If you’re a steak lover, you know that there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked piece of beef.
But what if we told you that you could achieve this level of perfection in just 15 minutes using an air fryer? Yes, you read that right. This recipe for air fryer beef tenderloin is a game-changer for anyone who loves a good steak dinner.
But this isn’t just any old steak dinner. This air fryer beef tenderloin is a flavor-packed, easy-to-make, and oh-so-tender cut of beef that will have you wondering why you ever bothered with other cooking methods.
The secret to its tender, juicy goodness is in the cooking technique. Using an air fryer to cook the beef allows for even heat distribution, which locks in the natural flavors and moisture of the meat.
So, what are you waiting for? try this amazing beef tenderloin air fryer recipe today!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Incredibly tender and juicy meat -The air fryer’s rapid, high-heat circulation caramelizes the outside while keeping the inside pink and moist. Each bite melts in your mouth.
Super easy to make- With just a few ingredients and steps, you’ll have restaurant-quality tenderloin without the hassle or price tag. Even novice cooks can whip this up.
Healthier than pan frying– By using less oil, you cut down on calories without sacrificing moistness or flavor. A tasty guilt-free treat!
✨ Recipe Ingredients
To make this tasty air fryer beef tenderloin steak you will need:
- 2 pounds (1kg) Beef Tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon Garlic (mashed)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy beef tenderloin steak in air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Before starting, make sure the meat is at room temperature. Then, pat it dry with paper towels, and brush olive oil on the tenderloin.
Step 2
Add mashed garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt to a small mixing bowl. Combine and then rub the spices on the tenderloin (evenly on both sides).
Step 3
Place it in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400F (200C) for about 15 minutes. I recommend flipping the steak half way through the cooking time.
Step 4
Let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes before serving! Enjoy this amazing air fryer beef tenderloin!
💡Tips
1. Use a Meat Thermometer
Cooking steak, especially expensive cuts like tenderloin, can feel tricky because you want it cooked perfectly without over or under cooking. The best way to take the guesswork out is to use an instant-read meat thermometer.
This allows you to accurately gauge the internal temperature of the steak to determine when it’s done to your liking.
For medium-rare beef tenderloin, you’ll want to cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F. Before serving, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes, during which time the temperature will rise another 5°F or so to 140°F for a perfect medium-rare.
2. Room Temperature Steak
Allowing the meat to sit at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes before cooking is crucial. This step ensures that the meat cooks more evenly, preventing the exterior from cooking too quickly while the interior remains undercooked.
3. Finish with Herb Butter
While simply seasoned and cooked beef tenderloin is delicious on its own, you can take it to the next level with one easy step – compound herb butter! After cooking, top the rested steaks with disks of softened butter infused with fresh herbs and other flavor boosters like citrus, honey, or horseradish.
As the enriched butter melts down the sides it forms an incredible sauce coating each bite with richness and bright flavors. Tarragon, rosemary and thyme all pair especially nicely.
4. Don’t Forget To Rest!
This is perhaps the most critical yet overlooked step when cooking beef tenderloin or any steak. As soon as it comes off the heat, the proteins are still contracted and will squeeze out their moisture if cut into right away.
Allowing the cooked meat to rest 5-10 minutes enables the proteins to relax and reabsorb the free-flowing juices. This allows them to be retained when you slice into it rather than spill out onto the cutting board.
Be patient – properly rested meat will always be more tender and succulent. To prevent cooling, tent foil loosely over top as it rests. Follow this rule and your air fryer tenderloin will be wonderfully juicy every time.
5. Using the Air Fryer
Preheating: Always preheat your air fryer. A preheated air fryer ensures that the cooking process starts immediately and helps in achieving an even cook.
Don’t Overcrowd: Place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. This allows hot air to circulate freely, leading to even cooking and a crisp exterior.
Variations
1. Beef Tenderloin with Balsamic Glaze- After air frying, brush the rested steak with a syrupy glaze of balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, and thyme for a sweet and tangy flavor contrast. The glaze soaks into the crispy exterior, while the beefy tenderloin keeps its rich taste inside.
