Air-Fried Tenderloin Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy and tender steak. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air results in a crispy crust and soft interior, making it a convenient option for those seeking a tasty steak with minimal cleanup. By adjusting the temperature and timing, you can achieve your desired level of doneness, from rare to well-done, ensuring a perfect steak every time.

Pre-cooking preparation

Preparing a beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Firstly, bring the beef tenderloin to room temperature. This is an important step as it will ensure more even cooking. Allow the meat to sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Next, pat the tenderloin dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and create a crispy crust. You can also ask your butcher to trim and tie the meat for a more even thickness, which will help the tenderloin cook more evenly.

Now, it's time to season the meat. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, or a steak dry rub. For a more intense flavor, create a marinade with olive oil, balsamic vinegar glaze, and seasoning salt, and let the meat sit for up to an hour. Alternatively, you can rub softened butter and seasonings all over the meat. Make sure to get good coverage by rubbing the spices and oil into the meat and coating all sides.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This step is crucial as it ensures the meat cooks evenly and efficiently.

Air fryer temperature

The air fryer temperature and cooking time for your beef tenderloin steak will depend on how well done you like your steak.

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once preheated, you should place your steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between them.

If you like your steak rare, cook for 9-10 minutes at 400°F, aiming for an internal temperature of 120°F-125°F. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10-11 minutes at 400°F, checking that the internal temperature reaches 130°F-135°F. If you prefer your steak medium, cook for 11-12 minutes at 400°F, and check that the internal temperature is 140°F-145°F. For a medium-well steak, cook for 11.5-13 minutes at 400°F, aiming for an internal temperature of 150°F. Finally, for a well-done steak, cook for 14 minutes at 400°F, checking that the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the power of your air fryer. Therefore, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Cooking time

The cooking time for beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer depends on the size of the tenderloin and your desired level of doneness. As a general rule, cook the steak for 8-10 minutes per pound.

For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 120°F. For medium-rare, cook for 10-11 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 130°F-140°F. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, you can also cook it for 22 minutes, flipping it at the midpoint, until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F. For a medium steak, cook for 11-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F-150°F. A medium-well steak should be cooked for 11.5–13 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F. Well-done steaks should be cooked for 14 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

It is recommended that you bring the tenderloin to room temperature before cooking and let it rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking to seal in the juices.

Internal temperature

The internal temperature of your beef tenderloin steak is critical to achieving your desired level of doneness. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your preference.

For a rare steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C) to 130°F (54.4°C). Depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your steak, this will take approximately 9 to 11 minutes at 400°F (204°C).

A medium-rare steak should have an internal temperature of 130°F (54.4°C) to 140°F (60°C). This will take around 10 to 11 minutes at 400°F (204°C).

For a medium steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) to 150°F (65.5°C). This will take approximately 11 to 12 minutes at 400°F (204°C).

If you prefer your steak medium-well, aim for an internal temperature of 150°F (65.5°C). This will take around 11 to 13 minutes at 400°F (204°C).

Finally, for a well-done steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your steak, this will take approximately 14 to 27 minutes at 400°F (204°C).

It's important to note that cooking times may vary based on the size of your tenderloin, the power of your air fryer, and your desired level of doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and adjust your cooking time accordingly. Additionally, allow your steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking, as the internal temperature will continue to rise slightly.

Post-cooking preparation

Once your beef tenderloin steak is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

During the resting period, you can prepare your garlic herb butter by combining softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and salt. You can also add other ingredients like shallots or dried herbs if you prefer. Mix the ingredients in a small bowl and use a fork to blend them well. Then, transfer the compound butter to a piece of parchment paper, rolling it into a log shape.

After the steak has rested, place the garlic herb butter on top, allowing the heat of the steak to melt the butter. This will create a delicious sauce that complements the steak perfectly.

Before serving, it is essential to ensure that your steak has reached the desired level of doneness. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The temperature should be 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well-done.

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the steak gently to preserve its texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions