This Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe turns a fancy cut of beef into an easy weeknight dinner.
No oven roasting, no fussy searing pans, just a hot air fryer and about twenty minutes of cook time.
I used to save beef tenderloin for holidays only. Once I discovered how well it cooks in the air fryer, it became a regular Friday night meal at my house.
The outside gets a beautiful golden crust from a garlic herb butter. The inside stays pink, juicy, and incredibly tender.
You only need a handful of ingredients and one appliance to pull this off. Even if you have never cooked a tenderloin before, this method makes it nearly foolproof.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
My Beef Tenderloin Recipe in the oven is a longtime favorite, but the air fryer version gets dinner on the table in half the time with almost no cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Beef tenderloin has a reputation for being intimidating, but this recipe removes all the guesswork.
The air fryer circulates hot air evenly, so you get a consistent sear without babysitting a hot pan.
It also cooks fast enough for a weeknight, yet it looks and tastes like something you would order at a steakhouse. A few simple ingredients do all the heavy lifting here.
- Ready in well under an hour, start to finish
- Restaurant quality results with almost no equipment
- Perfectly juicy center every time when you use a meat thermometer
- Great for a special dinner or a weeknight treat
- Easy to scale up or down depending on your air fryer size
Another favorite: Grilled Ribeye Steak Recipe if you want a smoky, outdoor version of a similar special occasion dinner.
Ingredients
You do not need anything exotic for this recipe. The garlic herb butter is what really sets the crust apart, and the tenderloin itself does the rest.
For the Beef Tenderloin
- 2 pounds beef tenderloin roast, trimmed and tied
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the Garlic Herb Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for finishing
I learned how much a good compound butter can elevate a simple cut of meat while perfecting my Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes Recipe, and the same idea works beautifully here.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
This recipe comes together with equipment most home cooks already have. A couple of small upgrades make the process much easier, especially the thermometer.
- Air fryer, large enough to fit the tenderloin without touching the sides
- Digital meat thermometer
- Kitchen twine, if your tenderloin is not already tied
- Tongs, for turning the meat
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife, for slicing
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil, for tenting while the meat rests
Read Also: Air Fryer French Fries Recipe for an easy side dish that cooks in the same appliance right after the beef.
Recommended Products for This Recipe
These are a few products I personally use and recommend based on years of testing recipes like this one.
None of these are required, but each one makes the process a little smoother.
1. Cosori Pro Air Fryer
This is the air fryer I reach for most often because the basket is large enough to fit a full tenderloin roast without crowding it.
Even heat distribution means the crust browns evenly on every side.
2. ThermoPro Digital Meat Thermometer
A good instant read thermometer is the single biggest factor in getting a perfect medium rare tenderloin.
This one reads accurately within seconds, so you can pull the meat at exactly the right moment.
3. Butcher’s Kitchen Twine
Tying the tenderloin into an even shape helps it cook uniformly from end to end.
This twine holds up well in the heat of the air fryer and does not fray or burn.
4. Maldon Flaky Sea Salt
A light sprinkle of this finishing salt right before serving adds a pleasant crunch and rounds out the richness of the garlic herb butter. A little goes a long way.
You might also enjoy: Herb Roasted Vegetables as a simple side dish that uses the same herb flavors as this tenderloin.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
1. Bring the Tenderloin to Room Temperature
- Remove the beef tenderloin roast from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Pat it dry on all sides with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Let it sit on the counter, loosely covered, so it cooks more evenly once it hits the air fryer.
2. Season the Beef
- Rub the tenderloin all over with the olive oil, coating every surface evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the entire tenderloin, pressing gently so it adheres to the oil.
3. Make the Garlic Herb Butter
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
- Mash everything together with a fork until fully combined and smooth.
- Set the compound butter aside at room temperature until the tenderloin comes out of the air fryer.
4. Preheat and Prepare the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray so the meat does not stick.
- Place the seasoned tenderloin into the basket, making sure it is not touching the sides.
