Air-Frying Fillet Steak: A Quick, Easy, Juicy Option?

Cooking the perfect steak can be intimidating, especially with an air fryer. However, air fryers can be used to cook a fillet steak to your desired doneness in under 20 minutes. The air fryer is an easy, hassle-free, and quick way to cook a steak, and it keeps all the juices in. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak and how well-done you like your steak. To ensure the steak is cooked properly, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

How to season a fillet steak for the air fryer

Cooking a fillet steak in an air fryer is straightforward and results in a juicy, tender steak. The key to success is in the seasoning and the timing.

Firstly, bring your steaks to room temperature. This ensures the steak cooks evenly and improves the texture. Aim for 20-30 minutes before cooking.

Pat the steaks dry with kitchen paper or a clean cloth. You can then brush or drizzle with olive oil, or avocado oil. Season generously with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper. If you like a sweet and salty flavour, add a pinch of sugar to the seasoning.

If you want to add extra flavour, you can marinate the steak in a dressing or a marinade. You could also add a steak rub or a dry rub.

The best cut of fillet steak for the air fryer

Cooking a fillet steak in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to prepare a juicy and tender steak. The best cut of fillet steak for the air fryer is the filet mignon, which is cut from the smaller end of the tenderloin. It is one of the most expensive cuts of steak, known for being incredibly tender and juicy.

When cooking fillet steak in an air fryer, it is important to consider the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. The cooking time will vary depending on these factors, but generally, a 1-inch thick steak will take around 10-12 minutes for a medium-rare finish. For a rare steak, reduce the cooking time to 9-10 minutes, and for a well-done steak, increase the time to 14 minutes. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it is cooked to your preference.

To prepare the steak, season it generously with salt and black pepper, and brush both sides with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it is not overcrowded, and cook according to your desired level of doneness. After cooking, let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and make the steak more tender.

The air fryer is a convenient and straightforward way to cook a fillet steak, and with the right cut of meat and proper seasoning, you can achieve a restaurant-quality steak in the comfort of your own home.

How long to cook a fillet steak in an air fryer

Cooking a fillet steak in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to prepare a juicy and tender steak. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.

Firstly, bring your steak to room temperature by removing it from the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This will ensure your steak cooks evenly and improves the texture. Pat the steak dry with kitchen paper and season generously with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or olive oil.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between the steaks for airflow. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. If your steak is thicker, you will need to increase the cooking time accordingly.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 120°F-130°F, for medium-rare 130°F, for medium 140°F, for medium-well 150°F, and for a well-done steak, 160°F.

Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the steak more tender. You can serve your fillet steak with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a refreshing salad.

What temperature to cook a fillet steak in an air fryer

Cooking a fillet steak in an air fryer is straightforward and you can have a juicy, perfectly cooked steak in under 20 minutes.

Firstly, allow your steak to come to room temperature before cooking. Take it out of the fridge for 20-25 minutes or up to 30 minutes beforehand. This helps the steak cook evenly and ensures it's less tough.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 200 °C or 400 °F. Season the steaks with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavours and give the steak a caramelized crust. If you want to add a sauce, now is a good time to make it.

Once preheated, place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking. Lightly coat the basket with oil or use a non-stick cooking spray to prevent the steak from sticking.

The cooking time for fillet steak in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak and how well-done you like your steak. As a general guideline, cook at 400 °F for 9-10 minutes for rare, 10-11 minutes for medium-rare, 11-12 minutes for medium, 11.5–13 minutes for medium-well, and 14 minutes for well-done. Flip the steaks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Check the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked to your liking. Rare steak should be between 120 °F and 130 °F, medium-rare should be 130 °F, medium should be 140 °F, medium-well should be 150 °F, and well-done should be 160 °F.

After cooking, let the steak rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and juicy.

What to serve with a fillet steak cooked in an air fryer

Fillet steak is a delicious and juicy cut of meat that can be cooked to perfection in an air fryer. But what should you serve with it? Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

Sides to Serve with Fillet Steak

First things first, let's talk about the sides. A good side dish can complement your steak and make the meal more enjoyable. Here are some options:

• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, asparagus, or a mix of grilled veggies go well with steak. You can also try something different like spiralizing and roasting your favourite veg for a unique twist.
• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or even baked potatoes are classic choices. For a more indulgent option, try potatoes au gratin, which combines creamy cheese and potatoes. Dauphinoise potatoes, with their rich and creamy texture, are also a perfect pairing.
• Salads: A simple green salad or a more complex salad like a peppery arugula salad with roasted beets can add a fresh and crunchy element to your meal.
• Fries: Who can resist a classic? Serve your steak with a side of crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a heartier option.
• Bread: Try serving your steak with a side of warm, soft pita bread or a baguette slice with melted cheese for a tasty crostini.

Sauces to Accompany Your Fillet Steak

Now, let's talk about sauces. A good sauce can enhance the flavour of your steak and make it even more mouthwatering:

• Herb Butter: A slice of garlic herb butter on top of your steak is a classic choice, adding tons of flavour to every bite.
• Béarnaise Sauce: This French sauce, made with tarragon, shallots, and vinegar, is a perfect pairing for steak and adds a slight vinegar tang.
• Pepper Sauce: For something a little different, try a pepper sauce. It's a classic French sauce with a peppery kick that will complement your steak beautifully.
• Cheese Sauce: For an indulgent and savoury option, a rich cheese sauce like a béchamel or a simple melted knob of butter with some salt and pepper can be a perfect pairing.

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