Air-Fried Filet Mignon: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Filet mignon is a cut of beef from the smaller end of the tenderloin. It is one of the most expensive cuts of steak, known for being incredibly tender, juicy, and delicious. While it is a pricey dish to order at steakhouses, it can be cooked at home in an air fryer with minimal prep, effortless cooking, and cleanup. This method of cooking filet mignon is perfect for a date night or an easy weeknight meal, yielding a tender and juicy steak with a garlic herb butter topping.

Choosing the best cut of filet mignon

Pick a Reputable Store:

Start by selecting a good store to buy your meat. If you have access to a local butcher shop, that's a great option. Otherwise, opt for a grocery store with a well-regarded meat department. Stores like Wegman's, Whole Foods, or Sprouts may be pricier, but they typically offer fresh and high-quality meat.

Choose USDA Prime or Choice Cuts:

When selecting your filet mignon, look for cuts that are graded as USDA Prime or Choice. These grades indicate the top-quality cuts based on the USDA grading system, ensuring that you get the best possible meat.

Opt for Center Cut:

Go for a center cut whenever possible. While it may be a little more expensive, it's worth the extra cost to get a truly exceptional piece of meat.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help:

If you're unsure or need guidance, don't hesitate to ask the meat department staff. They are there to assist you in choosing the right cut, especially if you're splurging on a steak like filet mignon.

Thickness and Weight:

The thickness of the steaks will impact the cooking time, so choose a cut that suits your preferred doneness. Filet mignon is typically cut into small, round steaks, and the weight can vary. A standard steak might weigh around 8 ounces, but you can also find larger or smaller options.

Freshness and Colour:

Look for meat that appears fresh and has a bright, red colour. Avoid cuts with excessive amounts of liquid in the package, as this could indicate that the meat has been frozen and thawed, affecting its texture and quality.

Marbling:

While filet mignon is known for its leanness, a small amount of marbling (intramuscular fat) can enhance the flavour and juiciness of the steak. However, if you prefer a leaner option, go for a cut with minimal marbling.

Storage and Packaging:

Check the packaging and storage conditions of the meat. Make sure it is properly refrigerated and displayed in a clean and hygienic manner. Avoid meat that has been left out at room temperature for extended periods.

Remember, when choosing the best cut of filet mignon, it's worth investing in quality. This cut of steak is known for its tenderness and flavour, so selecting the right one will elevate your dining experience.

Preparing the meat before cooking

Let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking. Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook them. This is an important step as it helps the steaks cook more evenly and reduces the chance of overcooking.

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This step will help to remove any extra moisture from the surface of the meat and promote a nice crust formation during cooking.

Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Don't be shy with the seasoning, as it will enhance the natural flavour of the meat. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra boost of flavour.

For an extra crispy exterior, spread a thin layer of butter or olive oil on the outside of the steaks before seasoning. This step is optional but can take your filet mignon to the next level.

If you want to add a flavourful boost to your steaks, try marinating them in olive oil before seasoning. This will not only help the steaks cook more evenly but will also make them juicier and more tender.

If you're using an oven-style air fryer, place the steaks on the racks instead of the basket. This will ensure better air circulation and more even cooking.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for filet mignon in an air fryer will depend on your desired level of doneness.

For a rare steak, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-10 minutes. For a medium-rare steak, cook at the same temperature for 10-11 minutes. If you prefer your steak medium, cook it at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 11-12 minutes. A medium-well steak will take 11.5–13 minutes, and a well-done steak will take 14 minutes.

You can check the temperature of your steak with a meat thermometer. A rare steak should be cooked to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, while a medium-rare steak should be 130 degrees Fahrenheit. A medium steak should be cooked to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and a medium-well steak should be 150 degrees Fahrenheit. A well-done steak should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's important to let the steaks rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Resting the meat

During cooking, protein fibres uncoil and then coagulate, recoiling and becoming firm. As the protein molecules become firm, they expel the moisture that was previously held by the proteins. When you let the meat rest, the protein fibres relax and reabsorb some of the moisture that was lost. This allows the juices to be reabsorbed into the fibres of the meat. If you skip this step, you will lose more of the flavorful juices when the meat is cut.

The internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise during the resting period, so you should remove the meat from the heat source before it reaches its target doneness temperature. This is called carry-over cooking. The amount of heat rise during resting depends on the mass of the meat—the larger the mass, the more the temperature at the core will rise.

Tenting the meat with aluminium foil will help to conserve heat while still allowing some air circulation to avoid steaming the meat surface. If you want to preserve a crispy exterior, a warmed oven (with the heat turned off) is a great resting location.

For a small steak, the internal temperature can be expected to rise at least 3-4°F during resting. For a larger roast or turkey, this can be as much as 10-15°F. The final doneness of the meat is directly related to the internal temperature it reaches after resting.

When cooking filet mignon in an air fryer, it is recommended to let the meat rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Serving suggestions

Filet mignon is a luxurious cut of meat, so you'll want to serve it with some special sides. Here are some ideas to make your meal memorable:

• Mashed potatoes—a classic, comforting side dish that will complement the filet mignon perfectly.
• Air fryer carrots—a healthy and colourful option that can be cooked in the air fryer alongside the steak.
• Air fryer garlic bread—a delicious, crispy side that will help mop up any juices from the steak.
• Texas toast—a quick and easy alternative to garlic bread that will add a crunchy texture to your meal.
• Mashed rutabaga or mashed yuca—if you want to try something a little different to regular mashed potatoes, these root vegetables make a great alternative.
• Sautéed beet and Swiss chard greens or kohlrabi greens with bacon—a simple, tasty way to get your greens, without detracting from the flavour of the filet mignon.
• Roasted potatoes—a hearty side that will fill you up. Try parmesan herb air fryer sweet potatoes, or crispy roasted air fryer baby potatoes.
• Mashed potatoes—a classic side dish that goes well with steak.
• Air fryer frozen broccoli—a super-easy side that you can cook in the air fryer with minimal effort.
• Twice-baked potatoes—a special, indulgent side that will make your meal feel extra luxurious.
• Slow cooker mashed potatoes—a low-effort way to make creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes that will go well with the steak.
• Green beans almondine—a tasty, healthy side dish to balance out the richness of the filet mignon.
• Baked potato—a hearty, comforting side that will fill you up.
• Asparagus—a classic steak side that you can cook in the air fryer alongside the steak.
• Thyme roasted radishes and onions—a tasty, low-carb option that will add some colour to your plate.
• Lemony prosciutto-wrapped asparagus—a more indulgent option that will add some extra flavour to your meal.

Frequently asked questions