Beef Tenderloin: Air Fryer Cooking Perfection

Cooking beef tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy and delicious meal. It is a simple and convenient method that yields impressive results, making it perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air creates a crispy outer layer on the meat while keeping the inside tender and juicy. With minimal prep and short cooking times, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality steak in the comfort of your own home.

How to season beef tenderloin

Yes, you can cook a beef tenderloin in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season and cook one:

Firstly, bring the beef to room temperature by letting it sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes. This helps the beef cook more evenly. You can also trim and tie the tenderloin to ensure an even thickness.

Next, pat the beef dry with a paper towel. To season the beef, you can use a variety of herbs and spices. One option is to rub the beef with softened butter, grated garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. Alternatively, you can use extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar glaze, and seasoned salt. Make sure to coat the beef evenly on all sides.

You can season the beef up to an hour before cooking. If you are using butter, you can prepare the compound butter up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Once the beef is seasoned, place it in the air fryer basket. You may need to fold or curve the tenderloin to make it fit. Preheat the air fryer to 380-400°F/190°C.

The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloin and your desired level of doneness. For rare, cook for 8-10 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F. For medium-rare, cook for 10-11 minutes per pound or until the temperature reaches 130-140°F. For medium, cook for 11-12 minutes per pound or until the temperature reaches 140-150°F. Finally, for well-done, cook for at least 14 minutes or until the temperature reaches 160°F.

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature in the center of the thickest part of the meat. Remove the tenderloin from the air fryer when it reaches your desired temperature and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, keeping it juicy.

Enjoy your delicious air-fried beef tenderloin!

Air fryer temperature and timing

The cooking time for a beef tenderloin in an air fryer depends on the size of the tenderloin, the desired level of doneness, and the power of the air fryer. It is recommended to let the tenderloin come to room temperature before cooking, which usually takes about 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly and prevents it from drying out.

For a rare cook, the general rule is to cook the tenderloin for 8-10 minutes per pound, resulting in an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C). To achieve a medium-rare cook, cook for 8-10 minutes per pound plus 5 minutes, with an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). For a medium cook, cook for 8-10 minutes per pound plus 10 minutes, resulting in an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). A medium-well cook requires cooking for 8-10 minutes per pound plus 15 minutes, with an internal temperature of 150°F (66°C). Finally, for a well-done cook, cook the tenderloin for 8-10 minutes per pound plus 20 minutes, resulting in an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

It is important to note that these timings are guidelines, and the exact cook times may vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the meat. Therefore, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the meat and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and then reducing the temperature to 390°F (198°C) for 22 minutes, followed by 360°F (182°C) for 10 minutes for a medium-rare tenderloin. Another recipe recommends cooking at 380°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes for a medium cook.

Resting the meat

After cooking your beef tenderloin in the air fryer, remove it from the air fryer basket and place it on a plate or board. Cover the meat with kitchen foil and let it rest for 2-5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and keep the meat moist and tender. If you are checking the temperature of the meat, aim for 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well-done.

When reheating steak in an air fryer, it is also important to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the steak taste fresh and allow for even warmth.

It is important to note that the resting time will depend on the size and shape of the tenderloin, as well as the desired degree of doneness. For larger cuts of meat, a longer resting time may be required to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Choosing the right cut of beef

When selecting a cut of beef for air frying, it is important to consider the amount of marbling, which refers to the amount of fat interspersed in the meat. Cuts with a higher degree of marbling are generally preferred for air frying as they result in juicier and more flavourful meat. However, if you are preparing beef jerky in the air fryer, a leaner cut, such as Eye of Round or Top Round, is recommended.

For air fryer roast beef, cuts like ribeye, sirloin, and tenderloin are ideal choices. These cuts are known for their tenderness and flavour, and they cook evenly while retaining moisture during the air frying process. Ribeye, in particular, is a popular choice among beef lovers for its rich, buttery flavour and is even known as "the beauty steak". Sirloin, on the other hand, can be divided into top sirloin, which is more tender, and bottom sirloin, which is larger, leaner, and slightly tougher.

When it comes to cooking time, the size and weight of the beef cut play a crucial role. As a general rule, a larger or thicker cut of beef will require a longer cooking time. For example, a 2- to 3-pound roast beef will take approximately 25 to 30 minutes per pound when cooked at 375°F (190°C). However, it is important to monitor the internal temperature of the meat to ensure it reaches your desired doneness without overcooking.

Additionally, the shape of the beef cut should be considered when air frying. Some cuts, like the tenderloin, can be quite narrow at one end. If your tenderloin still has the narrow part attached, you can fold it over and secure it to the thicker portion with butcher's twine before placing it in the air fryer basket.

In summary, choosing the right cut of beef for air frying involves selecting a cut with desirable marbling, tenderness, and flavour. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the specific cut, its size, and your desired doneness, so it is important to monitor the internal temperature regularly to prevent overcooking.

Side dishes

Beef tenderloin cooked in an air fryer is a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for side dishes that will complement your air-fried beef tenderloin:

Baked Potato

A baked potato is a classic side dish that goes well with beef. You can bake the potato in the oven or, if you're short on time, microwave it. Top it with some sour cream, chives, and bacon bits for extra flavour.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a healthy and tasty side dish that pairs well with beef. You can roast it in the oven with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, or try something different like Lemony Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus for a more indulgent option.

Fresh Steamed Vegetables

Fresh steamed vegetables are a great option to serve with beef tenderloin. You can choose your favourite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans, and steam them while the tenderloin is resting. This way, you can ensure they are nice and hot when served.

Salad

A fresh side salad is always a good option to accompany a hearty main dish like beef tenderloin. You can keep it simple with a mix of leafy greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers, or get creative with your favourite ingredients. A watermelon cucumber salad is a refreshing option, especially during the summer months.

Potatoes Au Gratin

For a more indulgent side dish, potatoes au gratin is a delicious option. Sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce is a perfect comfort food and a great complement to the beef tenderloin.

Roasted Radishes & Onions

If you're looking for a low-carb option, roasted radishes and onions are a tasty choice. The thyme adds a nice flavour to the dish, making it a perfect keto-friendly side.

Remember, when preparing side dishes, you can also utilise the air fryer to save time and create a full meal without the fuss of using multiple cooking methods.

Frequently asked questions