5. Air Fry the Beef Tenderloin
- Cook the tenderloin at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes to sear the outside.
- Reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and continue cooking for another 12 to 15 minutes.
- Flip the tenderloin halfway through this second stage using tongs for even browning.
- Begin checking the internal temperature around the 10 minute mark of this second stage.
- Pull the tenderloin when it reaches 120 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare, since the temperature will continue rising as it rests.
6. Rest and Baste
- Transfer the tenderloin to a cutting board and tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes so the juices redistribute through the meat.
- Spread the garlic herb butter over the top of the warm tenderloin so it melts into the crust.
- Sprinkle the flaky sea salt over the top just before slicing.
7. Slice and Serve
- Remove the kitchen twine if the tenderloin was tied.
- Slice the meat into rounds about half an inch thick using a sharp chef’s knife.
- Serve immediately while the butter is still melted over the top.
I picked up this two stage cooking method while working out the timing for my Prime Rib Roast Recipe, and it works just as well for a smaller cut like tenderloin.
For a deeper, more savory flavor profile, this same seasoning approach also shows up in my Red Wine Braised Beef Recipe.
Tips for The Best Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
A few small details make a big difference with a cut of meat this nice. These tips help you avoid the most common mistakes.
- Always let the meat come to room temperature first so it cooks evenly
- Use a meat thermometer rather than relying on time alone
- Do not skip the resting step, since cutting too early lets the juices run out
- Check your specific air fryer brand, since cook times can vary by a few minutes
- Tie the tenderloin if it is not already tied so it holds a uniform shape
The same room temperature tip applies to my Maple Mustard Pork Tenderloin, which cooks best when it starts out evenly chilled rather than cold from the fridge.
Read Also: Crockpot Pot Roast Recipe if you would rather use a slow, hands off method for a different cut of beef.
Serving Suggestions
Beef tenderloin pairs well with almost any side dish, from simple roasted vegetables to something richer like potatoes gratin. Here are a few of my favorite pairings.
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots for a simple vegetable side
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Warm dinner rolls to soak up the extra butter
- Red wine reduction sauce for a steakhouse style presentation
For a heartier vegetable option, my Roasted Brussels Sprouts also work wonderfully alongside a sliced tenderloin.
Variations of Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
Once you have the basic method down, this recipe is easy to adapt. Try one of these variations the next time you make it.
- Coat the tenderloin in cracked black peppercorns for a peppercorn crust version
- Swap the garlic herb butter for a blue cheese compound butter
- Wrap the tenderloin in bacon before air frying for extra richness
- Press a panko and herb mixture onto the butter for a crunchy crust
- Brush with a bourbon glaze during the final few minutes of cooking
This same idea of building flavor with a simple crust also shows up in my Slow Cooker Pot Roast Recipe, where the seasoning does most of the work over a long cook time.
Read Also: Herb Roasted Leg of Lamb for another special occasion main that leans on fresh herbs.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover beef tenderloin actually reheats quite well if you are gentle with it. The key is avoiding high heat, which can dry out this lean cut quickly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes
- Alternatively, reheat in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth
- Avoid the microwave when possible, since it tends to overcook the edges
- Slice cold leftovers thin for sandwiches instead of reheating
You might also enjoy: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries Recipe for a quick reheated side to go with your leftovers.
Nutritional Facts
These values are estimates for one serving, based on a 2 pound tenderloin divided into 6 servings with the garlic herb butter included.
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Cholesterol: 110mg
If you want a lighter side to balance out this richer main dish, my Air Fryer Garlic Bread Recipe is a fun way to round out the plate, or you can lean on the vegetable sides above instead.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Beef tenderloin is lean, which means it delivers a lot of protein without excessive fat compared to fattier cuts.
The herbs in the compound butter add more than just flavor as well.