2. Beef Tenderloin with Blue Cheese Compound Butter- Cool flavors come together when dots of chilled blue cheese compound butter melt over the hot steak right after air frying. The creamy butter is a breeze to make ahead too – just mix crumbled blue cheese into soft butter with lemon zest and chives.
3. Coffee-Encrusted Beef Tenderloin- Wake up taste buds by coating the tenderloin in finely ground coffee beans, cocoa powder, brown sugar, chili powder, and salt before air frying. The crust caramelizes to an enticingly complex flavor and texture during cooking. Serve with slices of fresh orange.
Storage
Store the cooked beef tenderloin steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can also wrap individually in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow frozen steaks to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Side Dishes Ideas
A good steak demands an equally delicious side to complement it. Here are 5 sensational sides that will take your air fried beef tenderloin to new heights:
1. Air Fryer Green Bean Fries– Crispy, crunchy green bean fries lending a fresh, verdant contrast to the hearty steak. Their earthy flavor and textural pop make them an instant classic pairing.
2. Air Fryer Frozen Crinkle Fries– Crinkle fries are super crispy, and they look so good with the beef tenderloin steak in air fryer! The air fryer cooks them to perfection.
3. Air Fryer Frozen Steak Fries– Quickly and easily prepare steak fries, and serve them with the air fryer beef tenderloin medallions, along with your favorite dipping sauce.
4. Air Fryer Butternut Squash Fries– Their smooth, mellow flavor provides the perfect break between rich, meaty bites. Dunk them in Sriracha ranch for a little heat or enjoy their natural maple-kissed taste.
5. Air Fryer Home Fries– These easy to make home fries are the perfect side dish to go with your air fryer beef tenderloin!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What temperature should I cook the beef tenderloin at?
You should cook the beef tenderloin at 400°F (200°C) in your air fryer. This high heat will help get a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
2. Why is it important to pat the beef dry before cooking?
Patting the beef dry helps to remove excess moisture, allowing for better browning and crisping of the outer layer when cooked. It also helps the spices and oil to adhere better to the meat.
3. What is the resting time for beef tenderloin?
It’s very important to let the beef tenderloin rest for 10 minutes before slicing into it. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute evenly within the meat for a moist and tender result. If you cut too soon, juices will spill out.
Fresh vs. Frozen Beef Tenderloin
When it comes to preparing the perfect beef tenderloin, many home cooks wonder whether it’s best to use fresh or frozen.
You may think that fresh is always better, but the truth is that frozen beef tenderloin can be just as good for cooking as fresh-as long as it was properly frozen.
Both fresh and previously-frozen beef tenderloin offer comparable quality, tenderness, and flavor when cooked. When meat is frozen quickly at peak freshness, it locks in moisture and avoids damage to the cell structure from large ice crystals.
As long as the sealed packaging remains intact, the tenderloin will retain its quality. Just be sure to thaw frozen beef tenderloin gradually in the fridge before cooking.
So rest assured that you can use high-quality frozen beef tenderloin roast or filets in all your favorite recipes. You’ll enjoy similarly delicious results as you would from cooking fresh. When handled properly, frozen tenderloin shares the same cooking performance as fresh.
With its simple prep, short cook time, and incredibly flavorful, tender results, this air fryer beef tenderloin recipe revolutionizes weeknight dinners or special occasion meals.
I hope you’ll give this easy yet restaurant-quality beef tenderloin in air fryer recipe a try soon. Be sure to check out more of our air fryer recipes on the site and let me know how it goes! If you have any other questions about cooking times, serving ideas, or customizing flavors, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
- 2 pounds Beef Tenderloins (1kg)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic (mashed)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
- Make sure the meat is at room temperature. Then, pat it dry and brush olive oil on the tenderloin.
- Add mashed garlic, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt to a small mixing bowl. Combine and then rub the spices on the tenderloin (evenly on both sides).
- Place it in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400F (200C) for about 15 minutes. Flip the steak half way through the cooking time.
- Let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes before serving! Enjoy this amazing air fryer beef tenderloin!
