Air-Fried Filet Mignon: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Filet mignon is a pricey and tender cut of beef, making it an intimidating dish to cook at home. However, it is possible to cook filet mignon in an air fryer, and doing so can produce a juicy, tender, and delicious steak with minimal cleanup. This method can be used to create a gourmet meal for a special occasion or date night, or it can be a simple weeknight dinner.

How to choose the best cut of filet mignon

Filet mignon is widely considered to be the most tender cut of steak, but it may not be the most flavourful. It is also one of the most expensive cuts of steak, and its price is due to the fact that it is cut from a relatively small muscle, so there is less of it per animal.

When choosing the best cut of filet mignon, it is important to consider the way in which you plan to cook it. For example, the best steak for a grill is different from the best steak to braise. Filet mignon is a good option for those who prefer a tender steak, as it is cut from the smaller, narrow tip of the tenderloin in the short loin region of the cow. This is the most tender part of the meat, but it has the least amount of flavour. If you prefer a more flavourful steak, you may want to opt for a ribeye, which is still tender but has more fat.

The best cut of filet mignon will also depend on personal preference. Some people may prefer a steak with bone-in, while others may prefer a boneless steak. It is also important to consider the size of the steak, as well as the marbling, which refers to the amount of fat and muscle in the meat. A well-marbled steak will have more flavour, but may be less tender.

When purchasing filet mignon, it is important to choose a reputable source, such as a local butcher, to ensure the meat is of good quality. It is also important to consider the grade of the meat, with higher grades indicating better quality. Finally, when selecting the best cut of filet mignon, it is crucial to keep in mind the cooking method you plan to use, as this will impact the overall taste and texture of the steak.

Preparing the filet mignon for the air fryer

Preparing filet mignon in an air fryer is a straightforward process that delivers juicy and tender results. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried filet mignon:

Selecting the Meat:

Begin by choosing a bright red filet mignon with very slight marbling. Look for thin "lines" of fat within the meat, and avoid any cuts with silver skin, as this can be tough to chew. If your cut has silver skin, trim it off before cooking.

Preparing the Butter:

The garlic herb butter is a key component of this dish. To prepare it, combine softened butter with your choice of garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, and salt. Use a fork to mash and mix the ingredients together in a bowl. Transfer the seasoned butter onto a piece of parchment paper and shape it into a log. Refrigerate the butter while you prepare the steaks.

Seasoning the Steaks:

Let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. Drizzle or brush both sides of the steaks generously with olive oil. This step ensures that the seasoning adheres well to the meat. Season the steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be generous with the seasoning, especially the salt, as it will enhance the flavour of the meat.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/205°C. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overcrowd the basket. Air fry the steaks according to your desired doneness, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a rare steak, cook for about 9-10 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 120°F/48.9°C. For medium-rare, cook for 10-11 minutes, targeting an internal temperature of 130°F/54.4°C. Medium steaks will take around 11-12 minutes and should reach an internal temperature of 140°F/60°C.

Resting and Serving:

Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavourful steak. Finally, top the steaks with slices of your prepared garlic herb butter and serve with your favourite sides.

Preparing filet mignon in an air fryer is a simple and rewarding process that guarantees a delicious and tender steak every time.

Cooking the filet mignon in the air fryer

Filet mignon is an expensive cut of meat, so it can feel 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 also a great option if you want to avoid the smoke that comes with cooking steak on a stovetop.

Before you start, bring your steaks to room temperature by taking them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes in advance. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/205°C.

Brush or drizzle both sides of the filets with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, coriander, and red pepper flakes. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can use dried ones. Choose a good-quality olive oil since there are so few ingredients in this recipe.

Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not overcrowded. If you're cooking more than two steaks, you may need to do this in batches.

Cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of your steaks. As a guide, cook for 3-4 minutes per side for rare, 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, 5-6 minutes per side for medium, and 6-7 minutes per side for well-done. For a medium steak, you can also cook at 400 degrees for 15 minutes without flipping. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 120-122ºF for rare, 125-130ºF for medium-rare, 135-140ºF for medium, 145-150ºF for medium-well, and 155-160ºF for well-done.

