How To Cook Tenderloin Steak In Air Fryer [FULL GUIDE]

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Tenderloin steak is the epitome of culinary indulgence-succulent, buttery, and tender enough to practically melt in your mouth. Unlike other cuts of beef, tenderloin has minimal fat, which makes precision in cooking essential. The air fryer, with its rapid hot air circulation and ability to sear without excess oil, has become an innovative tool for cooking this luxurious cut to perfection. By mastering the balance of temperature, timing, and technique, you can achieve a steak that rivals any restaurant-quality filet. This guide explores every step in detail to ensure your tenderloin steak emerges juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature To Cook Tenderloin Steak In Air Fryer

The ideal air fryer temperature for tenderloin steak is 400°F (204°C). This temperature is high enough to create a beautifully caramelized exterior through the Maillard reaction while preserving the tender, juicy interior. Temperatures lower than this may result in underwhelming browning and a less flavorful crust, while higher temperatures risk drying out the steak before the center reaches the desired doneness. For those seeking a slightly gentler approach, 380°F (193°C) can be used, but it will slightly extend cooking time. Temperature control is critical because tenderloin, with its lean composition, can go from perfectly cooked to overdone in mere minutes.

How Long To Cook Tenderloin Steak In Air Fryer

The cooking time for tenderloin steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the cut and your preferred level of doneness:

• 1-inch Thick Steak

  • Rare: 6-7 minutes
  • Medium-rare: 8-9 minutes
  • Medium: 10-11 minutes
  • Well-done: 12-14 minutes

• 1.5-inch Thick Steak

  • Rare: 8-9 minutes
  • Medium-rare: 10-11 minutes
  • Medium: 12-13 minutes
  • Well-done: 14-16 minutes

Always flip the steak halfway through the cooking process for even searing. Remember, resting the steak for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing tenderness and flavor.

How To Tell If It Is Done

Accurate assessment of doneness is key:

• Thermometer method: Insert a meat thermometer into the center:

  • Rare: 125°F (52°C)
  • Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
  • Medium: 145°F (63°C)
  • Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
  • Well-done: 160°F (71°C)

• Touch method: Press the steak gently with your finger:

  • Soft and squishy = Rare
  • Slightly firm = Medium-rare
  • Firm = Medium
  • Very firm = Well-done
• Visual cues: A properly cooked tenderloin will have a rich, brown crust and a consistent color inside when sliced. Avoid judging doneness solely by color-lean tenderloin can appear darker even when not fully cooked.

Ingredients Needed

To make a perfectly air-fried tenderloin steak, you need:

• 1-2 tenderloin steaks (1-1.5 inches thick)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• Kosher salt or sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, rosemary, or thyme for added flavor
• Optional: steak finishing butter or herb compound butter

These simple ingredients allow the natural flavor of the tenderloin to shine while adding depth and richness to the crust.

How To Cook Tenderloin Steak In Air Fryer

1. Preparation: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This ensures proper searing.
2. Seasoning: Lightly coat the steaks with olive oil or butter, then season generously with salt and pepper. Optional herbs or garlic powder can be added.
3. Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
4. Cooking: Place the steaks in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch. Cook for the recommended time based on thickness and desired doneness, flipping halfway through.
5. Resting: Remove the steaks and let them rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. Tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
6. Serving: Slice against the grain and serve immediately with your preferred sides or finishing butter.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Temperature?

Using a lower temperature (e.g., 350°F) will cook the steak more slowly, which may reduce the risk of burning but could result in less caramelization. Conversely, a higher temperature (e.g., 425-450°F) accelerates crust formation but increases the risk of overcooking the interior before the exterior reaches a deep sear. The key is balancing heat and time, as tenderloin is very lean and can dry out quickly.

What If I Use A Different Air Fryer Cooking Time?

Cooking longer than necessary, even at the correct temperature, will dry out the steak. A shorter cooking time may leave the interior underdone. If adjusting time, always rely on a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness rather than guesswork. For example, reducing cooking time by 1-2 minutes can make a medium-rare steak rare, while adding 1-2 minutes can push medium-rare to medium.

When Things Go Wrong

• Steak is overcooked: Slice thinly and serve with sauces, gravies, or compound butter to restore moisture.
• Steak is undercooked: Return to the air fryer in short increments of 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overshooting desired doneness.
• Steak is dry: Ensure you rest the steak after cooking, as skipping this step can cause juices to escape. Also, slightly higher fat content or finishing butter can help counteract dryness.

Expert Tips

• Let steaks reach room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution.
• Use a digital meat thermometer for precision; never rely solely on visual inspection.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; air circulation is crucial for even cooking.
• Experiment with compound butters or herb rubs for added flavor without affecting cooking time.
• For extra sear, brush with a small amount of oil right before cooking.

FAQs

What Is The Best Temperature To Cook Tenderloin Steak In An Air Fryer?

For tenderloin steak, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows for a well-seared exterior while keeping the interior tender and juicy. Adjust slightly depending on steak thickness and desired doneness.

How Long Should I Cook Tenderloin Steak In An Air Fryer?

Cooking time depends on thickness and preferred doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak: Rare: 6-7 minutes, Medium Rare: 8-9 minutes, Medium: 10-11 minutes, Well Done: 12-14 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking.

Do I Need To Season The Tenderloin Steak Before Air Frying?

Yes, seasoning enhances flavor. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite steak rub. For extra tenderness, you can lightly brush the steak with oil before seasoning.

Should I Let The Tenderloin Steak Rest After Cooking In An Air Fryer?

Absolutely. Resting for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Cover loosely with foil while resting.

Can I Cook Frozen Tenderloin Steak In An Air Fryer?

Yes, but cooking times will be longer. Preheat the air fryer and cook frozen steak at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway. Using a meat thermometer is recommended to check doneness.

Do I Need To Use Oil When Cooking Tenderloin Steak In An Air Fryer?

A small amount of oil, such as brushing or spraying, helps achieve a golden-brown crust and prevents sticking. However, tenderloin steak is lean, so excessive oil is unnecessary.

How Can I Ensure My Tenderloin Steak Stays Tender In An Air Fryer?

Choose high-quality tenderloin cuts, avoid overcooking, preheat the air fryer, flip the steak halfway through, and let it rest after cooking. Using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness without drying out the steak.