If you are looking for the perfect comfort food meal, Crock Pot pork tenderloin with apples should be at the top of your list. I love that feeling at 5 o’clock when I start to think about dinner, then remember that I already have a juicy slow cooker pork roast simmering away on the counter. The best pork tenderloin recipe without much work? Success.
Plus, slow cooker pork tenderloin with apples is like most Crock Pot recipes in that you just dump the ingredients in and forget about it. Double success.
(Okay, technically it’s recommended to sear first when cooking port tenderloin in the Crock Pot, but that’s super quick!)
Sometimes we just crave a hot home cooked meal, and that’s where this amazing, easy pork tenderloin recipe fits right in. The apples and cinnamon compliment the pork tenderloin so well, not to mention the creamy sweet potatoes. Served with a glass of red wine, you’ll have a complete dinner that’s comforting and perfect for cool fall or spring days!
What Is Pork Tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin is a long, thin cut of meat from the backbone of the pig. It’s the most tender cut of meat, because these muscles are used for posture.
Pork Loin vs Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is not the same as pork loin, which is larger, wider, flatter, and has more marbling. Please don’t substitute pork loin in pork tenderloin recipes!
Trust me, this will be the most tender, best pork tenderloin recipe you’ve ever tried if you just use the right cut of meat. But it has to be pork tenderloin.
How Do You Cook a Pork Tenderloin?
There are multiple ways to cook a pork tenderloin, including the oven, stove top, or slow cooker.
Right now, my favorite way is this amazing pork tenderloin slow cooker recipe! It’s sweet, savory, juicy and oh-so-comforting, all in one.
How To Cook Pork Tenderloin In Crock Pot
I’m excited to show you how to make pork tenderloin with apples in the slow cooker, because it’s so easy, flavorful, and an entire meal in one dish. I promise you are going to want to add this to your recipe rotation.
- Season the pork tenderloin generously with sea salt and black pepper. Don’t skimp, you want plenty of salt and pepper here!
- Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes on each side in a skillet on medium-high heat.
PRO TIP: The purpose of searing pork tenderloin is to enhance the flavor. If you are short on time, you can skip this part because it will still taste great. Just go with your best judgment and schedule.
- Dice some onion, sweet potatoes, and an apple. Add to the bottom of the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
- Slice another apple, cut slits in the top of the pork tenderloin, and stuff them with apple slices. We’re basically making a hasselback apple stuffed pork tenderloin!
- Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle honey on top. You can skip the honey if you want to reduce sugar and carbs, but I’m pretty sure it’s one of the things that make this the best pork tenderloin recipe.
Now, all that’s left is letting your slow cooker do the work!
How Long To Cook Pork Tenderloin In A Crock Pot
You have 2 options for cooking pork tenderloin in the Crock Pot:
- Cook Crock Pot pork tenderloin on Low for 7 to 8 hours, OR
- Cook slow cooker pork tenderloin on High for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.
Time to put it on your plates, grab a fork and serve this slow cooker pork tenderloin with apples! So yummy!
What Temperature Should Pork Tenderloin Be?
PRO TIP: Slow cooker pork roast should have an internal temperature of 145 degrees F before serving.
This might be lower than you expected, so keep that in mind. If you overcook it, it can become dried out and won’t taste as good.
Also, let it rest for a few minutes before cutting further or serving, to keep it extra juicy.
Is Pork Tenderloin Healthy?
Yes, this paleo pork tenderloin recipe is healthy. Here are some of the nutrients you’ll find in its main ingredients:
- Pork tenderloin has potassium, zinc, vitamin B6, niacin, and it’s full of protein.
- Apples have thiamin, folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, to name a few.
- Sweet potatoes are a great source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and phosphorus.
As you can see, this slow cooker pork tenderloin is overflowing with plenty of nutrients and antioxidants. So, you can eat the juiciest, best pork tenderloin Crock Pot recipe without any guilt. 😉
Can I Double This Slow Cooker Pork Tenderloin With Apples Recipe?
Of course, you can double slow cooker pork tenderloin with apples. The most important part is making sure you use a slow cooker that is large enough to accommodate all that food!
TIP: The cook time will be fairly similar for multiple tenderloins, but could be a bit longer. Try not to place them on top of each other too much, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (145 degrees F).
Variations Of Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin With Apples
If you like to change things up in your recipes, you’ll love the versatility of this healthy Crock Pot pork tenderloin with apples! Feel free to leave out anything you don’t like, or make some additions. Here are some ideas:
- Lemon Juice – Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to add a little bit of zestiness to the dish.
