Air-Fried Fillet Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Fillet steak is an expensive cut of beef, so it's important to get it right when cooking. Air fryers are a quick and easy way to cook a juicy and tender fillet steak, with minimal cleanup. The process is straightforward: preheat the air fryer, season the steaks, place them in the basket, and cook for 8-10 minutes for medium-rare or 13-18 minutes for medium to well-done. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.

How to season fillet steak

The fillet steak is a premium cut of beef, taken from the centre of the sirloin, and is the most tender cut of beef. When cooked properly, it has a melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Before you begin to season the steak, it is important to let the meat come to room temperature. Take the steak out of the fridge 20-30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This will help the steak cook more evenly.

Step 2: Seasoning

Fillet steak is best served rare to medium-rare. Just before cooking, pat the steak dry with kitchen paper and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried or fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme. Be sure to brush or rub the steak with a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil, which will help the seasonings stick to the meat and promote even browning.

Step 3: Cooking

The cooking method you choose will depend on your personal preference and equipment. You can pan-fry, griddle, barbecue, or air-fry the steak.

• Pan-Frying/Griddling: Heat a heavy-based frying pan or ridged griddle pan until hot. Place the steak in the pan and cook, turning once, for 4-8 minutes on each side, depending on your desired level of doneness. Baste the meat with butter as it cooks.
• Barbecuing: Light the barbecue and wait until the coals are covered in white ash. Pat the steak dry, season, and rub with oil. Place the steak on the grill with the lid on and cook for 3-7 minutes on each side.
• Air-Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C. Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-14 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook for 6-9 minutes, for medium-rare cook for 8-11 minutes, and for medium to well-done, cook for 12-14 minutes.

Step 4: Resting

After cooking, it is important to let the steak rest to retain its flavourful juices. Transfer the steak to a plate or wire cooling rack and loosely cover it with foil. Let the steak rest for 3-10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked fillet steak!

How to cook fillet steak in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 fillet steaks
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Onion powder (optional)

Method

• Take your steaks out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for 20-25 minutes.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400 °F.
• Season your steaks with salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavour.
• Place the steaks in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes for medium-rare or 13-18 minutes for medium to well-done. If you like your steak rare, cook for 7-9 minutes.
• Flip the steaks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Once the steaks are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• It's important to let the steaks rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to become more tender.
• The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks and how well-done you like your steak. Keep an eye on the steaks and use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature.
• To prevent the steaks from sticking to the air fryer basket, lightly coat the basket with oil or use a non-stick cooking spray before adding the steaks.

How to cook frozen steak in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook frozen steak in an air fryer, but it is recommended to thaw the steak first for the best results. Frozen steak will require a longer cooking time and may not cook as evenly.

• Preheat your air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F/190°C for 5 minutes. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for most frozen meats, as they will cook better when the machine is already hot.
• Prepare the steak: Place the frozen steaks on a plate and brush or rub both sides with olive oil. The oil will help keep the steaks tender and ensure that the seasonings adhere well.
• Season the steak: Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and pepper. You can also add additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• Cook the steak: Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket and cook at 380°F/190°C for 13-16 minutes for a medium-rare steak. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For a well-done steak, cook for 14 to 18 minutes. Remember to flip the steaks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Rest the steak: After cooking, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and juicy steak.
• Serve: Garnish the steak with fresh herbs like parsley if desired and enjoy with your favourite sides.

Note: The cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the model of your air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it is cooked to your desired doneness.

How to stop steak from sticking to the air fryer basket

Yes, you can cook fillet steak in an air fryer. Here are some tips to prevent your steak from sticking to the air fryer basket:

Use a small amount of oil

A small amount of oil will help to prevent sticking and promote browning. Dry the steak first, then rub it with oil. You can also brush the steak with oil.

Spray the basket with vegetable oil spray

Spraying the basket with vegetable oil spray will create a protective layer that will help to prevent food from sticking.

Use a foil sling

You can place a sheet of aluminium foil in the basket, folding and pressing it into the sides of the basket. This will prevent the steak from sticking and make it easier to remove from the basket.

Use a non-stick cooking spray

Lightly coat the basket with a non-stick cooking spray before placing the steak in the air fryer. This will create a non-stick surface and help to prevent sticking.

Use a silicone mat

Silicone mats, such as pyramid silicone mats, can be placed in the basket and allow for air circulation while preventing sticking.

Pre-grease the basket

You can pre-grease the basket with oil using a brush to fully coat the surface.

Use parchment paper

You can use parchment paper, but be sure to poke holes in it to allow for airflow and keep the temperature under 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burning.

How long to cook fillet steak in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook fillet steak in an air fryer. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak and how well-done you like your steak.

• Rare: 7-9 minutes at 200°C
• Medium-rare: 10-12 minutes at 200°C
• Medium: 13-15 minutes at 200°C
• Well-done: 16-18 minutes at 200°C

For example, if you like your steak medium-rare, you should cook it for 10-12 minutes at 200°C. If you prefer your steak well-done, increase the cooking time to 16-18 minutes.

It's important to remember that these are just guidelines, and the actual cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your steak and the specific model of your air fryer. Always keep an eye on your steak while it's cooking to avoid overcooking it.

Additionally, it's a good idea to preheat your air fryer for a couple of minutes before adding the steak. This helps ensure even cooking. Also, don't forget to flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to get an even cook on both sides.

When cooking fillet steak in an air fryer, it's best to use tender cuts like fillet mignon, ribeye, or sirloin. These cuts are particularly well-suited for air frying and will result in juicy and tender steak.

Before cooking, dry off the steaks with kitchen paper or a clean cloth. Then, brush them with oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder to enhance the flavour.

Once your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak is moist and flavoursome.

Frequently asked questions