Air-Frying Fillet Steak: Is It Possible?

Fillet steak is an expensive cut of meat, and cooking it can be intimidating. But an air fryer can help you achieve that tender and juicy steak with minimal cleanup. There are several recipes for cooking fillet steak in an air fryer, with cooking times ranging from 6 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. The key to success is to preheat the air fryer, ensure the steak comes to room temperature before cooking, and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

How to prepare your fillet steak for the air fryer

Preparing your fillet steak for the air fryer is simple and quick. Firstly, take your steaks out of the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature. This usually takes around 20-30 minutes. This step is important as it helps the steak cook more evenly and results in more tender meat.

Next, pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Then, brush or drizzle olive oil onto the steaks, coating both sides. After this, season the steaks generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like rosemary, thyme, or sage. If you want to add even more flavour, you can let the steaks marinate for about 10 minutes after seasoning.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 350 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between them for air to circulate. Now, your fillet steaks are ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

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. The thicker the steak, the longer the cooking time. As a guide, use 1-inch steaks and adjust the cooking time accordingly if your steaks are thicker.

To cook a fillet steak in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the steaks in the basket and cook for 6 minutes. Turn the steak and cook for a further 2 minutes. At this point, your steak should be rare to medium-rare. For a medium steak, cook for a further 2 minutes, and for a well-done steak, cook for an additional 2 minutes.

For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the internal temperature reaches 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10-11 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees Fahrenheit. For a medium steak, cook for 11-12 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For a medium-well steak, cook for 11.5-13 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, for a well-done steak, cook for 14 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the fillet. To ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.

After cooking, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to become more tender. Simply transfer the steaks to a plate and cover them loosely with foil.

Resting the steak

The length of time you should let the steak rest depends on the thickness of the steak and the desired doneness. For a 1.5-inch-thick steak, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. If your steak is thicker, it may need a little longer to rest, up to 10 minutes. If you are cooking your steak to a lower internal temperature, such as rare or medium-rare, a shorter resting time of 2-3 minutes may be preferable.

While the steak rests, you can prepare the garlic herb butter by combining softened butter with garlic, herbs, and salt to taste. You can also slice the butter into portions to place on top of the steak. The heat from the steak will melt the butter, adding extra flavour and moisture to the dish.

Finally, don't forget to let your steak come to room temperature before cooking. This step helps the steak cook more evenly and improves the final texture. Take the steak out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking and let it sit at room temperature.

Making a compound butter

Yes, you can cook fillet steak in an air fryer! Fillet steak, or filet mignon, is a pricey, yet tender cut of beef that can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes.

Compound butter is a simple mix of butter and herbs or aromatics, which can be stored in the fridge or freezer and used to add flavour to your steak.

Firstly, choose your herbs and aromatics. For a classic compound butter, you can use fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. Alternatively, for a blue cheese butter, use blue cheese, parsley, and garlic. If you're making garlic herb butter, you can use a combination of butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt.

Next, combine your chosen ingredients in a bowl and mix well. If you're using butter straight from the fridge, you may want to soften it first by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also use a fork to mash the butter and combine the ingredients.

Once you've made your compound butter, transfer it to a piece of parchment paper and shape it into a rough log. You can then wrap it and store it in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to use it.

When you're ready to serve your steak, cut the compound butter into rounds or pats and place one on top of each steak. The heat from the steak will slowly melt the butter, infusing your meat with flavour.

There you have it! A simple and delicious compound butter to take your fillet steak to the next level.

What to serve with your fillet steak

There are many side dishes that can accompany a juicy fillet steak cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:

Salads

A fresh, crunchy salad can be a great pairing with your steak. A simple green leaf salad with a French-style vinaigrette is a classic choice. You can add some beetroot for extra colour and flavour. If you're looking for something more substantial, try a peppery arugula salad with mixed citrus and roasted beets, or a salade Catalane with roasted red peppers, anchovies, and hard-boiled eggs.

Vegetables

Grilled or roasted vegetables are always a good option. Asparagus, spinach, and broccoli are popular choices, and you can also try something different like charred broccolini or thyme-roasted radishes. If you're feeling indulgent, coat your greens in cream or butter—creamed spinach or buttery peas, anyone?

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic side dish for steak. Baked potatoes, Dauphinoise potatoes, or simple fries are all great choices. For something more sophisticated, try potatoes au gratin, combining cheddar and Gruyère, or twice-baked potatoes.

Other Sides

If you're looking for something a little different, there are plenty of options. Mac 'n' cheese, homemade refried beans, or coleslaw can all be great sides for steak. For a more sophisticated flavour, try a side of chickpea salad with warm pita bread, or smoky, spicy chorizo-infused butter with sweet potatoes.

There are endless possibilities for sides to serve with your fillet steak, so feel free to get creative and choose options that suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Frequently asked questions