through the Maillard reaction.
2. Craft the Applesauce Glaze: While the pork is searing, or even before you begin, combine the unsweetened applesauce, honey, Dijon mustard, and finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves in a small bowl. Stir vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and create a cohesive glaze. Season this flavorful mixture generously with additional sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting until the balance of sweet, savory, and tangy is perfect. Set this delicious glaze aside.
3. Prepare for Pressure Cooking (Pot-in-Pot Method Recommended): Once the pork tenderloin is beautifully seared on all sides, carefully remove it from the Instant Pot. Place the browned pork roast into a pressure cooker-safe pan, such as a silicone loaf pan or a small metal baking dish that comfortably fits inside your Instant Pot.
4. Glaze the Pork and Arrange Apples: Evenly spread the prepared applesauce mixture all over the top and sides of the pork tenderloin, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Then, artfully arrange the chopped firm apples around the sides of the pork within the pan. These apples will soften during cooking, infusing the sauce with even more apple goodness and providing a wonderful textural contrast to the tender pork.
5. Set Up the Instant Pot for PiP: Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot’s main inner pot (remember, this water is for creating steam for the PiP method, not to be mixed with the food directly). Place a sturdy trivet or the Instant Pot’s steamer insert into the inner pot to elevate your pan. Carefully place the pan containing the glazed pork roast and apples onto the trivet, ensuring it is stable and centered.
6. Begin Pressure Cooking: Securely lock the lid on the Instant Pot. Ensure the steam release valve (vent) is turned to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual” on older models) function and set the cooking time to 30 minutes on “High” pressure.
7. Natural Release and Quick Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete and the Instant Pot beeps, allow the pressure to naturally release for a full 10 minutes. This crucial step is called Natural Pressure Release (NPR) and helps the meat to reabsorb its juices, resulting in maximum tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. After 10 minutes of NPR, carefully perform a quick release of any remaining pressure by turning the vent to the “Venting” position (use a long-handled spoon or oven mitt to protect your hand from the steam). Once the float valve drops completely, indicating all pressure has been released, the lid can be safely opened.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the pan from the Instant Pot. Transfer the tender pork tenderloin to a clean cutting board, allowing it to rest for another 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period is vital for retaining juices. Spoon the luscious applesauce and cooked apples generously over the sliced pork. Serve immediately with your chosen side dishes and savor every delicious, perfectly cooked bite!

Expert Tips & Variations for Your Instant Pot Applesauce Pork Tenderloin

To ensure your Instant Pot Applesauce Pork Tenderloin is nothing short of perfect every single time, consider these additional tips, common questions, and creative variations:

• Pork Loin vs. Pork Tenderloin: What’s the Difference? This recipe is specifically designed for pork tenderloin, which is a lean, cylindrical, and quick-cooking cut known for its tenderness. If you decide to use a larger pork loin (which is a much thicker, wider cut), you will need to adjust the cooking time significantly. For a larger pork loin, it’s often best to cut it in half or even into thirds to ensure even cooking and to fit comfortably into smaller stackable pans if using the PiP method. A whole, thick pork loin might require closer to 45-60 minutes under pressure, depending on its thickness and weight. Always verify doneness with a reliable meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part, followed by a 3-minute rest.
• Sauce Thickness and Burn Notice Revisited: As previously emphasized, the applesauce mixture is naturally quite thick. Attempting to cook it directly in the Instant Pot’s main inner pot without any liquid dilution will almost certainly trigger a burn notice due to the sugars caramelizing on the bottom. If you wish to cook it directly, you absolutely *must* dilute the mixture with at least 1/2 to 1 cup of water or broth. The flavor will remain excellent, but the sauce will be thinner. For a rich, thick, and perfectly glazed pork tenderloin, the Pot-in-Pot (PiP) method remains the highly recommended approach.
• The Unskippable Importance of Searing: Do not, under any circumstances, skip the searing step! Browning the pork tenderloin before pressure cooking adds a tremendous amount of flavor through the Maillard reaction. This chemical process creates complex, savory notes and a beautiful crust that simply cannot be achieved by just steaming the meat. It’s a quick step that pays huge dividends in flavor.
• Resting the Meat is Essential: After pressure cooking and removing the pork tenderloin from the Instant Pot, allowing it to rest for 5-10 minutes on a cutting board before slicing is absolutely crucial. This resting period allows the muscle fibers to relax and the internal juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a much juicier, more tender, and flavorful final product. Slicing immediately can cause precious juices to run out, leading to drier pork.
• Optimal Apple Choices: While firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith are ideal for this recipe due to their ability to hold their shape and their balanced sweetness/tartness, feel free to experiment with other varieties based on your preference. Softer apples might break down more during cooking, creating a more integrated, jam-like sauce, which can also be delicious!
• Enhance Your Sauce with Flavor Boosters: For an extra layer of warmth and complexity, consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon, a tiny dash of nutmeg, or even a hint of ground cloves to your applesauce mixture, especially during the fall and winter months. A splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can also brighten the flavors and add a pleasant tang.
• Perfect Serving Suggestions: This versatile Instant Pot Applesauce Pork Tenderloin pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white or brown rice, roasted asparagus, steamed green beans almandine, glazed carrots, or even a simple fresh salad with a light vinaigrette. The flavorful applesauce is absolutely fantastic spooned generously over potatoes or rice, making them part of the main dish.
• Leftovers and Storage: Any leftover pork tenderloin stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or oven (covered) with a little extra applesauce or broth to prevent it from drying out. Leftover pork also makes fantastic sandwiches, wraps, or a delicious addition to salads!

Nutrition Information

Serving Size

This recipe is designed to serve 4-6 people generously, depending on individual appetite and the variety and quantity of accompanying side dishes. Please note that nutritional values can vary significantly based on specific ingredients, brands used (e.g., type of applesauce, honey), and exact preparation methods. The following is an approximate guide for the amounts indicated in the recipe:

Amount Per Serving (based on 4 servings)
Calories: 1994
Total Fat: 134g
Saturated Fat: 99g
Cholesterol: 455mg
Sodium: 378mg
Carbohydrates: 25g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 163g

These values are estimates and should be used as a general reference only. For precise nutritional information tailored to your specific dietary needs, it’s highly recommended to calculate based on the specific ingredients and exact quantities you use in your own preparation.

Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away from your culinary repertoire! If you’re not planning to make this delicious, tender, and flavorful Instant Pot Applesauce Pork Tenderloin right this second, make sure to pin this post to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest. That way, you can easily find it later when you’re ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable meal that will delight your family and friends. Happy cooking!