Juicy Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Steak Recipe: Easy, Fast & Flavorful
Beef tenderloin steak is known for its tenderness and rich flavor.
Cooking it in an air fryer gives you a quick and reliable way to achieve a beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
This recipe uses simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and fresh rosemary to enhance the natural flavor of the steak.
The air fryer method locks in moisture and gives you excellent results every time—no need for an outdoor grill or cast-iron pan.
Preparation Summary
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Course | Cuisine | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mins | 15 mins | 20 mins | Main Course | Western | 2 |
Ingredients (with Alternatives)
| Ingredient | 2 Servings | 4 Servings | 6 Servings | Alternatives |
| Beef tenderloin steaks | 2 (6 oz) | 4 (6 oz) | 6 (6 oz) | Filet mignon or sirloin |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 3 tbsp | Avocado oil, melted butter |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 1½ tsp | Minced garlic |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 1½ tsp | White pepper |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 1 tsp | 1½ tsp | Sea salt or kosher salt |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 sprig | 2 sprigs | 3 sprigs | Dried rosemary or thyme |
Cooking Instruments Needed
| Instrument | Alternatives |
| Air fryer | Convection oven with air fryer mode |
| Tongs | Fork or spatula |
| Meat thermometer | Manual finger press method |
| Small bowl (for rub) | Ziplock bag |
How to Make Beef Tenderloin Steak in Air Fryer
Cooking beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer is straightforward.
It involves seasoning the meat, preheating the air fryer, cooking in batches if needed, and letting the meat rest properly. Below is a breakdown of each step for best results.
Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
This step ensures even cooking throughout. Pat them dry with paper towels to help them sear better.
Step 2: Season the Steaks
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh rosemary.
Rub this mixture evenly over all sides of the steaks. Make sure each steak is well coated. You can also marinate the steaks in a sealed container for 30 minutes if you want deeper flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps create a better sear once the steaks go in.
Step 4: Place Steaks in Air Fryer
Arrange the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd—leave space between each piece.
If your air fryer is small, cook in batches.
Step 5: Cook the Steaks
Cook the steaks at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through.
For medium, go for 11–12 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: 130°F (medium-rare), 140°F (medium), 150°F (medium-well).
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Remove the steaks and place them on a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let them rest for 5–7 minutes.
This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum flavor.
Serving and Decoration Tips
- Slice the steak against the grain and fan it out on a warm plate.
- Drizzle with melted garlic butter or a rosemary compound butter for added flavor.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and a pinch of sea salt.
Variations to Try
- Herb-Crusted Style: Mix finely chopped parsley, thyme, and chives into the oil before coating the steak. Press the herbs firmly into the surface.
- Peppercorn Crusted: Coat the steak with coarsely crushed black pepper before air frying. Serve with a light cream sauce.
- Spicy Garlic Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for heat.
- Soy-Balsamic Glaze: Marinate steaks in a mix of soy sauce and balsamic vinegar for 30 minutes, then follow the same air fryer method.
- Smoky Paprika Blend: Swap garlic powder with smoked paprika and ground cumin for a smoky, BBQ-inspired twist.
Storing Tips
- Refrigeration: Place leftover steak in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap in foil or freezer-safe bags and store for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Use the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to reheat without drying the meat.
Extra Tips
- Always bring steaks to room temperature before air frying.
- Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Letting it rest after cooking makes a noticeable difference in juiciness.
- Use a small rack in the air fryer if available to allow air to circulate underneath.
Common Mistakes, Solutions & Prevention
| Mistake | Solution | Prevention Tip |
| Overcooking the steak | Use a thermometer and pull early | Know your target temp for doneness |
| Uneven cooking | Let steak sit at room temp before cooking | Avoid cooking cold steak straight away |
| Dry or chewy texture | Rest steak before slicing | Don’t cut immediately after cooking |
| No crust on steak | Pat dry thoroughly before seasoning | Preheat air fryer and avoid excess oil |
Air Fryer Tips for This Recipe
- Flip the steak halfway to ensure even browning on both sides.
- Spray the basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Do not overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
- If using thicker steaks, add 2–3 minutes to the cook time.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen beef tenderloin steaks in the air fryer?
Yes, but increase cooking time by 5–7 minutes and flip more frequently. Thawing first is recommended for better texture.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F; for medium, 140°F.
Should I oil the air fryer basket?
Yes, lightly spray or brush with oil to avoid sticking and improve browning.
Why let the steak rest before serving?
Resting allows juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and flavorful.
Can I add butter while air frying?
It’s better to add butter after cooking to avoid burning. A garlic-herb butter on top is ideal.
Let’s Make and Share
Now that you know how to cook beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer, it’s time to give it a try. Use these steps, try a variation, and tell us how it turned out.
Share your experience in the comments and pass it on to a fellow steak lover!
