Beef tenderloin steak, also known as filet mignon, is one of the most tender, delicious and expensive cuts of beef That’s why cooking tenderloin steak can feel intimidating – you want to make sure not to overcook or dry out this premium cut of meat
The great news is that the air fryer is the perfect way to cook tenderloin steak at home! The circulating hot air cooks the meat gently while sealing in moisture And it’s so fast and easy – tenderloin steak is done in about 15 minutes in the air fryer,
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know to cook foolproof tenderloin steak in your air fryer. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Cooking Tenderloin in the Air Fryer
Here’s why the air fryer is ideal for cooking tenderloin steaks:
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Hot air cooks food evenly from all sides, preventing overcooking.
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Air frying retains moisture much better than oven baking
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It cooks steak super fast – tenderloin is done in 10-15 minutes.
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Minimal prep and easy cleanup – just brush with oil and season.
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You get a nice browned exterior for flavor without charring.
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Hands-off cooking frees you up to make side dishes or sip wine!
Overall, the air fryer gives you tender, juicy steak with a crisp crust in way less time than using the oven or grill.
Choosing the Best Tenderloin Steak
When buying tenderloin steaks, look for the following:
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Uniform shape and thickness. Avoid oddly shaped or thin pieces.
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Bright red color indicating freshness.
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Moderate marbling provides flavor. Avoid excessive fat.
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Firm, not mushy texture.
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1-2 lbs total weight for 2-4 servings. Larger cuts take longer.
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USDA Prime or Choice grade for highest quality.
For the most even cooking, choose a center-cut filet roast and slice into steaks yourself. Or ask the butcher for evenly cut tenderloin steaks.
Ingredients Needed
Cooking tenderloin in the air fryer only requires a few ingredients:
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Tenderloin steaks, about 1-inch thick
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Olive oil or avocado oil
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Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
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Minced garlic (optional)
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Fresh thyme, rosemary or oregano (optional)
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Butter for serving (optional)
That’s it! Simple ingredients plus the hot circulated air are all you need for perfect steak.
How to Cook Tenderloin Steak Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for foolproof tenderloin steak:
1. Pat the steaks dry
Remove steaks from packaging and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick.
2. Brush with oil
Coat both sides of the steaks lightly with olive oil or avocado oil. This enhances browning.
3. Generously season
Sprinkle both sides liberally with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. I also love sprinkling on some minced garlic and fresh thyme or rosemary.
4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F
Most air fryer models reach temperature in just 3-5 minutes.
5. Cook for 10-15 minutes
Place steaks in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook at 400°F for the following times:
- Rare – 9-10 minutes
- Medium rare – 10-12 minutes
- Medium – 12-13 minutes
- Medium well – 13-14 minutes
- Well done – 15 minutes
6. Check internal temperature
Test doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into thickest part of steak. Temps should be:
- Rare – 120-125°F
- Medium rare – 130-135°F
- Medium – 140-145°F
- Medium well – 150-155°F
- Well done – 160°F and up
7. Let steak rest
Remove steaks from air fryer and let rest 5 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute.
8. Serve and enjoy!
Slice steak against the grain into 1/2-inch slices. Top with a pat of butter if desired. Enjoy with your favorite sides!
And that’s it – perfectly cooked tenderloin steak with crispy browned exterior and tender, juicy interior in just 15 minutes!
Air Fryer Tenderloin Cooking Tips
To get the best results when cooking tenderloin in your air fryer, follow these tips:
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Brush steaks lightly with oil – just 1 tsp per steak avoids excess smoke.
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Use kosher salt or coarse sea salt – it adheres best.
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Let steak come to room temp before cooking for more even cooking.
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Use an instant-read thermometer for guaranteed doneness – appearance alone can be misleading.
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Cook in a single layer without overcrowding for proper air circulation.
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Preheat air fryer fully before adding food.
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Resist opening the air fryer before time is up to prevent heat loss.
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If steaks are uneven sizes, remove thinner pieces first.
Common Air Fryer Tenderloin Problems and Fixes
Even using the air fryer, you may encounter an overcooked or dry tenderloin steak on occasion. Here are some common problems and how to avoid them:
Problem: Steak exterior is burnt but inside is raw.
Solution: Lower air fryer temp to 375°F extend cooking time.
Problem: Steak is evenly grey and dry throughout.
Solution: Don’t cook at too high temp. Use thermometer for doneness.
Problem: Steak has no browned crust.
Solution: Make sure to preheat fully before adding steak.
Problem: Steak curls up and cooks unevenly.
Solution: Pat steaks very dry before cooking. Trim any thin edges.
Serving Your Tenderloin Steak
Beef tenderloin deserves a little fanfare! Here are serving ideas to elevate this premium cut:
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Top with garlic herb butter or Gorgonzola butter.
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Drizzle with chimichurri sauce or creamy horseradish sauce.
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Garnish with sauteed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
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Sprinkle with Maldon sea salt flakes.
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Accompany with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
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Pair with roasted fingerling potatoes or buttery mashed potatoes.
A tenderloin steak with garlic herb butter makes the perfect easy weeknight dinner or impressive meal for date night at home. You can even cook steak and veggies at the same time in your air fryer. Just set the steak directly on the air fryer basket and place veggies in a dish or pan below.
Recipe for Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Garlic Herb Butter
Now that you know how to cook tenderloin steaks in the air fryer properly, give this easy recipe a try!
Ingredients:
- 2 tenderloin steaks, 1-inch thick (about 8 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp minced fresh thyme (or 1/3 tsp dried)
Instructions:
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Pat steaks dry and brush with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Place steaks in a single layer in air fryer basket. Set air fryer to 400°F and cook for 9-15 minutes depending on desired doneness.
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Meanwhile, mix softened butter with garlic and thyme until combined thoroughly. Roll in parchment to form log.
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When steaks are done, remove from air fryer and let rest 5 minutes. Top each steak with a slice of the garlic herb butter to finish.
The hot air fryer beautifully browns the exterior of the steaks while keeping the inside tender and juicy. And the garlic herb butter provides so much extra flavor!
More Air Fryer Steak Recipes to Try
Once you see how perfect steaks turn out in the air fryer, you’ll want to cook them this way all the time! Here are more great air fryer steak recipes:
- Air Fryer Steak Fajitas
- Air Fryer Steak and Potatoes
- Air Fryer Steak with Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Steak Kabobs
- Air Fryer Steak Rolls with Asparagus
- Air Fryer Steak Salad
The possibilities are endless for making amazing steak meals in your air fryer!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking tenderloin in the air fryer:
Is tenderloin steak better in the air fryer or oven?
The air fryer cooks steak much faster with a crispier crust and more moisture retained inside.
How long does it take to cook medium rare steak in an air fryer?
Cook tenderloin steaks at 400°F for 10-12 minutes to get medium rare doneness.
Can you put steak directly on the air fryer rack?
Yes, tenderloin steaks can cook right on the bare air fryer rack. A dish is not needed.
Should you flip steak in the air fryer?
Flipping isn’t necessary since air circulates all around the steak. But you can flip halfway through if desired.
What is the best cut of steak for the air fryer?
Tenderloin and ribeye steaks work best. Avoid cheaper cuts with more connective tissue.
The Takeaway
Cooking tenderloin steak in the air fryer results in an unbeatably fast, easy and delicious steak dinner at home. With perfectly cooked meat and crispy crust in just 10-15 minutes, you’ll make this your new favorite way to indulge in filet mignon any night of the week!