Air-Fried Beef Tenderloin: Cooking Time Perfection

Cooking beef tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make an elegant meal. The exact cooking time depends on the size and shape of the tenderloin, the power of your air fryer, and how well done you like your meat. As a general rule, you can estimate cooking time by allowing 6-10 minutes per lb of beef for rare, then adding five minutes for each degree of doneness. For example, for a medium-rare tenderloin, you should allow 22 minutes, flipping at the midpoint of cooking.

Cooking time depends on the size and shape of the tenderloin, and the power of your air fryer

The temperature of the meat will continue to rise a few degrees while it rests, so it's important to remove the tenderloin from the air fryer when it is about 5° below your final target temperature. To check the internal temperature, you can use a meat thermometer. You should then adjust the timing by a couple of minutes at a time.

Before cooking, you should let the tenderloin come to room temperature, which should take about 30 minutes. This will give you a juicier and more evenly cooked result. You should also preheat your air fryer to 400° and pat the tenderloin dry before rubbing it with olive oil and spices.

The temperature of the meat will continue to rise a few degrees while it rests

When cooking beef tenderloin in an air fryer, it's important to remember that the temperature of the meat will continue to rise a few degrees while it rests. This means that you should remove the tenderloin from the air fryer when it is about 5° below your final target temperature. For example, if you are aiming for a medium-rare finish, you should remove the meat from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F and allow it to rest until it reaches the desired temperature of 145°F.

The exact cooking time will depend on a few factors, including the size and shape of the tenderloin, as well as the power of your air fryer. As a general rule, you can estimate 6-10 minutes per pound of beef for rare, and then add five minutes for each degree of doneness that you prefer. For example, if you are cooking a 2-pound tenderloin to a medium-rare finish, you would air fry it for 12-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

It is also important to let the tenderloin come to room temperature before cooking, as this will result in a juicier and more evenly cooked steak. This should take around 30 minutes, but if you are short on time, even a few minutes outside of the fridge will help.

To get a crispy crust on your steak, brush or drizzle olive oil on the tenderloin before cooking. You can also use the recommended amount of olive oil to rub your spices onto the meat.

Let the tenderloin come to room temperature before cooking for a juicier result

For a juicier result, let the beef tenderloin come to room temperature before cooking. This will take around 30 minutes. You can then pat the tenderloin dry and rub it with olive oil.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size and shape of the tenderloin, and how powerful your air fryer is. As a general rule, for rare meat, cook for 6-10 minutes per pound of beef, and then add five minutes for each degree of doneness. For example, for medium rare, cook for 22 minutes, flipping at the midpoint of cooking. For well-done meat, cook for 27 minutes.

You can also use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Let the steak rest in its own juices for 5-10 minutes before serving to complete the cooking process.

Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness

To check that your beef tenderloin is cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The temperature you're aiming for depends on how well done you like your meat. For blue, you're looking for an internal temperature of 125°F, for rare 135°F, for medium rare 145°F, for medium well 150°F, and for well done 160°F.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size and shape of the tenderloin, as well as the power of your air fryer, but as a general rule, you can cook rare beef tenderloin in an air fryer for 6-10 minutes per pound of beef. Then, add five minutes for each degree of doneness that you like. For example, if you're cooking a 2-pound tenderloin and you like your meat medium rare, you'd cook it for 10-20 minutes, plus an additional 10 minutes, for a total of 20-30 minutes.

You can also use the meat thermometer to check the temperature of your meat throughout the cooking process and adjust the timing by a couple of minutes at a time. For example, if you're cooking a medium-rare tenderloin and the internal temperature is 140°F after 20 minutes, you can cook it for another 2 minutes to reach the desired temperature of 145°F.

Remember to let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the temperature to rise a few degrees. This will ensure your beef tenderloin is cooked perfectly to your liking.

For a crispy crust, use the recommended amount of olive oil

To get a crispy crust on your beef tenderloin, use the recommended amount of olive oil and no more. Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels, then brush or drizzle oil on each tenderloin. You can also rub the tenderloin with salt, garlic and black pepper.

The exact cooking time will depend on the size and shape of the tenderloin, and how powerful your air fryer is. As a general rule, cook for 6-10 minutes per pound of beef for rare, then add five minutes for each degree of doneness. For example, for medium rare, cook for 22 minutes, flipping at the midpoint of cooking. To check if your tenderloin is cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer.

Before cooking, let the tenderloin come to room temperature. This will give you a juicier and more evenly cooked result. Small cuts like tenderloin should be left out of the fridge for around 30 minutes.

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