Air-Fried Beef Tenderloin Steak: Cooking Time Perfection

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook beef tenderloin steak. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloin and how well done you like your steak. As a general rule, you should cook beef tenderloin for 8-10 minutes per pound. For a medium-rare steak, you should aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F, 150°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done. It is recommended that you let the tenderloin come to room temperature before cooking, which should take around 30 minutes. You can then season the steak with salt, pepper, and olive oil, and cook it in the air fryer for 10-25 minutes, depending on how well done you like your steak.

Cooking Beef Tenderloin Steak in an Air Fryer

How to get the perfect medium-rare steak

A juicy, melt-in-your-mouth steak is a true delight, and with an air fryer, you can achieve that perfect medium-rare doneness with minimal effort and cleanup. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create the ultimate steak experience:

Preparation:

Before you begin, it's essential to bring your beef tenderloin to room temperature. Take the meat out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 30 minutes to 40 minutes. This step ensures a juicier and more evenly cooked steak.

Seasoning:

Pat the beef dry with a paper towel. Drizzle or rub olive oil all over the meat, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, season generously with salt and pepper, and if you'd like, add some herbs like rosemary and thyme, or use your favourite steak seasoning. You can also try a marinade of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar glaze for an extra flavour boost. Let the seasonings sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate the meat.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between multiple steaks to allow for even cooking. For a perfect medium-rare steak, cook for 10-11 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you're using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 130 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare.

Resting:

Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. Cover the steak with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes for a steak or 10 minutes for a whole tenderloin. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak.

Serving:

After the steak has rested, it's time to serve! For an extra indulgent touch, top the steak with a slice of garlic herb butter. Let the butter come to room temperature before serving so that it melts beautifully over the hot steak. Enjoy your perfectly cooked medium-rare steak!

The importance of bringing the meat to room temperature

Cooking a steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy and tender cut of meat. To ensure the best results, it is important to bring the steak to room temperature before cooking. This simple step can make a big difference in the final result, ensuring your steak cooks evenly and has a great crust.

Bringing the meat to room temperature is a simple process. Take the steak out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the steak cook more evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. If you are using butter in your recipe, it is also best to let this come to room temperature, so it is soft and easy to mix with your chosen herbs and spices.

Allowing the steak to rest at room temperature is a key step, especially if you are aiming for a medium-rare or medium finish. This is because the steak will continue to cook even after you have removed it from the heat. By letting it rest, you allow the heat to distribute evenly throughout the meat, ensuring a perfect finish.

For the best results, it is also important to preheat your air fryer for at least 10 minutes before adding the steak. This will ensure your steak gets a good sear and develops a crust. A hot pan is essential for creating a crust on the outside of your steak, so make sure your air fryer is hot enough before adding the meat.

By following these simple steps and bringing your steak to room temperature, you will ensure your air-fried steak is cooked to perfection. This technique, along with seasoning and a hot pan, will result in a tender, juicy, and flavoursome steak every time.

How long to cook the steak based on its thickness

The cooking time for a steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak and how well you want it cooked. It's recommended to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking, which usually takes about 30 minutes.

For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10-11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F. If you prefer your steak blue, take it out of the air fryer when the internal temperature is 125°F, which will take about 18 minutes.

If you like your steak medium, cook it for 11-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. For a medium-well steak, cook for 11.5-13 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F. Finally, for a well-done steak, cook for 14 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the power of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

The best seasonings to use

The seasonings you use on your beef tenderloin steak will depend on your personal preference, but there are some combinations that are particularly popular.

One option is to use a marinade of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar glaze, and seasoned salt. Leave the steak to sit in this mixture for an hour before air frying.

Another option is to use a compound butter. You can make this by combining softened butter with grated garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. You could also add some oregano. Spread this mixture evenly over the beef before placing it in the air fryer.

If you prefer to use a dry rub, you could try a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also use a ready-made seasoning, such as Montreal Steak Seasoning.

How to make garlic herb butter

Cooking beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy and tender steak with minimal cleanup. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloin and your desired level of doneness, but on average, it takes around 8-10 minutes per pound to cook a beef tenderloin in an air fryer.

Now, let's get to the star of the show: the garlic herb butter. This delicious condiment will take your steak to the next level and impress your taste buds. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

• Butter: Softened at room temperature before using. You can use regular butter or go for vegan or dairy-free options.
• Garlic: You can use garlic powder or freshly minced garlic cloves. If you're a garlic lover, feel free to add more to taste.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary and thyme are highly recommended. However, if you only have dried herbs, use a smaller amount (about 1/3 of the amount specified for fresh herbs). You can also experiment with other herbs like parsley and chives.
• Salt: Use unsalted butter and add salt to taste. If your diet restricts salt intake, you can reduce or omit this ingredient.
• Pepper (optional): For an extra kick, you can add some crushed red pepper or black pepper.

Instructions:

• Combine the softened butter, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper (if using) in a small bowl. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences.
• Use a fork to mix everything together until well combined. Mash the ingredients together until they form a homogeneous mixture.
• Transfer the garlic herb butter to a piece of parchment paper. You can shape it into a log by rolling the paper and folding it to cover the butter completely.
• Store the butter in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. It will keep well for a couple of weeks and can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Top the steak with a generous slice of the garlic herb butter. As it melts, the butter will add a burst of flavor to your juicy steak.

And there you have it! A mouthwatering garlic herb butter to elevate your air-fried beef tenderloin steak. Enjoy your homemade steakhouse experience!

Frequently asked questions