Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin: The Perfect Rotisserie Time

Cooking a beef tenderloin in an air fryer is a great way to get a juicy, tasty roast without having to spend too much time in the kitchen. The rotisserie function on an air fryer allows for an even cook, and the high-speed circulating heat ensures the meat stays nice and tender. The size of the roast will determine the cooking time, but a rare roast can be achieved in under 40 minutes.

How to season beef tenderloin for the air fryer

To season beef tenderloin for the air fryer, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, let the meat rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels. Next, brush or drizzle oil on each tenderloin. You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil.

Now, it's time to add the seasonings. You can use a classic beef roast seasoning of rosemary and thyme, or just salt and pepper. Alternatively, you could try onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper, or a mixture of crushed garlic, salt, and pepper. You could also use a ready-made steak seasoning like Montreal Steak Seasoning.

Once you have chosen your seasonings, mix them with the oil on a plate and roll the beef tenderloin in the mixture to coat it evenly on all sides. Alternatively, you can rub the spices onto both sides of the tenderloin.

After seasoning, place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket. You may need to curve it to fit in the basket. Now it's ready to cook!

How long to cook beef tenderloin in an air fryer for rare, medium, or well-done

To cook beef tenderloin in an air fryer, you'll first need to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Then, pat dry a 2-pound tenderloin and place it on a plate. Drizzle the meat with a tablespoon of vegetable oil, and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub the spices and oil into the meat, then place it in the air fryer basket, folding as needed.

For a rare beef tenderloin, cook at 390 degrees F (198 degrees C) for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 360 degrees F (182 degrees C) and cook for 5 more minutes. The internal temperature should reach 130 degrees F (54 degrees C).

For medium, follow the cooking instructions above but cook for 22 minutes at 390 degrees F, then 10 minutes at 360 degrees F. The internal temperature should be 135 degrees F (57 degrees C).

For well-done, increase the initial cooking time to 25 minutes at 390 degrees F, and the internal temperature should be 140 degrees F (60 degrees C).

Regardless of your desired level of doneness, always allow the meat to rest on a platter, uncovered, for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Note: The above cooking times are based on a 2-pound beef tenderloin. If your roast is heavier, you will need to increase the cooking time accordingly.

How to prepare beef tenderloin for the air fryer

Preparing beef tenderloin for the air fryer is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect result:

Choosing the Right Cut

Begin by selecting a suitable cut of beef. Beef tenderloin is an excellent choice for air fryer cooking as it is a tender, flavourful cut. Choose a tenderloin that has been dressed for roasting, or one that is narrow at one end and can be folded over and secured with butcher's twine. Ideally, the tenderloin should weigh between 1.5 and 2 pounds.

Preparing the Meat

Before seasoning the meat, it is important to let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps to ensure even cooking. Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels, and then brush or drizzle a light coating of olive oil or vegetable oil on all sides.

Seasoning

The beauty of beef tenderloin is that it can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste. A simple option is to use a classic beef roast seasoning of rosemary, thyme, and a little salt. Alternatively, you can use other combinations such as salt and pepper, onion powder and garlic powder, or crushed garlic, salt and pepper. You can also use your favourite steak seasoning, like Montreal Steak Seasoning. Mix your chosen seasoning with the oil on a plate, and then roll the beef tenderloin in it to ensure an even coating.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 380°F and 400°F (some recipes suggest 390°F). Place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket, curving it if necessary to ensure it fits. For a 2-pound tenderloin, cook for 13-15 minutes for medium-rare, or 15-20 minutes for medium. It is important to monitor the temperature of the meat with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F, and for medium, aim for 145°F.

Resting

Once the tenderloin has finished cooking, remove it from the air fryer and cover it with kitchen foil. Allow the meat to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

How to serve beef tenderloin cooked in an air fryer

Cooking beef tenderloin in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy, tasty meal. Once cooked, there are many ways to serve this dish.

Firstly, it is important to let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes and up to 15 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat, keeping it moist and tender.

Beef tenderloin can be served as a main course, either hot or at room temperature. For an Italian-style dish, squeeze some lemon over the meat and drizzle with olive oil. You can also top it with a homemade horseradish sauce.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, serve the beef tenderloin with a variety of sides. Mashed potatoes and gravy, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, and baked potatoes are all great options. For a simpler side, a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables can accompany the meat.

For a cold dish, thinly slice the beef tenderloin and serve it as sandwiches, either cold or open-faced.

No matter how you choose to serve it, air fryer beef tenderloin is a delicious and impressive dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences.

How to store leftover beef tenderloin

To store leftover beef tenderloin, let the meat cool to room temperature, then wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator. It's best to store the tenderloin as a whole piece of beef, rather than slicing it, as this will help to preserve the flavour and texture of the meat.

Beef tenderloin is best stored in airtight packaging. This is because the unsaturated fats in the meat can oxidise when exposed to the air, creating unpleasant, cardboard-like flavours.

Leftover beef tenderloin should be used within 24 hours for the best results, but it can be kept for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to freeze leftover beef tenderloin, let the meat come to room temperature, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can then place it in the fridge for an hour or two before adding another layer of foil and transferring it to the freezer. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

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