Once the steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier steak. Top with a pat of compound butter, such as garlic herb butter, blue cheese butter, or another preferred topping.

Making garlic herb butter to accompany the steak

Filet mignon is a pricey and special cut of beef, so you'll want to get it right! Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a great way to ensure a juicy, tender steak with minimal cleanup.

Making garlic herb butter is simple and adds tons of flavor to your filet mignon. Here's a recipe you can follow:

Ingredients:

• Butter, softened to room temperature
• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary)
• Garlic (powder or fresh cloves)
• Salt (flaky or kosher)
• Red pepper (crushed or whole flakes)
• Lemon zest

Method:

• Combine the softened butter with your chosen herbs, garlic, and seasonings in a small bowl.
• Mash or mix the ingredients until well combined.
• The garlic herb butter can be used immediately but is also great to make ahead. It will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• When your steak is cooked and rested, add a spoonful of the garlic herb butter on top.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste and experiment with different herbs and seasonings. You can also try adding ingredients like chives or olive oil for a unique twist. Enjoy your restaurant-quality filet mignon cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

Choosing side dishes to serve with the filet mignon

Filet mignon is a gourmet dish that is perfect for a special occasion or date night. It is an expensive cut of steak, known for being incredibly tender, juicy, and delicious. The air fryer method is a great way to cook this dish to perfection with minimal cleanup.

Now, let's talk about the side dishes that will elevate your filet mignon experience. Here are some options to choose from, including classics and creative twists, to create a well-rounded and indulgent meal:

Classic Steak Sides

Start with the classics, which are classics for a reason! These sides are traditional steak accompaniments and will never go out of style:

• Baked Potato: A steakhouse favorite, baked potatoes are a versatile side that can be loaded with various toppings such as butter, sour cream, bacon, cheese, onions, or garlic to suit your taste.
• Mashed Potato: Creamy mashed potatoes are another popular option, offering a hearty and comforting complement to the steak.
• French Fries: Crispy potato skins or French fries are a fun break from the traditional baked or mashed potatoes.
• Salad: A lettuce-based salad, such as a Caesar salad or a wedge salad, provides a fresh and crisp contrast to the richness of the steak. The tangy dressing, Parmesan cheese, anchovies, and croutons in a Caesar salad add a punch of flavor. Meanwhile, a wedge salad—a large wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with blue cheese dressing, bacon, and blue cheese crumbles—offers a unique flavor complement.
• Bread: Warm bread, such as dinner rolls, biscuits, sourdough, or French bread, is always a welcome addition to the table, especially when paired with garlic butter.

Vegetable Sides

Vegetable sides offer a healthy and flavorful option to pair with your filet mignon:

• Asparagus: Grilled or roasted asparagus is a simple yet elegant side dish. For a keto-friendly option, try wrapping your asparagus in prosciutto and serving it with a squeeze of lemon.
• Green Beans: Green beans are a healthy and tasty option, offering a crisp and fresh mouthfeel to complement the steak.
• Brussels Sprouts: Roasted or sautéed Brussels sprouts add a nice variety to your vegetable sides.
• Spinach: Sautéed spinach is a classic steak side, providing a nutritious and flavorful option.
• Roasted Beet Risotto with Goat Cheese: For a more indulgent and creative vegetable side, try this risotto dish that is perfect for a special occasion.

Creative Sides

If you're feeling adventurous or want to add a unique twist to your meal, try these sides:

• Mushrooms: Sauteed mushrooms are a classic steakhouse topping or side dish. Their natural smoky flavor enhances the taste of the beef.
• Garlic Butter Rice: This flavorful rice dish is a delicious alternative to potatoes and pairs well with the steak.
• Hasselback Potatoes: These are an interesting variation on the classic baked potato. Drenched in garlic herb butter, they offer a crispy-on-the-outside and pillowy-on-the-inside texture contrast.
• Potatoes Au Gratin: For a more indulgent potato dish, try this creamy and cheesy option.
• Salads: If you're looking for something lighter, try a watermelon cucumber salad or a broccoli cauliflower salad.

Frequently asked questions