If you’re looking to enjoy a juicy and tender steak, then cooking it in an air fryer might just be the perfect method for you. Cooking beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer can result in a delicious and perfectly cooked piece of meat that will impress your family and friends.
One of the advantages of using an air fryer to cook beef tenderloin steak is the speed at which it cooks. Unlike traditional oven cooking methods, the air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the steak quickly and evenly. This means that you can have a perfectly cooked steak in a fraction of the time it would take in the oven.
So, how long should you cook beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer? The cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and how well-done you prefer it. As a general rule of thumb, for a medium-rare steak, you can cook a 1-inch thick beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer for around 10-12 minutes. If you prefer a medium or well-done steak, you can cook it for a few minutes longer.
It’s important to note that these cooking times are just guidelines, and you may need to adjust them based on your air fryer’s settings and the thickness of the steak. To ensure that your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, the thermometer should read around 130°F (54°C).
Once your beef tenderloin steak is cooked to perfection, make sure to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Serve your steak with your favorite sides and enjoy!
How to Cook Beef Tenderloin Steak in Air Fryer
Cooking beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and tender meal. With the right technique, you can achieve a perfectly cooked steak with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Follow these steps to cook beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer:
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and to the desired temperature.
- While the air fryer is preheating, season your beef tenderloin steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Rub the seasonings into the steak to ensure an even coating.
- Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned steak in the basket of the air fryer. Make sure to leave enough space between the steak and the sides of the basket to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip it over using tongs or a spatula. This will help to achieve a nice sear on both sides of the steak.
- Continue cooking the steak for another 4-5 minutes on the second side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
- Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to become even more tender.
- Slice the beef tenderloin steak against the grain and serve it immediately. You can enjoy it as is or with your favorite side dishes.
Using an air fryer to cook beef tenderloin steak is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this premium cut of meat. With just a few simple steps, you can have a perfectly cooked steak that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Preparation
Before you start cooking your beef tenderloin steak in the air fryer, it’s important to properly prepare the meat to enhance its flavor and ensure it is cooked to perfection. Follow these steps to prepare your beef tenderloin steak:
1. Thaw the Steak
Ensure your beef tenderloin steak is completely thawed before cooking. This can be done by placing the steak in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost function on your microwave. Thawing the steak prior to cooking will help it cook evenly and prevent any cold spots.
2. Season the Steak
Season your beef tenderloin steak with your preferred seasonings and spices. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper can enhance the natural flavors of the meat. Alternatively, you can use a marinade or rub to add extra flavor. Rub the seasonings all over the steak, ensuring it is evenly coated.
3. Let the Steak Rest
Allow your beef tenderloin steak to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help the meat cook more evenly and retain its juices.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature for cooking beef tenderloin steak. This will ensure the steak cooks evenly and develops a delicious crust.
5. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil or cooking spray to prevent the steak from sticking. This will also help achieve a nicely seared crust on the steak.
6. Place the Steak in the Air Fryer
Place the seasoned beef tenderloin steak in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper cooking and browning.
7. Cook the Steak
Cook the beef tenderloin steak in the air fryer for the recommended cooking time, typically around 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak and desired level of doneness. Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
8. Check the Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef tenderloin steak. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C). Adjust the cooking time accordingly if you prefer a different level of doneness.
9. Rest and Serve
Once the beef tenderloin steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a tender and flavorful steak.
Follow these preparation steps, and you’ll be ready to cook a delicious beef tenderloin steak in your air fryer. Enjoy!
Cooking Time and Temperature
When cooking beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer, it is essential to consider the cooking time and temperature to achieve the desired level of doneness and tenderness. The recommended cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and personal preference.
For a 1-inch thick beef tenderloin steak, it is best to cook it at a high temperature of around 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare. If you prefer a medium doneness, you can increase the cooking time to about 12-14 minutes. Remember to preheat your air fryer before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
If you have a thicker steak, such as a 2-inch cut, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Increase the cooking time to approximately 15-17 minutes for medium-rare and 17-20 minutes for medium doneness.
It is important to note that these cooking times are just a guide, and the actual cooking time may vary based on the specific model and brand of your air fryer. Additionally, factors such as the steak’s initial temperature and the desired level of doneness can also affect the cooking time.
For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the thermometer should read around 135°F (57°C), and for medium doneness, it should be around 145°F (63°C).
Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
In summary, cooking beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer requires high heat and relatively short cooking times. It is important to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak and personal preference. Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is recommended to ensure the desired level of doneness. Enjoy your perfectly cooked beef tenderloin steak!
Serving Suggestions
Beef tenderloin steak is a versatile and delicious cut of meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to complement your perfectly cooked air-fried beef tenderloin steak:
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Classic Steakhouse Style:
Serve the beef tenderloin steak with a side of mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, and a rich red wine reduction sauce. This classic combination highlights the rich flavors and tender texture of the steak.
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Surf and Turf:
Create an indulgent meal by pairing the beef tenderloin steak with a buttery lobster tail or grilled shrimp. Serve with a lemon-butter sauce and steamed asparagus for a luxurious dining experience.
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Salad Topping:
Slice the cooked beef tenderloin steak thinly and use it as a topping for a mixed green salad. Add some cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, crumbled feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing meal.
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Tacos or Wraps:
Shred the cooked beef tenderloin steak and use it as a filling for tacos or wraps. Top with salsa, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and grated cheese for a quick and flavorful meal option.
Remember to let the beef tenderloin steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness. Enjoy your air-fried beef tenderloin steak with any of these serving suggestions for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Q&A
What is the recommended cooking time for beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer?
The recommended cooking time for beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer is usually around 10-12 minutes for medium-rare. However, it may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness.
Can you cook beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer for longer than 12 minutes?
Yes, you can cook beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer for longer than 12 minutes if you prefer a more well-done steak. Just keep in mind that the cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of doneness. It’s recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the desired internal temperature.