Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin

This air fryer beef tenderloin is one of the easiest ways to make a restaurant-quality roast at home. It comes out perfectly seared on the outside and juicy on the inside every single time.

The air fryer does an amazing job of cooking beef tenderloin evenly without needing to fuss with your oven. The whole thing takes under 30 minutes of actual cook time.

You just need a simple herb and garlic rub to season the meat. Nothing complicated, but it makes all the difference in flavor.

A little mustard butter on top right after cooking takes it to the next level. It melts into the meat and adds a subtle richness that pairs so well with the herbs.

Whether it’s a holiday dinner or you just want something special on a weeknight, this one is a winner. Let me show you how to make it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality Results at Home – The air fryer gives this tenderloin a beautifully seared crust outside while keeping it perfectly juicy inside.

Incredibly Fast for a Roast – You get a stunning beef tenderloin in about 25 minutes of cook time instead of waiting over an hour in a regular oven.

The Herb Crust Is Packed with Flavor – The garlic rosemary and thyme paste creates an aromatic golden coating that tastes absolutely incredible with every bite.

That Mustard Butter Takes It Over the Top – The Dijon butter melts right into the hot tenderloin and adds a rich tangy finish you will not stop thinking about.

Ingredients

• 2 lb Beef Tenderloin Roast, trimmed and tied
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Fresh Thyme, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Coarsely Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, softened
• 1 tsp Dijon Mustard

How To Make

Step 1

Remove the beef tenderloin from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes. This ensures even cooking throughout the roast.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder into a paste. Rub this mixture generously over the entire surface of the tenderloin, pressing the herbs into the meat.

Step 3

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 3 minutes.

Step 4

Place the seasoned tenderloin in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes for medium-rare, turning the roast over halfway through cooking. For medium, add 3 to 5 more minutes.

Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Pull at 130 degrees F for medium-rare or 140 degrees F for medium.

Step 5

While the tenderloin cooks, mix the softened butter with the dijon mustard until smooth. Set aside.

Step 6

Transfer the cooked tenderloin to a cutting board and immediately spread the mustard butter over the top while the meat is still hot. Tent loosely with foil and rest for 10 minutes.

Step 7

Remove the kitchen twine, slice the tenderloin into 1/2 inch thick medallions, and serve. Spoon any collected juices from the cutting board over the slices.

Tips

Tie the Tenderloin Evenly

If your tenderloin isn’t already tied, use kitchen twine to tie it every 1.5 to 2 inches along the length. The goal is to make the roast as uniform in thickness as possible so it cooks at the same rate from end to end.

A tenderloin naturally tapers at one end, and without tying, that thin end will be well-done while the thick center is still rare. Tucking the thin tail under and tying it gives you a more even shape.

This is probably the single most important step for getting consistent doneness across every slice.

Pat the Meat Dry Before Rubbing

Before you apply the herb paste, pat the tenderloin completely dry with paper towels. Any moisture on the surface will create steam in the air fryer instead of letting the outside sear and brown.

A dry surface lets the olive oil and herb paste stick better and helps you get that golden, slightly crusty exterior that makes this cut so good. You’ll notice a big difference in color and texture compared to skipping this step.

Don’t Rely on Time Alone

Air fryers vary a lot in how hot they actually run and how much air circulates. A 2 lb tenderloin might hit 130 degrees F at 18 minutes in one air fryer and take the full 25 minutes in another.

Start checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested time. Insert it into the very center of the thickest part for the most accurate reading.

Pull the roast when it’s about 5 degrees below your target. It will continue to rise in temperature while it rests under the foil. So for medium-rare, pull it at around 125 to 128 degrees F and it’ll coast up to 130 to 133 degrees F.

Related Recipes

• Air Fryer Filet Mignon
• Air Fryer Ribeye
• Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak & Mushrooms
• Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
• Air Fryer Chimichurri Flank Steak

Frequently Asked Questions

What size air fryer do I need for a 2 lb beef tenderloin?

You will want an air fryer with at least a 5 to 6 quart basket so the tenderloin fits comfortably without touching the sides or heating element. Air needs to circulate all around the roast for it to cook evenly and develop a nice crust.

If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you can cut the tenderloin in half and cook it in two batches, adjusting the cook time down by a few minutes since the pieces will be shorter.