Perfect Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin: Juicy, Tender & Easy Steak Dinner
Prepare to elevate your dinner experience with this incredible Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin recipe! This method transforms a premium cut of beef into a perfectly cooked, incredibly juicy, and remarkably tender steak, complete with a delightful, light crust. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to consistent perfection, making this dish an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal fuss. Whether you’re planning a sophisticated dinner party or simply craving a quick yet luxurious weeknight meal, this recipe for beef tenderloin in the air fryer is destined to become your new favorite way to cook this exquisite cut of meat.

The beauty of cooking beef tenderloin in an air fryer lies in its efficiency and ability to achieve a beautiful sear while maintaining a tender interior. This method is not only fast but also incredibly simple, making a traditionally intimidating cut of meat accessible to any home cook. Imagine a luxurious steak dinner ready in minutes, allowing you more time to savor the moment rather than spending it slaving over a hot stove.
This exquisite beef tenderloin can be perfectly paired with a variety of sides to complete your meal. Consider classic companions like Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes, sweet and savory Air Fryer Butternut Squash, or crispy Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer. No matter the occasion – be it a fancy holiday dinner or a quick and satisfying weeknight feast – this Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin will undoubtedly earn its place as a staple in your culinary repertoire. It’s also an excellent choice to complement other festive dishes, particularly among our favorite Air Fryer Easter Recipes, promising a memorable and delicious spread.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe

There are countless reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin recipe. First and foremost, it delivers a high-quality steak dinner using one of the most incredibly tender cuts of beef available. This ensures every bite is easy to cut and bursting with rich flavor. The air fryer works its magic, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the inside perfectly succulent.
Beyond the taste, the speed of this recipe is a major draw. With just a few minutes of active cooking time, you can have a gourmet-level meal on your table. This makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals or families who still want to enjoy delicious, home-cooked food without sacrificing precious evening hours. Compared to traditional oven roasting or pan-searing, the air fryer significantly reduces cooking time and often requires less cleanup. You can also explore other fantastic air fryer steak options like Air Fryer Filet Mignon and even other meats such as Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin, proving the versatility of this kitchen appliance.
The air fryer’s circulating hot air creates a crisp, flavorful crust on the tenderloin, locking in all the natural juices. This results in a truly melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to achieve with other cooking methods so quickly. It’s also a fantastic way to prepare a slightly healthier meal, as it often requires less oil than pan-frying, relying on the hot air to do most of the work.
Ingredients Needed to Air Fry Beef Tenderloin

