Air-Fried Filet Mignon: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Filet mignon is an expensive, premium cut of steak, known for being juicy and tender. It is usually cooked in a cast-iron skillet, on a grill, or in an oven, but it can also be cooked in an air fryer.

Air-frying filet mignon is a quick and easy way to cook the steak, with minimal clean-up required. The air fryer method also produces a tender and juicy steak, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

To cook filet mignon in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Brush or drizzle olive oil on the steaks and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them, and cook for 9-16 minutes, depending on how well you like your steak cooked.

For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10-11 minutes, and for a well-done steak, cook for 14 minutes. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the steak.

How to cook filet mignon in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 x 8-oz filet mignon steaks
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Method

• Remove the steaks from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
• Make the garlic herb butter by combining the butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Use a fork to mix it well. Transfer the butter to a piece of parchment paper and roll the paper while forming the butter into a log shape. Fold the paper to cover the butter completely and place it in the refrigerator.
• Brush both sides of the steaks with olive oil and sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper.
• Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between them.
• Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-14 minutes for rare, 10-15 minutes for medium-rare, 11-16 minutes for medium, 11.5-16 minutes for medium-well, and 14-16 minutes for well done. Use a meat thermometer to check for the right temperature: 120 degrees Fahrenheit for rare, 130 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare, 140 degrees Fahrenheit for medium, 150 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-well, or 160 degrees Fahrenheit for well done.
• Let the steaks rest for 3-5 minutes, then serve with a slice of garlic herb butter.

Tips

• Choose a nice store or butcher shop to buy your meat from. Look for USDA Prime or Choice cuts and a center cut.
• Don't overcrowd your air fryer. If you want to cook more than two steaks, cook them in batches.
• You don't need to flip the steaks while they're in the air fryer.

What temperature to cook filet mignon in an air fryer

Filet mignon is a pricey dish, but with an air fryer, it has never been easier to make absolutely perfect steak, every single time.

How to cook filet mignon in an air fryer:

Firstly, bring your steak to room temperature. This ensures that the steaks cook evenly. About 30 minutes before cooking, take your steaks out of the refrigerator.

Next, mix your garlic herb butter. In a small bowl, make compound butter according to your chosen recipe instructions. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Then, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.

After that, prep and season your filet mignon steaks. Trim any extra tissue or fat from the steaks. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Now it's time to air fry your steaks. Place them in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching each other (cook in batches if necessary).

Finally, let the steaks rest for 3-5 minutes, then serve with a slice of garlic herb butter.

Air fryer filet mignon cook time:

The cooking time for your filet mignon will vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and the temperature of your air fryer. It is best to use a meat thermometer to check for the right temperature.

For a 1.5-inch steak, the cooking time will be:

• 9-10 minutes for rare (120 degrees F)
• 10-11 minutes for medium-rare (130 degrees F)
• 11-12 minutes for medium (140 degrees F)
• 11.5-13 minutes for medium-well (150 degrees F)
• 14 minutes for well done (160 degrees F)

How long to cook filet mignon in an air fryer

The cooking time for filet mignon in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steaks and the desired level of doneness. For a 1.5-inch steak, rare doneness can be achieved in 9-10 minutes, while a well-done steak may take up to 14 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model and its power. As such, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure the desired level of doneness is achieved.

• Rare: 9-10 minutes
• Medium-Rare: 10-13 minutes
• Medium: 11-14 minutes
• Medium-Well: 13-15 minutes
• Well-Done: 14-16 minutes

It is worth mentioning that the steak will continue to cook for a few minutes after being removed from the air fryer, so it is advisable to remove it from the heat just before it reaches the desired internal temperature. Additionally, letting the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak.

How to prepare filet mignon for air frying

Preparing filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this premium cut of meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Choose Your Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is a cut of beef from the smaller end of the tenderloin. It is known for being incredibly tender, juicy, and delicious. When selecting your filet mignon, look for a bright red colour with minimal marbling and fat. The meat should feel firm and cold, indicating that it is fresh. Aim for a uniform thickness so that the steak cooks evenly in the air fryer.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

Take the steaks out of the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This step is important as it helps the steaks cook more evenly and reduces the chance of overcooking. You can also pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture and help develop a nice crust. If desired, you can also marinate the steaks in olive oil and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Make the Compound Butter (Optional)

A compound butter is not necessary, but it can take your filet mignon to the next level. To make it, simply combine softened butter with your choice of herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley), garlic, and salt. Mix it well, form it into a log shape using parchment paper, and refrigerate until hardened.

Step 4: Air Fry the Steaks

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. If needed, cook the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding. The cooking time will depend on your desired doneness and the thickness of the steaks. As a guide, for a 1.5-inch thick steak:

• Rare: 9-10 minutes
• Medium-Rare: 10-13 minutes
• Medium: 12-14 minutes
• Medium-Well: 13-15 minutes
• Well-Done: 14-16 minutes

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks to ensure they are cooked to your liking.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the steaks are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Finally, serve the steaks with a slice of compound butter on top, if desired, and enjoy!

What to serve with air fryer filet mignon

There are many side dishes that can complement air fryer filet mignon. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted potatoes: Parmesan herb air fryer sweet potatoes, crispy roasted air fryer baby potatoes, or red potatoes.
• Mashed carbs: Mashed rutabaga or mashed yuca.
• Greens: Sautéed beet and Swiss chard greens, or kohlrabi greens with bacon.
• Baked potato
• Asparagus
• Mashed cauliflower
• Roasted broccoli and cauliflower
• Oven-roasted green beans
• Air-fried Brussels sprouts

Frequently asked questions