- Beef tenderloin is an excellent source of protein and iron
- Garlic contains compounds linked to heart health support
- Rosemary and thyme are rich in antioxidants
- Olive oil provides heart healthy monounsaturated fats
- Black pepper may help improve nutrient absorption
These same herbs and healthy fats show up often in my roasted carrots with honey and thyme, which makes a nice, lighter counterpart to this richer main dish.
FAQs About Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
1. What temperature should air fryer beef tenderloin reach for medium rare?
Pull the tenderloin from the air fryer once it reaches 120 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit on an instant read thermometer.
The internal temperature will climb another 5 to 10 degrees while it rests, landing right around 130 to 135 degrees for a perfect medium rare center.
2. Do I need to sear the tenderloin before air frying?
No separate stovetop sear is needed for this recipe. Starting the air fryer at a higher temperature for the first 5 minutes creates a similar crust without an extra pan to clean.
3. Can I cook a whole tenderloin or just a smaller center cut piece?
A smaller center cut piece, around 2 pounds, fits most air fryer baskets easily and cooks within the times given here.
A larger whole tenderloin will likely need to be cut in half so it fits properly and cooks evenly.
4. How long should I rest the beef tenderloin after cooking?
Let the meat rest for a full 10 minutes under a loose foil tent before slicing.
This short resting period allows the juices to redistribute so they stay in the meat rather than pooling on your cutting board.
5. Can I make this recipe with a different cut of beef?
This method also works well with a similarly shaped cut like a top sirloin roast, though cook times may need slight adjustment.
Keep an eye on internal temperature rather than relying on the exact minutes listed, since thickness can vary between cuts.
For more ideas using similar seasoning techniques, my Beef Stroganoff Recipe uses many of the same pantry staples in a completely different format.
Read Also: French Onion Soup Mix Recipe for a cozy starter to serve before this main course.
Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef tenderloin roast trimmed and tied
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt for finishing
- Cooking spray for the basket
Equipment
- Air fryer large enough to fit the tenderloin without touching the sides
- Digital meat thermometer
- Kitchen twine if your tenderloin is not already tied
- Tongs for turning the meat
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife for slicing
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil for tenting while the meat rests
- Small bowl for mixing seasonings and butter
- Fork for mashing compound butter
Method
- Remove beef tenderloin from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels, then rub all over with olive oil.
- Mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the entire tenderloin, pressing gently to adhere.
- Combine softened butter, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme in a bowl, mashing with a fork until smooth; set aside at room temperature.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Place tenderloin in the basket and cook at 400°F for 5 minutes to sear the outside.
- Reduce temperature to 350°F and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 120-125°F for medium rare.
- Transfer tenderloin to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Spread garlic herb butter over the warm tenderloin and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Remove kitchen twine, slice into 1/2-inch rounds, and serve immediately while butter is still melted.
Nutrition
Notes
- Always let the meat come to room temperature first so it cooks evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer rather than relying on time alone for perfect doneness.
- Do not skip the resting step, since cutting too early lets the juices run out.
- Check your specific air fryer brand, since cook times can vary by a few minutes.
- Tie the tenderloin if it is not already tied so it holds a uniform shape.
- For a peppercorn crust version, coat the tenderloin in cracked black peppercorns before cooking.
- Swap the garlic herb butter for a blue cheese compound butter for a different flavor profile.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes or in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth.
- Avoid the microwave when possible, since it tends to overcook the edges of this lean cut.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
Air fryer beef tenderloin proves that a special occasion dinner does not need to be complicated.
A handful of ingredients and one appliance get you a juicy, restaurant quality result on any night of the week.
Give this recipe a try the next time you want something a little fancier without the extra effort.
I would love to hear how yours turns out, so leave a comment below or share a photo if you make it.
Recommended:
- Pot Roast With Potatoes and Carrots
- Pot Roast With Root Vegetables
- Oven Baked Beef Short Ribs Recipe
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges Recipe
- Roasted Cauliflower Soup Recipe