The beauty of this air fryer beef tenderloin recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring just a few high-quality ingredients to achieve outstanding flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Trimmed Beef Tenderloin (1 1/2 – 2 lb.): This is the star of our dish. Opt for a well-trimmed piece, as excessive fat can cause smoke in the air fryer. If you purchase a whole tenderloin, you can trim it yourself or ask your butcher to do it. Consider cutting it into individual steaks (e.g., filet mignon style) for easier portioning and more consistent cooking, or cook it as a roast for a larger gathering.
- Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil is essential. It helps the seasonings adhere to the meat, contributes to a beautiful golden-brown crust, and prevents the tenderloin from drying out. Extra virgin olive oil offers a nice flavor, but any good quality olive oil will work. Avocado oil is another excellent alternative due to its high smoke point.
- Kosher Salt: Kosher salt provides a clean, briny flavor and helps to draw out moisture from the surface of the meat, leading to a better sear. Its larger granules also allow for more even distribution and seasoning.
- Pressed Fresh Garlic Cloves (about 2-3 cloves): Fresh garlic brings an aromatic depth that perfectly complements beef. Pressing or mincing the garlic ensures its flavor is evenly distributed across the tenderloin. If fresh garlic isn’t available, a good quality garlic powder can be substituted (about 1 teaspoon for every 2 cloves of fresh garlic).
- Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent, spicy kick that balances the richness of the beef. Always prefer freshly ground for the best flavor.
These core ingredients create a classic and incredibly delicious flavor profile. However, feel free to get creative with additional seasonings as suggested in our FAQs section!
How to Make Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
Cooking beef tenderloin in your air fryer is surprisingly straightforward and yields impressive results. While I personally use a Cosori 5.8 Quart Air Fryer Oven, remember that not all air fryers are the same. Cooking times may vary by a few minutes depending on your specific model and the thickness of your beef, so always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
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Bring to Room Temperature: For optimal and even cooking, remove your beef tenderloin from the refrigerator and let it rest on the counter for about 30 minutes before you begin preparing it. This allows the meat to cook more uniformly from edge to center.
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Pat Dry & Oil: Pat the beef tenderloin thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps in achieving that desirable crispy crust during air frying. Once dry, brush or drizzle a light coating of olive oil evenly over all sides of the tenderloin. This helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning.
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Season Generously: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, ground black pepper, and pressed fresh garlic. Mix them well. Then, rub this spice mixture generously over all sides of the beef tenderloin, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor. Place the seasoned tenderloin directly into your air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring it’s not overcrowded for optimal air circulation.
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Air Fry: Cook the beef tenderloin in the Air Fryer at 400ºF (200ºC) for 13-15 minutes. Make sure to flip the tenderloin halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking on all sides. For perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135ºF for medium-rare, 140-145ºF for medium, and 150-155ºF for medium-well. Remember that the temperature will rise slightly during resting.
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Rest Before Serving: Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the tenderloin from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board, loosely covered with foil, for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is critical for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a supremely tender and juicy steak. Do not skip this step!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like an oven, preheating your air fryer is essential for even cooking and achieving a good sear. Most air fryers only need about 3-5 minutes at the target temperature.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the best results, cook the tenderloin in a single layer without overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows the hot air to circulate properly around the meat, ensuring an even cook and a crispy exterior. If you have a larger tenderloin or multiple pieces, cook them in batches.
- Achieve a Lovely Crispy Crust: The secret to a beautiful, crispy crust on your tenderloin lies in using the recommended amount of olive oil – no more, no less. Too much oil can lead to a greasy finish and prevent the meat from crisping up properly. Ensure the meat is patted very dry before applying oil and seasoning.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: The most accurate way to ensure perfect doneness for your beef tenderloin is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the tenderloins should be:
- Rare: 125-130ºF (52-54ºC)
- Medium-Rare: 130-135ºF (54-57ºC)
- Medium: 140-145ºF (60-63ºC)
- Medium-Well: 150-155ºF (66-68ºC)
- Well-Done: 160ºF (71ºC) and above (though often not recommended for tenderloin due to potential dryness).
Remember, the temperature will rise by about 5 degrees during the resting period. Remove the meat slightly before your desired final temperature.
- Resting Time is Crucial: Do not skip the resting step! Resting for 5-10 minutes allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices, ensuring a supremely tender and juicy steak. If you cut into the meat too soon, all those delicious juices will run out onto your cutting board, leaving you with a drier, less flavorful steak.
- Slice Against the Grain: For maximum tenderness, always slice the cooked beef tenderloin against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite easier to chew and more enjoyable.
- Consider a Marinade (Optional): While the simple seasoning is fantastic, you can enhance the flavor further by marinating the beef tenderloin for a few hours or overnight. A simple marinade of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and herbs can add incredible depth.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
This Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, making it perfect for any occasion. For a hearty meal, consider serving it alongside our favorite Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes, which crisp up perfectly alongside the tenderloin. Other excellent choices include sweet and savory Air Fryer Butternut Squash or quick and easy Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer.
Beyond these air fryer favorites, classic accompaniments like creamy mashed potatoes, elegant asparagus spears, or green beans sautéed with garlic are always a hit. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast. To elevate the flavor profile even further, consider serving your tenderloin with a rich red wine reduction, a dollop of flavorful garlic butter, a sophisticated béarnaise sauce, or even a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese for a bold finish. This dish is also wonderful with any of your favorite steak seasonings, such as a classic Montreal Steak Seasoning, which adds a robust blend of spices. Don’t forget, it’s particularly delicious with various air fryer vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
FAQs: Your Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Questions Answered
If you are working with thinner cuts of beef tenderloin (e.g., individual filet mignon steaks that are less than 1.5 inches thick), you will absolutely need to reduce the cook time. Thinner cuts will cook much faster. Start checking for doneness around the 8-10 minute mark, turning halfway. Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. This is the best way to prevent overcooking and ensure your steak is perfectly juicy.
To give this recipe extra flavor and make it a truly memorable meal, the pairing possibilities are endless!
- Sauces: Consider a rich red wine reduction, a classic steak sauce, a bright squeeze of lemon juice, or a homemade garlic butter or herb butter melted over the top.
- Vegetables: Alongside the main dish, sweet potatoes (roasted or in fries), asparagus, green beans, or other roasted air fryer vegetables are excellent.
- Cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese can add a pungent, savory kick that complements the beef beautifully.
- Seasonings: You can always use your favorite steak seasoning. Montreal Steak Seasoning is a popular choice for its robust blend of black pepper, garlic, and other spices. Experiment with what you love!
To store leftover beef tenderloin, allow it to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, gently warm in the air fryer at a lower temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until just heated through, or in a skillet on medium-low heat with a little beef broth to prevent drying out. Be careful not to overcook it during reheating.
You don’t have to stick to the exact seasonings listed above; those are just our go-to for a classic taste! Feel free to customize your tenderloin with whatever flavors you love. We highly recommend experimenting with:
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For a milder, more pervasive garlic and onion flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a smoky depth.
- Dried Herbs: Rosemary and thyme are fantastic with beef. Just a pinch will do.
- Cumin or Coriander: For a slightly more exotic flavor profile.
- Your Favorite Dry Rub: Many pre-made dry rubs designed for steak or beef roasts can work wonderfully.
The key is to apply any dry seasonings evenly to all sides of the tenderloin after oiling.
No, it’s highly recommended to use a completely thawed beef tenderloin for this recipe. Cooking from frozen in an air fryer will result in uneven cooking, with the exterior potentially overcooked and the interior undercooked. For best results, plan ahead and thaw your tenderloin overnight in the refrigerator.
Several factors can contribute to a tough tenderloin. The most common reasons are overcooking (which dries out the meat fibers), not letting the meat rest adequately after cooking (allowing juices to escape), or slicing the meat with the grain instead of against it. Ensure you use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, always rest your steak, and slice properly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

