Air Fryer Filet: A Quick, Crispy Delight?

Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a gourmet meal for two, or a simple weeknight dinner. Filet mignon is an expensive, premium cut of meat, known for its tenderness and flavour. While some people prefer to cook it on a grill or in a cast-iron skillet, cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a low-stress, hands-off method that produces a juicy, tender steak with minimal clean-up.

Air fryer filet mignon: the perfect date night meal

Air fryer filet mignon is the perfect meal for a date night or special occasion, and it's easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. It's ready in under 15 minutes and is an elevated meal that is both tender and juicy. Filet mignon is one of the most expensive cuts of steak, cut from the smaller end of the tenderloin, and is incredibly tender and delicious. It's the kind of steak that "melts in your mouth". While it can be a pricey dish when purchased at steakhouses, it's much more reasonable to make this restaurant-quality meal at home in your kitchen.

How to cook the perfect air fryer filet mignon:

First, take your steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes in advance and let them come to room temperature. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season all sides generously with salt and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with space between them.

Cook times will depend on how you like your steak cooked and the thickness of the steak. For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes, for medium-rare cook for 10-11 minutes, for medium cook for 11-12 minutes, for medium-well cook for 11.5-13 minutes, and for a well-done steak, cook for 14 minutes. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once cooked, let the steaks rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Sides and toppings:

Air fryer filet mignon goes well with a variety of sides, such as baked potatoes, asparagus, or your favourite side. It can also be topped with a slice of garlic herb butter, which can be made by combining butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt. This buttery tenderness will melt in your mouth and is the perfect steak seasoning.

How to achieve the perfect crust

Achieving a perfect crust on your filet mignon is a delicate process, but it's not impossible. Here are some tips to help you get that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy.

First, start by bringing your steaks to room temperature. Take them out of the refrigerator about 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This step helps the steaks cook more evenly and ensures a better crust. During this time, you can also make your garlic herb butter by combining butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt. Roll the mixture into a log shape using parchment paper and store it in the refrigerator until needed.

Next, pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for developing a nice crust. Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper, making sure to rub the seasonings into the meat. You can also add other spices like garlic powder or use a steak dry rub for extra flavor.

Preheating your air fryer is essential. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes before placing the steaks in the basket. Make sure to give the steaks enough room for proper air circulation.

Now, it's time to cook your steaks. For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes, medium-rare for 10-12 minutes, medium for 11-12 minutes, medium-well for 11.5-13 minutes, and well-done for 14 minutes. If you want to check the doneness, use an instant-read thermometer to gauge the internal temperature of the steaks.

Finally, let the steaks rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak with a perfect crust.

With these tips, you'll achieve a beautifully browned and crispy crust on your filet mignon, cooked to perfection in your air fryer.

The best sides to serve with your filet

There are many side dishes that can complement a filet cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Starchy Sides

• Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, such as Parmesan herb sweet potatoes or crispy roasted baby potatoes, are a great option. You can also try mashed potatoes or potatoes au gratin. Regular or sweet, red or baby, potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways to suit your taste.
• Mashed Rutabaga or Yuca: If you're looking for a non-potato option for a mashed carb, these two alternatives provide a similar texture and taste experience.

Vegetables

• Asparagus: This is a classic side dish that pairs well with filet mignon. You can prepare it simply or wrap it in prosciutto for a more indulgent option.
• Salads: A refreshing salad, such as a watermelon cucumber salad, can provide a nice contrast to the richness of the filet.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, or Brussels sprouts. These vegetables have a nice crunch and can be easily prepared in the air fryer alongside your filet.
• Sautéed Beet and Swiss Chard Greens: These greens offer a simple and quick side dish that won't overwhelm the flavor of the steak.
• Sauteed Mushrooms or Creamed Spinach: For a classic steakhouse side, try sauteed mushrooms or creamed spinach.

Remember, when choosing sides, it's a good idea to consider your personal preferences, the occasion, and the overall balance of flavors and textures on the plate.

The benefits of cooking filet in an air fryer

Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and convenient way to prepare this premium cut of beef. Here are some benefits of using an air fryer to cook filet mignon:

Quick and Easy Preparation

Air frying filet mignon is a straightforward process that requires minimal preparation. Simply coat the steaks with olive oil or butter, season generously with salt and pepper, and let them rest at room temperature for an even cook.

Short Cooking Time

Filet mignon cooks quickly in an air fryer, taking only about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. This is significantly faster than traditional methods such as grilling or oven roasting.

Hands-Off Cooking

The air fryer method is mostly hands-off, requiring no flipping, searing, or constant monitoring. You can set the timer and temperature and let the air fryer do the work, making it a low-maintenance cooking option.

Consistent and Delicious Results

Air frying yields a juicy, tender, and flavorful filet mignon every time. The controlled temperature and airflow of the air fryer ensure even cooking, resulting in a crisp exterior and a delectably juicy interior. The quick cooking time also helps retain moisture, contributing to the steak's tenderness.

Cost-Effective

Filet mignon is an expensive cut of beef, and dining out at steakhouses can be costly. Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality steak in the comfort of your own home at a fraction of the cost.

Versatile and Healthy

Air frying uses little to no excess oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Additionally, filet mignon pairs well with various side dishes, from creamy mashed potatoes to grilled asparagus, offering versatile meal options.

How to reheat your filet mignon leftovers

Filet mignon is one of the most expensive cuts of steak, so it's understandable that you'd want to make the most of your leftovers! Reheating your filet mignon in an air fryer is a great way to ensure your steak doesn't dry out and remains tender and juicy. Here's how to do it:

Firstly, remove your leftover steak from the refrigerator and pat it dry. It's best to take your steak out of the fridge around 20 minutes to an hour before reheating so that it can get to room temperature. This will help the meat cook evenly and prevent the outside from cooking faster than the inside.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F/190°C. This is an important step as it will prevent the steak from becoming overcooked on the outside before the centre is warmed. While the air fryer is preheating, lightly spray or brush your steak with olive oil. Oil conducts heat and will help the steak to reheat quickly and stay juicy. You can also add some steak seasoning at this point if you wish.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place your steak into the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space around the steak so that the hot air can reach all sides of the meat. If you are reheating more than one steak, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Now, you're ready to reheat your steak! Reheat at 380°F/190°C for 2-3 minute intervals, flipping the steak over after each interval. Check the internal temperature of the steak after each interval and continue reheating until the steak reaches at least 110°F/43°C in the centre of the thickest part. A very thick steak may take an additional 1-2 minutes.

Finally, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and for the steak to finish cooking. Then, serve your steak topped with garlic butter or your favourite steak sauce. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions