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air fryer beef tenderloin

Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Rest Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 690kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
This air fryer beef tenderloin is crisp on the outside and juicy on the inside, and an easy and impressive meal you can make without an oven!
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Ingredients

  • 3 pounds beef tenderloin trimmed and tied (see note)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature (½ stick)
  • 2 cloves garlic grated
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme
  • ½ teaspoon minced fresh sage

Instructions

  • Bring the beef tenderloin to room temperature by allowing it to sit on the counter for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
    3 pounds beef tenderloin
  • In a small bowl, stir the softened butter, grated garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, thyme, and sage together.
    4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme, ½ teaspoon minced fresh sage
    a white bowl with a mixture in it.
  • Pat the beef tenderloin dry with a paper towel and then rub the compound butter evenly over every side.
    beef tenderloin on a tray
  • Place the beef tenderloin in the air fryer and cook it at 400°F for 5 minutes.
    tenderloin in the basket of an air fryer, before cooking
  • Reduce the heat to 350°F and continue to cook the tenderloin for another 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the beef reaches 120°F with an instant read thermometer.
    beef tenderloin in the basket of an air fryer
  • Cover the beef tenderloin with foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve the beef tenderloin with your favorite sides and enjoy immediately.
    air fryer beef tenderloin cut into slices

Notes

  • Tenderloin: Beef tenderloin will cook more evenly if it is trimmed and tied– this is when the silver skin and fat have been removed and the tenderloin has been tied with butcher’s twine into an even thickness. You can ask your butcher to do this for you if you don’t want to do it yourself.
  • If you can only use one herb, just use 2 teaspoons of minced rosemary. Make sure to use fresh herbs– not dried!
  • Choose a cut that is well-marbled for the juiciest, most flavorful tenderloin.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
  • Letting the beef come to room temperature will allow it to cook more evenly, leading to a juicier tenderloin.
  • Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking to allow the beef to cook more evenly.
  • I suggest cooking the tenderloin anywhere between a medium-rare or medium temperature for the most tender roast.
  • Let the tenderloin rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting to seal in the juices.
Storage: Store air fryer beef tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5pounds | Calories: 690kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.5g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 57g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 179mg | Sodium: 500mg | Potassium: 699mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.02g | Vitamin A: 243IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 5mg