MORE DELICIOUS AIR FRYER DINNER OR STEAK RECIPES TO TRY:
- Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
- Air Fryer Garlic Steak Bites
- Air Fryer Meatloaf
- Air Fryer Lobster Tails
- Air Fryer Crab Legs
- Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Air Fryer Cube Steak

4
Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
Becky
5 minutes
13 minutes
30 minutes
Rate
Equipment
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1 Air Fryer
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Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Beef Tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, about 2-3 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
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Instructions
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Let meat rest at room temperature on the counter for about 30 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking.
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Pat beef tenderloin thoroughly dry with paper towels to promote a crispy crust, then brush or drizzle olive oil evenly on all sides of the tenderloin.
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In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, pressed fresh garlic, and ground black pepper. Rub this spice mixture generously onto both sides of the tenderloin.
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Place the seasoned tenderloin into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook in the Air Fryer at 400º degrees F (200ºC) for 13-15 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check for your desired doneness (see notes for temperatures).
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Once cooked, remove the steak and let it rest, loosely covered with foil, for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
Notes
- Lovely Crispy Crust: To get a lovely crispy crust on your steaks, use the recommended amount of olive oil and no more. Too much oil can prevent the meat from crisping up and may leave you with super greasy cuts of meat, or even cause excess smoke in your air fryer.
- Internal Temperature: The internal temperature of the tenderloins should be 125-130ºF for rare, 130-135ºF for medium-rare, 140-145ºF for medium, 150-155ºF for medium-well, and 160ºF+ for well-done. To get the correct temperature, always check the internal doneness with an instant-read thermometer, a digital meat thermometer, or an old-school meat thermometer! Remember, the temperature will rise slightly during resting.
- Resting Time: Resting time is crucial because the meat absorbs and redistributes juices while it’s resting. If you cut into the meat immediately, you will end up with a less juicy steak, as the valuable juices will run out onto your cutting board.
- Cooking Time Variations: Air fryer models vary, and beef tenderloin can differ in thickness. Always use the specified cooking time as a guideline, and adjust as necessary based on your specific appliance and the size of your meat. A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 1g,
Protein: 41g,
Fat: 53g,
Saturated Fat: 21g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 24g,
Cholesterol: 159mg,
Sodium: 693mg,
Potassium: 701mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 1g,
Vitamin A: 2IU,
Vitamin C: 1mg,
Calcium: 21mg,
Iron: 5mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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