Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2024)

Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (1)

By: Becky Hardin

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This air fryer beef tenderloin is an easy and impressive meal you can make without an oven! Crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, this beef tenderloin is seasoned with garlic and herbs, then cooked until perfectly medium-rare.

Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (2)

Table of Contents

Beef Tenderloin in the Air Fryer

Want to make a fancy dinner but a little low on time? This air fryer beef tenderloin recipe will not disappoint! That’s right, you can make a beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer that’s just as juicy and delicious as on the stove or grill.

In just 20 minutes, you’ll have an easy Air Fryer dinner or a show-stopping main course for any holiday meal, potluck, or special occasion!

Why You’ll Love this Beef Tenderloin Recipe:

  • Quick and Easy: This easy air fryer recipe requires minimal dishes, uses simple ingredients, and can be made in a pinch.
  • Top-Notch Taste: Anyone who tries this beef tenderloin roast will find it so good, they won’t believe it was made in an air fryer!
  • Great for Entertaining: This recipe will make serving for large crowds a breeze. It’s just as easy as it is impressive!
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Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (4)

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How to Cook Beef Tenderloin in an Air Fryer

You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. First, bring the tenderloin to room temperature as instructed (in the recipe card).
  2. In a small bowl, stir together the ingredients for the seasoned butter mixture.
  3. Pat the beef dry with a paper towel, then rub the compound butter evenly over every side.
  4. Place it in the air fryer and cook according to the instructions below.
  5. Cover with foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!

Ingredient Notes

  • Beef: Beef tenderloin will cook more evenly if it is trimmed and tied (when the silver skin and fat have been removed and the tenderloin has been tied with butcher’s twine into an even thickness). You can ask your butcher to do this for you if you don’t want to do it yourself.
  • Butter: Helps lock in the juices of the tenderloin and create a crisp exterior crust.
  • Garlic: Adds a bit of earthy bite to the tenderloin. I recommend grating it (rather than mincing it) because no one wants to end up with a bite of raw garlic on the outside of their tenderloin.
  • Salt and Pepper: Help the tenderloin taste its best! I highly recommend kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Herbs: I’m using rosemary, thyme, and sage! If you can only use one, just use 2 teaspoons of minced rosemary. Make sure to use fresh herbs instead of dried!
Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (6)
Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (7)

What is beef tenderloin?

The tenderloin is an oblong muscle that extends along the rear portion of the spine. It is extremely tender and delicious!

Do I have to bring beef tenderloin to room temperature before cooking it?

Yes! Cold beef will cook unevenly and lose more moisture than beef that has been brought to room temperature. Giving it that extra time will make it extra juicy!

How long does it take to cook beef tenderloin in an air fryer?

That depends on the size of the tenderloin and how you prefer to have it cooked. A general rule is to cook beef tenderloin for 8-10 minutes per pound.

What temperature should beef tenderloin be?

Beef tenderloin should be cooked to your personal liking. For medium-rare, it should be 135-140°F internally; for medium, 150°F; and for well-done, 160°F. I always recommend cooking beef tenderloin no more than medium for the most tender meat, though!

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Expert Tip

Your cooking time may vary depending on how you like your red meat cooked. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 135-140°F, then 150°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.

Having an instant-read thermometer hand will help you avoid undercooking or overcooking your tenderloin. However, any cooking thermometer will work!

Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (9)
Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (10)

Make Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the compound butter up to 1 week in advance of when you plan to use it. Store the compound butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

You can trim and tie the beef tenderloin up to 1 day in advance of when you plan to cook it. Store the beef tightly wrapped in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover air fryer beef tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thinly sliced in a 350°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze air fryer beef tenderloin whole or in individual slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Substitutions

If you can only use one herb, just use 2 teaspoons of minced rosemary. Make sure to use fresh herbs– not dried!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin

  • Choose a cut that is well-marbled for the juiciest, most flavorful tenderloin.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
  • Letting the beef come to room temperature will allow it to cook more evenly, leading to a juicier tenderloin.
  • Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking to allow the beef to cook more evenly.
  • I suggest cooking the tenderloin anywhere between a medium-rare or medium temperature for the most tender roast.
  • Let the tenderloin rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting to seal in the juices.

