Unlocking the Secret: How to Cook Perfect Beef Tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi

For beef lovers, a beautifully roasted tenderloin is the holy grail. When done right, it yields fork-tender meat packed with rich, beefy flavor. But cooking tenderloin can be intimidating. It’s an expensive cut that dries out easily if overcooked. This is where the Ninja Foodi shines! The Foodi’s air fryer function allows you to roast tenderloin to juicy perfection with ease.

As a longtime Ninja Foodi owner and beef aficionado, I’ve discovered the secrets to cooking flawless tenderloin every time. In this guide I’ll share my foolproof method for preparing perfect beef tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi as well as tips to take your tenderloin game to the next level. Let’s get cooking!

Why the Ninja Foodi Excels at Beef Tenderloin

With its air fryer setting the Ninja Foodi is specially equipped to handle beef tenderloin with ease. Here’s why it delivers better results than your oven

• Circulating hot air cooks food faster, sealing in moisture.
• Crust develops quickly under high heat for better browning.
• adjustable temperature settings allow precise control.
• Flipping halfway through prevents uneven cooking.
• Smaller chamber size requires less preheating.
• Nonstick basket prevents sticking and flare-ups.

The Ninja Foodi eliminates the hassles of oven roasting for foolproof tenderloin every time. Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of how to cook tenderloin step-by-step.

Ingredients and Prep

To start, you’ll need:

• 1 whole beef tenderloin (about 2 lbs)
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (optional)

Trim off any excess fat or silver skin from the tenderloin. Pat the meat very dry with paper towels. Coat all over with olive oil or butter and season generously with salt and pepper. Rub in fresh herbs if desired.

Let the seasoned tenderloin sit at room temperature as the Foodi preheats. This helps it cook more evenly later.

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

Follow these simple steps for perfect results:

1. Preheat Foodi on Air Fry setting at 400°F for 5 minutes.

2. Place seasoned tenderloin on greased wire rack, folding if needed to fit.

3. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.

4. Flip tenderloin and air fry 10 minutes more.

5. Check temp using a meat thermometer, cooking until 120-125°F for medium-rare.

6. Remove tenderloin and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

The initial high heat helps the tenderloin develop a beautifully caramelized, flavorful crust. Resist the urge to peek or flip more than once. And always let it rest before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Handy Tips and Tricks

• Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness every time.

• Add aromatics like garlic and herbs under the tenderloin.

• Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.

• Let rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.

• Make a pan sauce from the flavorful drippings.

• Slice against the grain for most tender pieces.

With these tips, you’ll get restaurant-quality results easily at home.

Sample Side Dishes

To make it a complete meal, consider these delectable sides:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or potato gratin
• Sauteed mushrooms or roasted asparagus
• Fresh green beans with garlic and thyme
• Classic creamed spinach or kale
• Focaccia or dinner rolls
• Arugula salad with shaved Parmesan

Keep sides simple to let the juicy tenderloin shine as the star of the show. A red wine reduction or béarnaise sauce are also perfect complements.

Common Questions

If you’re new to cooking tenderloin in the Ninja Foodi, here are some helpful answers:

How long does it take to cook tenderloin in the Foodi?

Figure around 15-20 minutes total cooking time for a 2 lb tenderloin. Cook 10 minutes per side at 400°F.

What temperature should it reach?

Pull tenderloin at 120-125°F for perfect medium rare doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can you put it directly on the crisper basket?

Yes, but lining with foil prevents sticking. A wire rack is ideal for even air flow circulation.

Should you flip more than once?

Flipping just once halfway through is sufficient. Too much flipping leads to uneven cooking.

Is tenderloin better cooked from frozen?

Never cook frozen tenderloin directly. Always thaw in the fridge 1-2 days first before seasoning and cooking.

Make Restaurant-Worthy Tenderloin at Home

With the Ninja Foodi’s air fryer function, you can achieve a beautifully browned crust and tender, juicy interior that rivals any steakhouse.

Follow my tips for seasoning, cooking temps and times, and don’t forget to let it rest. Soon you’ll be serving flawless restaurant-quality tenderloin, no grill required. Your family will be begging for this tenderloin recipe again and again!