Tiffany Haney
Air fryer beef tenderloin is a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth dish that is perfect for a special occasion. It is also a quick and easy meal to prepare, requiring minimal dishes and simple ingredients. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloin and how well-done you would like it. To achieve a medium-rare or medium temperature, it is recommended to cook the tenderloin for 8-10 minutes per pound, adjusting the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness. Before cooking, the tenderloin should be brought to room temperature and seasoned with a mixture of oil, salt, rosemary, thyme, and garlic. After cooking, it is important to let the meat rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender roast.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Beef Tenderloin in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 380°F–400°F / 180°C–200°C |
| Preheat Temperature | 390°F / 190°C |
| Preheat Time | 45 minutes to bring to room temperature |
| Cooking Time | 15–25 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness |
| Resting Time | 5–12 minutes |
| Meat Temperature | 120°F–160°F, depending on the desired level of doneness |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic, oregano, butter, olive oil, balsamic vinegar |
| Meat Weight | 3–3.5 pounds / 1.36–1.59 kg |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of beef
First, decide on the specific cut of beef you want to use. Common options for air frying include the tenderloin, sirloin, ribeye, T-bone, New York strip, and cube steak. Each cut has its unique characteristics and flavour profiles. For example, the sirloin is divided into the top sirloin, which is more tender, and the bottom sirloin, which is larger, leaner, and slightly tougher. Selecting a cut with a higher degree of marbling will generally result in a more flavourful and juicy meal.
Secondly, consider the thickness of the beef. For steaks, it is recommended to choose cuts with a minimum thickness of 1 inch. This ensures the steak cooks evenly and results in a desirable doneness level. Thicker cuts may require longer cooking times or lower temperatures to achieve the desired doneness.
Thirdly, think about the fat content of the beef. When cooking ground beef in an air fryer, it is suggested to use ground beef that is no leaner than 90%. This is because the fat tends to drain away during the cooking process, and leaner beef may dry out more than when cooked on a stovetop. However, if you are making beef jerky in the air fryer, opt for a leaner cut, such as Eye of Round or Top Round.
Lastly, consider the doneness level you prefer. Different cuts of beef may be more suitable for specific doneness levels. For example, flank steak is recommended to be cooked rare, medium-rare, or medium, as it can become chewy if overcooked. On the other hand, cube steak is ideal for braising and pressure cooking, so it should not be cooked past medium-rare to avoid dryness.
Remember, when choosing the right cut of beef, it is essential to consider the cooking method, desired doneness, and your personal flavour preferences. By selecting the right cut of beef, you can ensure a delicious and successful air fryer beef tenderloin meal.
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Preparing the meat
Firstly, choose a good cut of beef tenderloin. Look for a tenderloin that is between 3 to 3.5 pounds (1.36 to 1.59 kg). If your tenderloin has a narrow end, you can fold it over and secure it to the thicker part with butcher's twine. This will help ensure even cooking. You can ask your butcher to trim and tie the meat for you if needed.
Before seasoning, bring the meat to room temperature. This step is important as it helps the meat cook more evenly. Allow the tenderloin to sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
Now, it's time to season the meat. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, oregano, rosemary, thyme, garlic (freshly minced or powder), and sage. Mix your chosen oil and seasonings on a plate. Pat the beef tenderloin dry with paper towels, then roll it in the oil-seasoning mixture until evenly coated. Alternatively, you can drizzle the oil over the meat and then sprinkle with the desired seasonings. Make sure to rub the spices and oil into the meat for a thorough coating.
For an extra flavour boost, you can also prepare a compound butter mixture. Softened butter and mix in your choice of herbs and seasonings, such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage. You can prepare this mixture in advance and coat the meat with it before placing it in the air fryer.
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Seasoning and marinating
One popular option for seasoning is to use a compound butter coating or an herb butter mixture. This can be made by combining softened butter with ingredients such as grated garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. You can also use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference and desired level of saltiness. The butter should be softened but not melted, and you can prepare this mixture in advance. Once prepared, pat the beef dry with a paper towel and then rub the compound butter evenly over each side of the meat.