More Air Fryer Beef Recipes We Love

  • Air Fryer Meatballs
  • Air Fryer Juicy Lucy Cheeseburgers
  • Air Fryer Meatloaf
  • Air Fryer BBQ Ribs
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There you have it! The easiest way to make a beef tenderloin, right in your Air Fryer. We recommend serving this lean with some red wine for the ultimate fine dining experience. Enjoyed this recipe? Let us know in the comments below!

More Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes to Try:

  • Easy Thanksgiving Turkey
  • Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast
  • Pull Apart Cheese Bread
  • Deep Fried Turkey
  • Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
  • Pumpkin Pie
  • Crockpot Mashed Potatoes

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.

Recipe

Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe

4.50 from 2 votes

Author: Becky Hardin

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 20 minutes minutes

Total: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (12)

Serves6 people

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This air fryer beef tenderloin is crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, and an easy and impressive meal you can make without an oven!

Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (13)

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Ingredients

  • 3 pounds beef tenderloin trimmed and tied (see note)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature (½ stick)
  • 2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme
  • ½ teaspoon minced fresh sage

Instructions

  • Bring the beef tenderloin to room temperature by allowing it to sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

    3 pounds beef tenderloin

  • In a small bowl, stir the softened butter, grated garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage together.

    4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme, ½ teaspoon minced fresh sage

    Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (14)

  • Pat the beef tenderloin dry with a paper towel and then rub the compound butter evenly over every side.

    Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (15)

  • Place the beef tenderloin in the air fryer and cook it at 400°F for 5 minutes.

    Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (16)

  • Reduce the heat to 350°F and continue to cook the tenderloin for another 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the beef reaches 120°F with an instant read thermometer.

    Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (17)

  • Cover the beef tenderloin with foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

  • Serve the beef tenderloin with your favorite sides and enjoy immediately.

    Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe - The Cookie Rookie® (18)

Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!

Becky’s tips

  • Tenderloin: Beef tenderloin will cook more evenly if it is trimmed and tied– this is when the silver skin and fat have been removed and the tenderloin has been tied with butcher’s twine into an even thickness. You can ask your butcher to do this for you if you don’t want to do it yourself.
  • If you can only use one herb, just use 2 teaspoons of minced rosemary. Make sure to use fresh herbs– not dried!
  • Choose a cut that is well-marbled for the juiciest, most flavorful tenderloin.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
  • Letting the beef come to room temperature will allow it to cook more evenly, leading to a juicier tenderloin.
  • Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking to allow the beef to cook more evenly.
  • I suggest cooking the tenderloin anywhere between a medium-rare or medium temperature for the most tender roast.
  • Let the tenderloin rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting to seal in the juices.

Storage:Store air fryer beef tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 0.5pounds Calories: 690kcal (35%) Carbohydrates: 0.5g Protein: 41g (82%) Fat: 57g (88%) Saturated Fat: 25g (156%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 23g Trans Fat: 0.3g Cholesterol: 179mg (60%) Sodium: 500mg (22%) Potassium: 699mg (20%) Fiber: 0.1g Sugar: 0.02g Vitamin A: 243IU (5%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 22mg (2%) Iron: 5mg (28%)

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FAQs

Which cooking method is best for beef tenderloin? ›

One of the easiest methods of cooking Beef Tenderloin is in the oven. With minimal prep and our easy-to-follow guidelines, you'll present a juicy and tasty roast to guests in no time. For best results, make sure the Tenderloin roast is completely thawed.

What is the difference between roasted beef tenderloin and filet mignon? ›

To sum up: Filet mignon is part of a beef tenderloin, but a beef tenderloin is not a filet mignon. Instead, it houses the filet mignon, which comes from the end portion of the tenderloin. The rest of the tenderloin can create other steak cuts or a delicious tenderloin roast to feed the family.

How to cook a precooked beef tenderloin? ›

Preheat oven to 385° 2. Place in oven covered for 30 minutes 3. Check temperature in thickest part of tenderloin • 135° Medium rare • 145° medium 4. Keep covered until desired temp. is reached.

