Air-Fryer Filet Mignon: A Quick, Crispy Steak Perfection

Filet mignon is an expensive cut of steak, taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin. It is known for being incredibly tender, juicy, and delicious. While it is usually cooked in a grill, pan, or oven, it can also be cooked in an air fryer.

Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare the dish. It requires minimal preparation and cooking time, and results in a tender and juicy steak. The air fryer method is also said to produce less smoke than other cooking methods.

To cook filet mignon in an air fryer, you will need to season the steak with salt and pepper, and optionally with olive oil, garlic, herbs, or steak seasoning. You will then need to preheat your air fryer to around 400°F and cook the steak for around 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the steak is cooked to your preference.

Filet mignon cooked in an air fryer can be served with sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a baked potato.

How to cook filet mignon in an air fryer

Filet mignon is a pricey dish, but with this air fryer method, it has never been easier to make absolutely perfect steak, every single time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook filet mignon in an air fryer.

Ingredients

• Filet mignon steaks
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Butter, softened to room temperature
• Fresh rosemary and thyme, chopped
• Garlic powder

Step 1: Prepare the steaks

Let the steaks and butter come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Brush both sides of the steaks with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the butter

Combine the butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl and use a fork to mix it well. Transfer the butter to a piece of parchment paper. Roll the paper while forming the butter into a log, folding the paper to cover it completely. Keep the butter in the refrigerator while you cook the steaks.

Step 3: Cook the steaks

Place your steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between them. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-14 minutes for rare, 10-14 minutes for medium-rare, 11-15 minutes for medium, 11.5-15 minutes for medium-well, and 14-16 minutes for well done. The timings may vary depending on the air fryer and the thickness of the steaks, so it is best to use a meat thermometer to check for the right temperature.

Step 4: Let the steaks rest

Let the steaks rest for 3-5 minutes, then serve with a slice of garlic herb butter. Enjoy!

What temperature to cook filet mignon in an air fryer

Filet mignon is a special cut of beef from the smaller end of the tenderloin. It is one of the most expensive cuts of steak you can buy, but with an air fryer, it has never been easier to make a perfect steak.

How to cook filet mignon in an air fryer:

Firstly, let the steaks sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before preparing. Pat dry with a paper towel, then either drizzle or brush the olive oil onto the steaks, coating both sides. Season generously with salt and pepper and sprinkle with rosemary.

Place your steaks in the air fryer basket, with space between them. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 9-14 minutes for rare, 10-14 minutes for medium-rare, 11-14 minutes for medium, 12-15 minutes for medium-well, and 14-16 minutes for well done.

Use a meat thermometer to check for the right temperature – 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well, or 160°F for well done.

Let the filets rest for 3-5 minutes, then serve with a slice of garlic herb butter.

Tips for cooking filet mignon in an air fryer:

• Don't overcrowd your air fryer. If you are cooking more than two steaks, make them in batches.
• Choose the best cut of meat. Pick a nice store, preferably a local butcher shop, or a grocery store with a good meat department.
• Choose USDA Prime or Choice cuts. These are going to be the top-quality cuts based on the USDA grading system.
• Look for a center cut. This will be more expensive but will deliver a good cut of meat.
• Don't be shy with the salt. It will enhance the flavour of the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for the right temperature.
• Let the steaks rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute in the meat.

How long to cook filet mignon in an air fryer

Filet mignon is a cut of beef from the smaller, tapered end of the tenderloin. It is one of the most expensive cuts of steak, known for being incredibly tender, juicy, and delicious.

You can cook filet mignon in an air fryer in under 20 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for a cozy dinner for two or a weeknight meal. The air fryer method also means minimal cleanup and reduced smoke compared to cooking steak in a pan or on a grill.

The cooking time for your filet mignon in the air fryer will depend on the thickness of your steaks, the power of your air fryer, and your preferred level of doneness. Here is a general guide to how long to cook filet mignon in an air fryer:

• Rare: 9-10 minutes
• Medium-rare: 10-13 minutes
• Medium: 11-14 minutes
• Medium-well: 12-15 minutes
• Well-done: 14-16 minutes

It is best to use a meat thermometer to check that your steak has reached the desired internal temperature. Here are the temperature ranges for different levels of doneness:

• Rare: 120-130°F
• Medium-rare: 130-135°F
• Medium: 135-145°F
• Medium-well: 145-155°F
• Well-done: 155-160°F

For a perfect medium-rare filet mignon, pull your steak out of the air fryer when it reaches 130°F, as the temperature will continue to rise a few degrees while the steak rests.

