Air-Fried Filet Mignon: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Filet mignon is a premium, expensive cut of meat, known for its tenderness and juicy flavour. It is usually associated with fancy restaurants, but you can easily make it at home in an air fryer. The air fryer method is straightforward, requiring minimal prep and cleanup, and it produces a perfect, tender steak every time. You can cook filet mignon in an air fryer in under 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a date night or a weeknight meal.

Air fryer filet mignon is a great option for date night

Filet mignon is one of the most expensive cuts of steak, renowned for its incredible tenderness, juiciness, and flavor. By cooking it in an air fryer, you can achieve perfect results every time, with minimal effort and no need for a grill or stovetop. The air fryer's even cooking ensures a tender, juicy steak, and the simple recipe can be prepared in just a few minutes, leaving you more time to spend with your date.

To prepare, simply coat the steaks with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Some recipes suggest adding fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to enhance the flavor. You can also make a compound butter by mixing softened butter with herbs, garlic, and spices, which will melt over the steak for an extra indulgent touch.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the steaks in the basket, ensuring they're not overcrowded. Cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness, but for a 1" thick steak, it typically takes 9-14 minutes for rare to medium-well, and around 15 minutes for a well-done steak. It's best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring your steak is cooked just the way you like it.

With its ease, speed, and impressive results, air fryer filet mignon is a fantastic choice for a date night dinner. It's a simple way to create a romantic, restaurant-style atmosphere at home, without the hassle and expense of dining out. So, impress your date with your culinary skills and enjoy a delicious, tender steak, hot off the air fryer!

It's a simple, low-stress dish with minimal cleanup

Filet mignon is an expensive cut of meat, and it can be intimidating to cook because you don't want to mess it up. But this air fryer recipe is so foolproof and straightforward that it comes out perfect every single time. It's a simple, low-stress dish with minimal cleanup.

First, take your steaks out of the refrigerator about 20 to 30 minutes in advance and let them come to room temperature. This step is important and will improve the end result. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and rub both sides with olive oil. If you want to get creative, you can use avocado oil instead. Brush both sides of the filets with oil and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. Don't be shy with the salt—it will enhance the flavor of the meat. You can also add some fresh rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not crowded so they cook evenly. You might need to cook in batches. There's no need to flip the steaks while cooking, but you can if you want to. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 9 to 14 minutes for a rare or medium-rare steak. For a medium steak, cook for about 12 minutes, and for a well-done steak, it can take up to 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for your desired level of doneness.

Once your steaks are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy steak. Top with a pat of compound butter, garlic butter, or blue cheese crumbles, and you're ready to serve.

There you have it—a simple, low-stress filet mignon dish with minimal cleanup. Impress your date or treat yourself to a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

The steak is tender, juicy and perfectly cooked

The key to getting a perfect, juicy steak is to ensure that the meat is brought to room temperature before cooking. Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 20 to 30 minutes in advance. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and rub both sides with olive oil. This helps the seasoning adhere well to the meat.

When it comes to seasoning, be generous! Use coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can also add fresh rosemary or dried rosemary, as well as other herbs like thyme, sage, or garlic powder. If you want to get creative, make a compound butter by combining softened butter with garlic, parsley, and salt, and then serving it on top of the steaks.

Now, it's time to cook the steaks. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded so that they cook evenly. Depending on your desired doneness, cook the steaks for 9 to 14 minutes for rare, 10 to 13 minutes for medium-rare, 11 to 14 minutes for medium, and 14 to 15 minutes for well-done. For the best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks.

Once the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Finally, slice the steaks against the grain and serve them immediately. Enjoy the perfect, tender, and juicy air-fried filet mignon!

It's much cheaper than eating out at a restaurant

Filet mignon is an expensive cut of meat, but cooking it at home in an air fryer is a much more affordable option than dining out at a restaurant. While filet mignon is one of the priciest cuts of steak you can buy, it is still cheaper to cook it yourself at home than to order it at a steakhouse.

Preparing filet mignon in an air fryer is a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the price. The air fryer method requires minimal prep work and cleanup, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option for a special dinner or date night.

One of the advantages of cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is the ability to control the quality of ingredients. By choosing high-quality olive oil, fresh herbs, and seasoning, you can create a gourmet meal without the gourmet price tag. The simplicity of the recipe means you can focus on selecting the best ingredients within your budget, resulting in a delicious and elegant dish.

In addition to being a more economical option, cooking filet mignon in an air fryer offers several benefits. The air fryer ensures consistent results, producing a tender and juicy steak every time. The cooking process is also smoke-free, leaving your kitchen clean and odour-free.

Preparing filet mignon in an air fryer is a great way to enjoy a restaurant-style meal without breaking the bank. With its ease of preparation, minimal cleanup, and high-quality results, air-frying filet mignon is a cost-effective alternative to dining out, allowing you to indulge in a special meal without the hefty price tag.

You can serve it with a variety of sides

For a more classic steakhouse experience, serve your air-fried filet mignon with mashed cauliflower, roasted broccoli and cauliflower, roasted green beans, sauteed mushrooms, or creamed spinach. If you're looking for something more carb-heavy, baked potatoes and garlic bread are always a good option.

If you're short on time, simply season the steaks with salt and pepper and cook them in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a more gourmet experience, make a compound butter with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic, and let it harden in the refrigerator before cooking. Then, coat the steaks with olive oil, season them, and cook them in the air fryer. Top the cooked steaks with the compound butter and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving with your chosen sides.

Frequently asked questions