- Carrots – Putting diced carrots in the slow cooker will add even more sweetness.
- Radishes – These are a low carb alternative to sweet potatoes.
- Pears – Add slices of pairs with the apples. It’s amazing!
How To Store Leftover Pork Tenderloin
If you end up with leftover slow cooker pork roast or made a double batch to have some later, you can save it easily. Put the leftover pork tenderloin with apples in an airtight glass container with a lid in the fridge. It will last around 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
To warm up leftover pork tenderloin, you can use the microwave, the oven, or a skillet. I recommend the oven to be most similar to the original version, or if you go the skillet route, you’ll get an amazing hash consistency!
Can You Freeze This Pork Tenderloin Recipe?
Yes, you can freeze this easy pork tenderloin slow cooker recipe. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and it will last 6-12 months in the freezer.
Thaw in the fridge the day before you want to use it if you have time to plan ahead. If not, you can defrost it in the microwave. Then, reheat your healthy pork tenderloin as described above.
What To Serve With Pork Tenderloin
This easy pork tenderloin recipe doesn’t need anything to be served with it, because it has sweet potatoes and apples as the built-in side dish! However, if you happen to make it without the sweet potatoes and want a lower carb side dish, here are some easy healthy side dishes to try:
- Crispy Roasted Radishes – these are roasted, but you could also toss them in the slow cooker instead!
- Cinnamon Glazed Carrots
- Simple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
More Paleo Slow Cooker Recipes
If you love Crock Pot pork tenderloin with apples, you should see these other slow cooker paleo recipes:
How To Cook Pork Tenderloin in a Crock Pot:
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RECIPE CARD
Slow Cooker Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe With Apples
A sweet & savory slow cooker Crock Pot pork tenderloin recipe! See how to make pork tenderloin in a Crock Pot with apples + just a few simple ingredients. Easy slow cooker pork roast is pure comfort food.
Recipe Video
Click or tap on the image below to play the video and learn how to make this recipe!Ingredients
Please ensure Safari reader mode is OFF to view ingredients.
- 1 lb Pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons Avocado oil
- 2 medium Apples (one diced and one sliced)
- 1 large Sweet potato
- 1 medium Red onion
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1/2 tablespoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
More TIPS about this paleo recipe in the post above!
Season pork tenderloin with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned.
- Place diced sweet potato, one diced apple, and diced onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season with remaining salt and pepper.
Make slits in the pork tenderloin and stuff with the other sliced apple. Transfer to the slow cooker and sprinkle the entire mix with cinnamon and drizzle with honey.
Cook on Low for 7-8 hours, until internal temperature is 145 degrees F. Rest for at least 3 minutes before serving.
Recipe Notes
Serving Size: 1/4 lb pork tenderloin + 1/4 of the total vegetables in the slow cooker
Video Showing How To Make Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin:
Don't miss the VIDEO above - it's the easiest way to learn how to make Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin!
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database. Net carb count excludes both fiber and sugar alcohols (though the latter are rarely seen on this site), because these do not affect blood sugar in most people. We try to be accurate, but feel free to make your own calculations.
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39 Comments
Cecily Hatchitt
My tenderloin is closer to 2lbs – should I trim to be 1lb or how would you suggest I adjust the time etc.,
Cecily Hatchitt
Hi! We are taking this dish camping. The Pork Loin I have is approx 2lbs 5oz. What should the cooking time be? Should I start on high and the. Change to low? We were going to keep it warm by plugging the pot into 110 v outlet on warm. Any thoughts? Or should we just trim it down to 1 lb. it needs to feed just 2 of us. Comments very much appreciated!
Amy
Hi. I’m making this recipe today and it calls for honey, but the video shows maple syrup. I know both would work, but which do you prefer?
Brenda
I just finished putting this dish together and I may have put Cinnamon to and honey on the sweet potatoes. Then I read the recipe again and watched video goes on pork tenderloin. Oops.. don’t know how it’s going to turn out or taste! Will let you know!
deborah
This was delish. Thankfully I checked the temp after 4 hours on low because it was done.
Anita
Has anyone tried this in the instant pot?
Gloria P
This was totally delicious! I am putting this in my menu rotation. I didn’t have a sweet potato but I had an extra apple so I used that. Also added a little extra honey and cinnamon because the apples weren’t that sweet.
Christy
Can I do this with a bacon wrapped loin and use yellow potatoes?
Pam
Wonderful. Prep time is longer than indicated but well worth it.
Gloria
Can I cook this recipe in the oven
Janie Osborn Wiltshire
Best crockpot pork tenderloin ever. It is perfect for fall.
Diana Dion
Hi Maya! I’m following you on Wicked Spatula AND Wholesome Yum. I’m really enjoying your recipes. They fit perfectly into my lifestyle in terms of healthy eating and what foods are right for me. Thank you for being so picky about getting your recipes just right – I really appreciate it because it takes all the trial and error out of cooking! As for the Apple Cinnamon Pork Tenderloin, mine turned out fabulous. Melt in your mouth good. I will definitely be making this again.
Sandy
You might change this recipe title, it is not pork LOIN it is pork TENDERLOIN – not at all the same thing! Sounds good but I was searching for a pork LOIN and sweet potato recipe. I’ve bookmarked your site for other recipes!
Lauren
Hi Sandy, The older writeup had it listed incorrectly, I’ve updated it to say pork tenderloin and explained the difference in the post. Thanks for pointing that out!
Deese Nutz
I made this and added raisins. It brought the dish from a mediocre 7 our of 10 to a solid 9! The raisins add a bit more sweetness and chewy texture that made this a huge hit with my family.
Laura
Excited to try this tonight! Do you peel your potatoes and apples or leave the skins the on?
Lauren
Hi Laura, I hope you loved the dish! It really doesn’t matter if you peeled them or not but usually leave the peel on for extra fiber 🙂
Christy
Thanks for a great recipe. Do you think it would freeze well uncooked for a future use?
Lauren
Hi Christy, I haven’t tried freezing this meal uncooked, only after cooking. Let me know if you try it!
Frances Floyd
Did you ever try freezing it? Was it successful?
Linda
I cooked this tonight and it is simply amazing! I was short on time and cooked this on high for 3 1/2 hours and was out of stock. I substituted water ( 1 cup) and the pork loin stayed moist. However, the apples melted in the broth. This meal was super yummy and will make it again.
Hannah
I didn’t see broth or water in the recipe. Just checking because I’m making it right now and want to add it if necessary!
Lauren
Hi Hannah,
Nope no broth in the recipe. The steam from the apples and potatoes along with the honey keep the pork moist.
Elizabeth
Hi! What type of apple do you recommend in his dish?
Lauren
Hi Elizabeth! I usually just use whatever I have on hand but prefer a sweeter red variety.
Amanda S
So you cook this uncovered or covered? The comments confused me. But it sure looks good!
Lauren
Hi Amanda, you’ll cook this covered. I’m not sure that you’d ever cook a slow cooker recipe uncovered. Hope this helps!
Emily
My mom and I are trying to make this recipe that sounds so ďelicious. However, we can’t figure out if it’s necessary to àdd any liquid? Since its getting cooked in a crock pot we usually use some type of broth or something. Is it ok without any?
Lauren
Hi Emily, there’s no liquid needed. If adding liquid the potatoes would turn to mush. The steam from the potatoes and apples keep the pork from drying out along with the drizzle of honey. Hope this helps!
Ramona M
How does it keep from drying out, cause it is not covered?
Second, how long would you need to cook in oven?
Thanks
Lauren
Along with the drizzle of honey the steam from the veggies underneath keep it moist. I haven’t tested this recipe in the oven so I’m unsure of the timing.
Susan
Greetings Lauren,
I have a question not really a comment. I have a multi cooker and I am fairly new to using it. Your recipe looks great, my question is this, from what i have read when slow cooking u need liquid, like broth, wine, etc. is there enough liquid from the onion and apples? I was thinking of adding some apple cider.
Thank you.
Lauren
Hu Susan! The apples, onion, and sweet potato cook down into a chunky mash and the oil and honey is what keeps the tenderloin moist. You could definitely add in some liquid if you want and I believe apple cider would be fantastic in this!
Caitlin
Hi! This looks amazing and I am making it tomorrow. We do white potatoes and I was just going to sub them in but instead I’m going to crisp them in the oven and serve on side. Can’t wait to try this!! Thanks!!
Lauren
Hi Caitlin! White potatoes will be great with this! I hope you enjoyed it!
Colleen
I saw this recipe linked from Chris Kresser’s website. This was awesome!!! (Although I did not have honey and drizzled 1T coconut oil instead).
Lauren
Thanks so much Colleen! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Lynn
Hi! How long would I cook this in slow cooker if I put it on high? Also would it come the same on high?
Thanks
Lauren
Hi Lynn! I wouldn’t suggest cooking it on high since pork tenderloin is prone to drying out. If you absolutely have too I would cook it on high for about 3 hours with a bit of vegetable broth added in…maybe a cup or so. If you try it let me know how it turns out!