Step-by-step Guide to Cooking Filet Mignon in an Air Fryer

• Let the steaks sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking.
• Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel.
• Drizzle or brush olive oil onto the steaks, coating both sides.
• Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes. Don't be shy with the salt, as it will enhance the flavor of the meat.
• Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Set your air fryer to 400°F.
• Air fry the steaks for the desired amount of time, based on your preferred level of doneness.
• Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicy steak.
• Top the steaks with a slice of garlic herb butter or compound butter, if desired.

Tips for Cooking Filet Mignon in an Air Fryer

• Choose high-quality filet mignon steaks from a trusted butcher or specialty meat shop. Look for fine marbling (small streaks of fat within the meat), which adds flavor and keeps the steak tender.
• Thicker cuts of steak are easier to cook evenly and tend to be juicier, so opt for steaks that are at least 1.5 to 2 inches thick.
• Preheat your air fryer to get a golden crust on your steak.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak and avoid overcooking it.
• Let the steaks rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure they are juicy and to allow the temperature to rise a few degrees higher.
• Don't skip the compound butter, as it adds a rich flavor to the lean cut of meat.

Sides to Serve with Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is a sophisticated and impressive dish, so choose some special sides to serve with it. Here are some ideas:

• Baked potato
• Asparagus
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted potatoes
• Green beans
• Sautéed greens, such as beet and Swiss chard greens or kohlrabi greens with bacon

How to serve filet mignon

There are many ways to serve filet mignon, and it is often served with side dishes to balance out the richness of the meat. Here are some ideas for how to serve filet mignon:

Salads

• A classic Caesar salad with crispy croutons and a creamy dressing.
• Panzanella salad, also known as a Catalonian salad, is a bread-based salad with grilled or roasted vegetables.
• Lemony chickpea salad with halved heirloom cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, and green onions.
• Pear salad with walnuts and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
• Wedge salad with iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese dressing, and bacon.

Potato Side Dishes

• Belgian fries, which are fried twice for a crispier and less oily texture.
• Garlic-and-herb mashed potatoes with oven-roasted garlic and fresh herbs such as rosemary, tarragon, sage, marjoram, or dill.
• Sweet potato fries, a healthier alternative to regular fried potatoes.
• Veggie twice-baked red potatoes with chopped vegetables, cheese, and cream.

Vegetable Side Dishes

• Green beans almondine, blanched and fried in butter, then topped with sliced almonds.
• Creamed spinach, made with heavy cream and cream cheese for added density.
• Roasted mushrooms cooked in butter and red wine, with fresh tarragon.
• Crispy Brussels sprouts, coated with oil and spices, and air-fried until well-browned.
• Glazed carrots, cooked with a glaze made from ingredients such as orange juice, maple syrup, and browned butter.

Grilled Side Dishes

• Grilled tomato halves, brushed with oil, or smaller tomatoes cooked on aluminium foil or skewers.
• Grilled baked potato, wrapped in foil and cooked on the grill.
• Vegetable kebabs with mushrooms, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and chunks of onion.
• Grilled asparagus and green beans, cooked in an aluminium foil packet with oil or butter.

Breads

• Yeasted dinner rolls, especially if serving with au jus sauce.
• Rustic sunflower seed peasant bread or pumpernickel bread, served with cultured butter.
• Cornbread muffins, either homemade or from a mix.
• Beer bread with sharp, aged cheddar and jalapenos.

Sauces and Toppings

• Homemade steak sauce, such as bearnaise or bordelaise sauce.
• Compound butter, made with unsalted butter, salt, and fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme.
• Blue cheese butter, made with blue cheese, butter, parsley, and garlic.
• Goat cheese, especially if serving with a beet salad.

Other Sides

• Air fryer shrimp.
• Mushrooms, seasoned and cooked in the air fryer.
• Caramelized onions.
• Slow cooker baked potatoes.
• Baked potatoes with toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or chili.

What to serve with filet mignon

There are many side dishes that can be served with filet mignon to balance out the richness of the main dish. Here are some ideas:

Salads

• Classic Caesar Salad
• Pan con Tomate (or Catalan Salad)
• Lemony Chickpea Salad
• Pear Salad with Walnuts
• Wedge Salad
• Arugula Salad

Potato Side Dishes

• Belgian Fries
• Garlic-and-Herb Mashed Potatoes
• Sweet Potato Fries
• Veggie Twice-Baked Red Potatoes
• Baked Potato
• Smashed Potatoes
• Duchess Potatoes
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes
• Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Vegetable Side Dishes

• Green Beans Almondine
• Creamed Spinach
• Roasted Mushrooms
• Crispy Brussels Sprouts
• Glazed Carrots
• Grilled Asparagus and Green Beans

Grilled Side Dishes

• Grilled Tomato Halves
• Grilled Baked Potato
• Vegetable Kebabs

Breads

• Yeasted dinner rolls
• Rustic sunflower seed peasant bread
• Pumpernickel
• Cornbread muffins
• Beer and Cheddar Bread

Frequently asked questions