Can You Cook A Beef Tenderloin In An Air Fryer? | Steps

Air fryers are known for quick weeknight meals, but they can also handle special cuts. Beef tenderloin feels like a “big oven” roast, yet the compact basket and strong air flow can give you a browned crust and tender center in less time than a traditional roast.

This guide walks you through how to cook beef tenderloin in an air fryer safely, how to pick the right size, what temperature to use, seasoning ideas, and how to handle leftovers. By the end, you will know exactly how to answer the question “can you cook a beef tenderloin in an air fryer?” with confidence in your own kitchen.

Can You Cook A Beef Tenderloin In An Air Fryer? Basic Answer

The short answer is yes. An air fryer can roast a whole beef tenderloin or thick tenderloin steaks as long as two things line up: the meat fits in the basket without touching the heating element and you use a thermometer to track the internal temperature.

Whole cuts of beef are safe to eat when they reach at least 145°F (63°C) with a rest of three minutes, according to the safe minimum internal temperature chart for beef. Pulling the roast a few degrees earlier and resting it lets the center rise gently to that range while staying tender.

For flavor and texture, many home cooks still prefer medium rare. That usually sits around 130–135°F (54–57°C) in the thickest part, so each person has to weigh tenderness against food safety guidance. An accurate thermometer matters more than any time listed on a recipe card.

Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Doneness Guide

Doneness	Target Internal Temp	Texture And Color
Rare	120–125°F (49–52°C)	Cool red center, very soft bite
Medium Rare	130–135°F (54–57°C)	Warm red center, tender and juicy
Medium	135–140°F (57–60°C)	Pink center, a bit firmer
Medium Well	145°F (63°C)	Thin pink line, chewy bite
Well Done	150–160°F (66–71°C)	Brown throughout, quite firm
USDA Safe Minimum For Whole Cuts	145°F (63°C) + 3 minute rest	Recommended safety standard for roasts
Leftover Reheating	165°F (74°C)	Target when reheating sliced beef

So yes, you can cook a beef tenderloin in an air fryer; you just treat the basket like a small, fast oven. Size, temperature, and resting time decide whether you end up with a dry roast or a tender centerpiece.

Choosing The Right Beef Tenderloin For Air Frying

Start with the cut itself. A full beef tenderloin can weigh 4–6 pounds, which is far too large for most baskets. For an air fryer roast, aim for a center-cut piece around 1½–3 pounds. Thicker than that, and the top can brown before the heat reaches the center.

Look for even thickness from end to end. Large tapered ends will cook faster than the middle, so many butchers tie the narrow end under the thicker section to create a more uniform shape. If you buy a whole tenderloin, you can trim off the chain meat and extra fat and tie it yourself with kitchen twine.

Marbling also matters. Tenderloin is lean, so it benefits from a little fat on the surface. A light layer of fat or a generous rub with oil or softened butter helps protect the exterior in the strong air flow inside the basket.

Before cooking, let the beef rest on the counter for 20–30 minutes. This step takes the chill off so the center warms more evenly and reduces the risk of an overdone outer ring with a cold center.

Cooking Beef Tenderloin In An Air Fryer Time And Temperature Guide

Air fryers run hot and vary by brand, so time is always an estimate. Temperature plus a thermometer gives you control. You can use this section as a starting point, then fine-tune based on your own machine.

Step-By-Step Method

Here is a simple blueprint you can adjust with your favorite herbs and spices:

1. Trim silver skin and any thick, hard fat from the tenderloin, then tie it every 1½–2 inches so it holds a neat, even shape.
2. Pat the surface dry with paper towels. Moisture on the outside slows browning.
3. Rub the meat with a thin coat of oil, softened butter, or a mix of both. Season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes so the basket is hot.
5. Place the tenderloin in the basket with a little space around it. If the piece is long, set it on a diagonal.
6. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the roast and insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part.
7. Continue cooking, checking every 5 minutes, until the thermometer shows about 5°F below your target temperature.
8. Transfer the beef to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.

Suggested Air Fryer Time And Temperature

For a 1½–2 pound center-cut beef tenderloin, many home cooks get good results at 375–390°F (190–200°C) for roughly 20–30 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Air fryers with stronger fans or smaller baskets may cook toward the shorter end of that range.

Always give food safety first place over timing guesses. The USDA recommends that whole cuts of beef reach at least 145°F (63°C) with a rest of at least three minutes for safe eating, as explained in their guidance on cooking meat and checking doneness. A thermometer is your best friend here.

If you prefer a red or pink center, pull the tenderloin a bit earlier and rest longer, but be aware that this falls under personal risk tolerance rather than strict safety advice. The air fryer only replaces the oven; basic meat safety rules stay the same.

Can You Cook A Beef Tenderloin In An Air Fryer For Slices Instead Of A Whole Roast?

Some readers do not want a full roast and ask again: can you cook a beef tenderloin in an air fryer as individual steaks instead? The method shifts a little, but the answer is still yes.

