Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin is sort of a lifesaver for folks like me who want a fancy dinner without the intimidating chef stuff. You grab the beef, toss it in your air fryer, and bam—steakhouse vibes at home. Nothing’s worse than shelling out cash on filet mignon just to end up with a chewy brick. Been there. Let’s get this tenderloin right, juicy, and foolproof together.
What makes this recipe great
First off, let’s get something straight—this Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin genuinely changed the game for my weeknight meals (no kidding). You get that five-star restaurant texture without hovering over a grill or pan the whole time. My brother’s first bite? He dropped his fork and said, “Why go out ever again?”
The Story Behind This Recipe
Here’s why I love this Juicy Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin Recipe: it bakes up beautifully and it tastes like home. Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin is sort of a lifesaver for folks like me who want a fancy dinner without the intimidating chef stuff. You grab the…
The magic’s all in the air fryer. You get a crispy sear without setting off your smoke alarm or making your kitchen smell like a steakhouse for days. And, dang, no endless clean-up! It’s a total win if you, like me, hate scrubbing pans. Oh, and speaking of easy, you can check out more quick air fryer recipes right here. This method keeps the filet mignon super juicy—no dry spots (ugh, the worst). And it’s honestly pretty quick, so your patience doesn’t totally run out before dinner’s done.
My family can’t even tell the difference anymore between this and the grill. I’d stake my best spatula on this one being the juiciest piece of beef you’ll ever make at home.
How to cook Filet Mignon (Step-by-Step!)
So, here comes the good stuff. First, take the filet mignon out of the fridge and let it sit for about 20–25 minutes. You want it to lose the chill so it’ll cook evenly. Don’t rush this, trust me. Pat the steak dry (makes a difference). Rub olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. If you want, toss in a pinch of dried thyme too.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Really wait for it to get hot, not just warm-ish—this helps you get that perfect crust. Place the beef tenderloin in the basket, making sure chunks aren’t touching (space matters!).
Cook for about 9–11 minutes for medium rare, but flip halfway through. Don’t freak out if it looks pink. That’s what you want! Stick a meat thermometer in there if you’re not sure—130°F is your magic number for medium rare. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before you slice. Resting makes all those tasty juices settle in. Sneak a taste—bet you’re impressed.
Ingredient Notes
Listen—I’ll keep this straight. You need filet mignon (also called beef tenderloin), olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Some folks add a pat of butter at the end (I highly recommend). I sometimes swap fresh thyme for the dry one if I’ve got it sitting around, but don’t stress if you don’t. You really don’t need fancy stuff here, just good-quality beef.
If you want more creative ideas for beef, there’s always this creamy beef and shells one-pot meal that’s a hit for family nights.
Splurge a bit on the steak if you can—don’t go bargain-bin. The flavor difference is worth it. And honestly, use the salt and pepper like you mean it.
How to pick the best filet mignon
I can’t say this loud enough—start with a great steak. Look for filet mignon that’s red and vibrant, with tiny lines of fat marbling through it. You don’t want big white hunks of fat. Ask your butcher if they’ve got center-cut steaks—that’s the good stuff.
The steak should be firm to the touch (press gently). If it feels mushy or looks brown? Just walk away. Price is a good hint, too. If it seems too cheap, it’s probably not gonna blow your mind.
Bonus: Just chat up your butcher! Tell them you want something air fryer worthy—a lot of them love sharing tips. That’s where I learned most of my tricks, honestly.
Chef Tips
Here’s what I’ve messed up before (so you don’t have to):
If you rush the resting period—don’t do it. Your slices will gush juice all over the board, and you’ll lose the tenderness you worked for.
Don’t overload the air fryer basket. Space is key. If the steaks are smooshed together, you’ll get gray, steamed beef. Yuck.
Stick with fresh cracked pepper and real kosher salt. Trust me, it’s worth buying.
For a super fancy finish, top with a garlic herb butter (mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley). Even if you’re in sweats, you’ll feel fancy.
Oh, and if you want to keep switching up your air fryer game, try some bacon wrapped chicken breasts or air-fried sweet plantains to round out dinner.
“I never thought I could make restaurant-level filet at home until I tried this. My husband couldn’t believe it was done in an air fryer!” – Rachel M.
Serving Suggestions
- Let beef rest before slicing so it stays juicy.
- Slice it thick for big, juicy bites.
- Serve with roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a big pile of garlic bread.
- If you’re feeling bold, drizzle with balsamic glaze—total game changer.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use a different cut if I can’t find filet mignon?
A: Absolutely. Try sirloin or even ribeye, but filet mignon is top tier for tenderness.
Q: What if my steak is thicker/thinner?
A: Adjust cooking times a minute or two either way. Use a thermometer if you’re unsure.
Q: Do I have to flip halfway?
A: Please do. It gets both sides seared perfectly, trust me.
Q: My steak’s brown on the outside but raw inside. Help?
A: Lower the temp by 10 degrees and cook a couple extra minutes next time.
Q: Can I cook straight from frozen?
A: Yup, just add 5–7 mins extra. Texture isn’t quite the same, but it works in a pinch.
Let’s Wrap This Up—You Gotta Try It
So, Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin really is one of those surprisingly simple, game-changing dinners that’ll make you rethink grilling altogether. When you keep it basic—good beef, a few spices, hot air fryer—magic just happens (seriously). If you want more home-cooked steak inspiration, check out Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin for extra wine pairing ideas, or scope out how The BEST Air Fryer Filet Mignon | Mary’s Whole Life does it. Heck, you can even tweak sides and find a new favorite every week. Give it a shot, you won’t regret it—promise.
Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
Ingredients
Method
- Remove the filet mignon from the fridge and let it sit for 20-25 minutes to bring it to room temperature.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
- Rub olive oil on both sides, then sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional thyme.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the seasoned beef tenderloin in the basket without overcrowding.
- Cook for 9-11 minutes for medium rare, flipping halfway through.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
- Let the beef rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices in.