Another option is to use a marinade of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar glaze, and seasoned salt. Allow the meat to sit in this marinade for about an hour before air frying. Alternatively, you can simply coat the beef with olive oil or ghee and then sprinkle with seasonings such as salt, pepper, oregano, rosemary, or thyme.
When it comes to seasoning, you can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your preferred flavour profile. Some other popular seasonings include garlic powder, garlic herb butter, and avocado oil. Additionally, if you're cooking filet mignon, which is a cut from the smaller end of the tenderloin, you can use a combination of butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt for a delicious herb butter steak.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time for your beef tenderloin in an air fryer will depend on the size of the tenderloin and your desired level of doneness. A general rule of thumb is to cook the beef tenderloin for 6–10 minutes per pound of beef. For a rare steak, cook for 8–10 minutes per pound, and then add 5 minutes per degree of doneness. For example, for a medium-rare steak, cook for 13–15 minutes per pound, and for a well-done steak, cook for 14 minutes per pound.
It is important to note that the temperature of the meat will continue to rise a few degrees while it rests, so account for this when determining the ideal temperature for your desired level of doneness. The ideal temperature for a medium-rare steak is 135–140°F, 150°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.
To ensure your steak is cooked to your liking, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 120°F, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well-done.
If you are using an air fryer that requires preheating, set the temperature to 380°F–390°F. However, if your air fryer does not require preheating, you can set the temperature directly to 380°F and place the tenderloin in the fryer basket.
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Resting and serving
Resting the beef tenderloin is a crucial step in the cooking process. Once the tenderloin has finished cooking, remove it from the air fryer to a plate or board, covering it loosely with kitchen foil. This will help retain the heat while also allowing the meat to breathe. The meat will continue to cook after removing it from the air fryer, so it's important to account for this carryover cooking to avoid overcooking the meat.
Let the tenderloin rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This duration allows the juices to redistribute and reabsorb into the meat, enhancing its flavour and texture. The meat's internal temperature will also continue to rise a few degrees during this resting period, so it's important to remove it from the air fryer a few degrees below your desired temperature.
While the meat rests, you can prepare your choice of side dishes. Beef tenderloin pairs well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, a side salad, fresh vegetables, potatoes, or a baked potato. For a special touch, serve it with a glass of red wine for the ultimate fine dining experience.
When you're ready to serve, slice the tenderloin against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Present the slices on a platter or individual plates, drizzled with olive oil or herb butter, and garnished with fresh herbs. Enjoy the juicy and tender beef tenderloin, perfect for any special occasion or weeknight treat!
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Frequently asked questions
A:
First, bring the tenderloin to room temperature by letting it sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes. Prepare a compound butter mixture with softened butter, grated garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage. Pat the beef dry with a paper towel, then rub the compound butter evenly over every side. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F–400°F / 190°C–200°C. Place the tenderloin in the air fryer basket and cook for 15–25 minutes for medium-rare to medium. Let the meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
A:
The cooking time depends on the size of the tenderloin and your desired level of doneness. A general rule is to cook the tenderloin for 6–10 minutes per pound, or 8–10 minutes per pound for rare. For medium-rare, cook for 10–11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F–140°F. For medium, cook for 11–12 minutes, or until the temperature reaches 150°F. For well-done, cook for 14 minutes, or until the temperature reaches 160°F.
A:
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F–400°F / 190°C–200°C. Reduce the heat to 350°F–390°F / 180°C–198°C during cooking. The ideal temperature for your desired level of doneness is 120°F–140°F for rare to medium-rare, 140°F–150°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.
A:
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the tenderloin. Insert the thermometer into the center of the thickest part of the meat for an accurate reading. The temperature should reach at least 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well-done.
A:
Beef tenderloin is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some options include a side salad, fresh vegetables, potatoes, or a baked potato. For a keto option, try thyme-roasted radishes and onions or lemony prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.