Slice the tenderloin into thick medallions, about 1½–2 inches each. Pat them dry, season in the same way, and preheat the air fryer a bit hotter, around 400°F (200°C). Place the steaks in a single layer with a little space between each piece.

Most 2-inch medallions reach medium rare in about 10–15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipped once around the halfway point. Again, you check doneness with a thermometer, not by poking the meat and guessing. Because the pieces are smaller, they move from underdone to overdone faster than a full roast, so shorter check intervals help.

Seasoning And Flavor Ideas For Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin

Beef tenderloin has a mild flavor compared with ribeye or strip steak, which gives you room to play with seasonings. You do not need complicated marinades to get good results, though. A simple blend that browns well is enough.

Simple Herb Butter Rub

For a classic steakhouse style crust, mash softened butter with chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub this mix over the trimmed tenderloin before it goes into the air fryer. The butter helps browning, and the herbs perfume the meat as it roasts.

If you prefer oil over butter, use olive oil or canola oil with the same herbs and spices. The fat helps the surface crisp and keeps the lean meat from drying out in the hot air.

Bold Seasoning Variations

Once you master the basic method, you can change the flavor with simple pantry swaps:

• Use smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a gentle smoky edge.
• Add Dijon mustard under the herb rub to give the crust a tangy bite.
• Coat the roast with cracked black pepper and kosher salt for a pepper-crust effect.
• Sprinkle a little brown sugar into a spice mix if you want a touch of caramelized sweetness on the outside.

Avoid thick sugary glazes during the main cook. They can burn in the air fryer. Brush them on only in the last few minutes, then watch closely.

Common Mistakes When Air Frying Beef Tenderloin

Beef tenderloin costs enough that no one wants a dry, gray roast. Here are habits that often spoil air fryer tenderloin and how to dodge them.

Overcrowding The Basket

Air needs room to move around the meat. If the tenderloin wedges tightly against the sides or sits under the heating coil, the top surface can scorch while the underside steams. Trim a long piece into two shorter roasts and cook them in separate batches if needed.

Skipping The Thermometer

Every air fryer runs a little differently. Relying only on a timer can push a perfect medium roast all the way to well done. A quick temperature check solves that problem and lines up your results with your preferred level of doneness and food safety guidance.

Starting With Ice-Cold Meat

Going straight from fridge to basket adds extra minutes to the cook and can leave the center underdone while the outside dries. Letting the tenderloin rest at room temperature for about half an hour leads to a more even cook.

Carving Too Soon

Resting is not just a formality. If you slice as soon as the roast comes out, juices pour onto the board instead of staying in the meat. That ten-minute rest under loose foil feels long when you are hungry, but the slice on your plate rewards the wait.

Serving, Resting, And Leftover Safety

Once the tenderloin rests and you slice it into neat medallions, you have one more set of choices: how to serve it and how to handle what remains. These steps protect flavor and food safety at the same time.

For serving, cut slices about ½–1 inch thick across the grain. Arrange them on a warm platter and spoon any juices from the board over the top. Sides that match this rich cut include crisp potatoes, roasted vegetables, and fresh salads with a bright dressing.

Any slices that will not be eaten within two hours should go into the fridge. The USDA advises chilling leftovers within that window and reheating them to 165°F (74°C) before serving again, as noted in its leftovers and food safety guidance. Thin slices reheat faster and more evenly than thick chunks.

To reheat in the air fryer, set the temperature lower than you used for cooking the roast the first time, around 300–320°F (150–160°C). Lay slices in a single layer and heat in short bursts, turning once, until they reach 165°F (74°C). This keeps the meat hot enough for safety without drying it to shreds.

Leftover Beef Tenderloin Storage And Reheating Guide

Storage Method	Time Limit	Notes
Room Temperature	Up To 2 Hours	Refrigerate sooner on hot days
Fridge (40°F / 4°C Or Below)	3–4 Days	Store in shallow airtight container
Freezer (0°F / -18°C Or Below)	2–3 Months	Wrap tightly to limit freezer burn
Reheat In Air Fryer	Until 165°F (74°C)	Use lower temperature and short cycles
Reheat In Oven	Until 165°F (74°C)	Cover with foil to keep slices moist
Cold Slices	Within 3–4 Days	Serve thin in sandwiches or salads

Quick Reference: Can You Cook A Beef Tenderloin In An Air Fryer?

At this point you know that the answer to “can you cook a beef tenderloin in an air fryer?” is a confident yes. The cut works in a basket as long as you match the size of the roast to your appliance and rely on temperature instead of guesswork.

Trim a 1½–3 pound center-cut tenderloin, tie it for even thickness, season it well, and air fry around 375–390°F (190–200°C). Flip once, check the center with a thermometer, and rest the roast before slicing. Follow beef safety guidance for internal temperature and for leftovers, and you can enjoy a special-occasion cut with weekday-level effort.