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Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin

iamwinfred
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. The outside gets a beautiful golden crust from a garlic herb butter, and the inside stays pink, juicy, and incredibly tender.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 320 kcal

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

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

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

For Serving (Optional)

  • Cooking spray for the basket

Instructions
 

  • 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.

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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 480mg
Keyword air fryer beef tenderloin, air fryer steak, beef tenderloin recipe, garlic herb butter steak
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