Should I season my beef tenderloin the night before? ›

Salting the roast and letting it rest uncovered overnight makes for deeper seasoning, plus a drier surface for more efficient browning. Slow-roasting in a low oven cooks the tenderloin evenly from edge to center.

Should I sear my beef tenderloin before roasting? ›

Should you sear beef tenderloin before cooking it? If roasting a tenderloin in the oven, you'll definitely want to sear it to get a golden brown crust. It doesn't take very long, and is so worth the effort.

Should beef tenderloin be cooked covered or uncovered? ›

Bake uncovered 40 to 50 minutes or until thermometer reads at least 140°F. Cover beef with tent of aluminum foil and let stand about 15 minutes or until thermometer reads 145°F. (Temperature will continue to rise about 5°, and beef will be easier to carve.)

Why is beef tenderloin more expensive than filet mignon? ›

Beef tenderloin is where you'll find filet mignon. But because filet mignon is just a portion of the full tenderloin, it's more expensive per pound than the beef tenderloin itself. However, that doesn't make the beef tenderloin a cheap piece of meat.

Is tenderloin more tender than filet mignon? ›

The most tender and delicate of all the steaks, the filet mignon is cut from the small end of the tenderloin. In many steakhouse kitchens, this is the most expensive and sought-after cut of meat on the cow.

Is tenderloin better than ribeye? ›

Of the three steaks, the Tenderloin is the most tender and least flavourful. Ribeye is less tender compared to the Tenderloin but more tender compared to the Striploin. The Ribeye is also the most flavourful among the 3 cuts.

How many does a 5 pound beef tenderloin serve? ›

The tenderloin itself, once trimmed and cooked, serves about 2-3 people per pound as part of a larger meal, so often anywhere from 12-16 people for a whole one.

Why use baking soda for beef tenderloin? ›

Velveting is a simple process of using baking soda or a mixture of egg whites, cornstarch and oil to marinate and tenderize economical cuts of steak, chicken and other meats before cooking. Velveting meat softens fibers to reduce toughness and enhance juiciness for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Do you wash beef tenderloin before cooking? ›

Washing beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination. Some consumers think they are removing bacteria and making their meat or poultry safe.

Should you pre salt beef tenderloin? ›

If you don't have time to let the meat sit for at least 40 minutes, wait to salt until right before cooking. Otherwise, you'll lose some juices and make it more challenging to brown your meat. Don't salt more than 3 days in advance. It may start to dry out and get a leathery texture.

Do you need to trim beef tenderloin before cooking? ›

Along the length of it, you'll also find a narrow strip of meat that is only loosely attached to the main bit. This is known as the "chain," and should be removed for roasting. Grab the end of it closest to the tapered side of the tenderloin, then pull it away from the rest of the meat.

Is it better to roast a beef tenderloin at a high or low temperature? ›

Low-Temperature Roasting

Low-heat roasting— 225°F to 300°F, or 200°F to 275°F in a convection oven—will produce a roast with rosy interior that's evenly cooked all the way through, but you won't get much in the way of a well-seared crust.

Which of the following cooking methods is best for tenderloin? ›

The best cooking methods for these cuts are dry heat methods such as grilling, broiling, or pan-searing. These methods help to enhance the natural flavor and tenderness of the tenderloin. When cooking these cuts, it's important to avoid overcooking as it can result in dry and tough meat.

Is it better to grill or roast a beef tenderloin? ›

It's great to make on the grill because you can get a high temperature that sears the outside of the tenderloin to get it browned and full of flavor. Lots of smoke can develop while the beef is searing, so cooking it outside keeps your kitchen smoke-free.

Should I bake or broil a tenderloin? ›

A beef tenderloin is an excellent choice for the broiler, just like filet mignon. You can add some olive oil and your choice of spices to the meat before broiling to allow it to get a crispy sear in the oven.

Should I use convection roast for beef tenderloin? ›

You can cook this cut on the grill or under a broiler for a juicy steak, but you could also use the convection oven. Cooking beef tenderloin in a convection oven is similar to cooking in a conventional oven, except that the tenderloin will cook faster because a convection oven's fan circulates the heat evenly.

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