Air-Fried Filet Mignon: A Quick, Crispy, Juicy Delight

Filet mignon is an expensive, premium cut of steak, but cooking it at home in an air fryer is an easy, low-stress way to enjoy it without the high cost of ordering it at a restaurant. It's also a quick and convenient way to cook the steak, with minimal cleanup required afterwards. The air fryer can produce a juicy, tender steak with a melt-in-the-mouth texture, and simple ingredients can be used to bring out the natural flavour of the meat.

How to prepare the filet mignon steaks

Preparing filet mignon steaks for the air fryer is simple and straightforward. First, take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This step is important and will improve the end result.

Next, prepare the seasoning. The main ingredients are olive oil, salt, and pepper, but you can also add fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and other herbs and spices of your choice. Combine the olive oil and seasonings in a bowl and mix well. Alternatively, you can brush or drizzle the steaks with olive oil and then sprinkle the seasonings on top. Make sure to season both sides of the steaks generously.

If you want to add a compound butter topping, you can prepare it while the steaks are coming to room temperature. Simply combine softened butter with your choice of herbs, spices, or seasonings, such as rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or parsley. Transfer the butter to a piece of parchment paper, roll it into a log shape, and refrigerate until serving.

Once the steaks are at room temperature, place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between the pieces to ensure even cooking. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/205°C, and then add the steaks to the preheated air fryer.

Air fryer settings and cooking times

The first step is to preheat your air fryer to 400°F/205°C. Next, place the steaks in the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the steaks are in a single layer and not overcrowded, so they cook evenly. If you are cooking a lot of steaks, you may need to do this in batches.

The cooking time will depend on how well done you like your steak. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. Here are some guidelines for the internal temperature and cooking time for different levels of doneness:

• Rare: 9-10 minutes (120°F/48.8°C)
• Medium-Rare: 10-11 minutes (130°F/54.4°C)
• Medium: 11-12 minutes (140°F/60°C)
• Medium-Well: 11.5–13 minutes (150°F/65.5°C)
• Well-Done: 14–15 minutes (160°F/71°C)

Note that these times are just estimates, and the actual cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and the power of your air fryer. It is always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it is cooked to your desired doneness.

How to make garlic herb butter

Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a great way to make a cozy dinner for two or a quick and easy weeknight meal. The air fryer helps you achieve a juicy, tender steak with minimal prep and cooking time.

Making garlic herb butter is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Choose a quality stick of butter with a flavour you love. Options like Kerrygold, Plugra, or Earth Balance sticks for a dairy-free or vegan alternative are excellent.
• Let the butter soften at room temperature. It should be softened but not runny, as this will ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients.
• Prepare your garlic. Freshly minced garlic cloves will give the best flavour, but if the taste of raw garlic is too strong, you can roast the garlic cloves first for a more mellow, slightly sweet flavour.
• Choose your herbs. A combination of fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme is classic, but you can also experiment with oregano, dill with lemon zest, basil, cilantro with lime zest, or Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs are recommended, but dried herbs can be used in larger amounts.
• Mix the softened butter, prepared garlic, and chosen herbs in a bowl with a fork for a rustic texture, or use a blender for a finer texture.
• Add salt to taste. If using salted butter, you may not need to add extra salt, so adjust according to your preference.
• Transfer the mixture to a piece of parchment or waxed paper. Shape it into a log by rolling the paper and twisting the ends, similar to a Christmas cracker.
• Store your garlic herb butter in the refrigerator, where it will last for about two months. It can also be frozen for up to six months.

This garlic herb butter is the perfect complement to your air-fried filet mignon, adding tons of flavour to your juicy steak. Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!

What to serve with filet mignon

Filet mignon is a pricey and special dish, so you'll want to choose some perfect side dishes to go with it. Salads are a good option to keep things light, but you may want a creamy dressing to complement the meat. For a classic steakhouse Caesar salad, add crispy croutons, a creamy yet savoury dressing, and shaved Parmesan cheese. You could also try a Catalonian salad, which is a bread-based salad with grilled or roasted vegetables.

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, you can't go wrong with potatoes. Try mashed potatoes with oven-roasted garlic and fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, tarragon, sage, marjoram, or dill. Dauphinoise potatoes are another great option—thin slices of potato baked in a cheese-bolstered cream mixture. For something a little healthier, swap your regular fried potatoes for baked sweet potato fries.

You'll also want to include some vegetables on the side. Try green beans blanched and fried in butter and topped with sliced almonds, or roasted Brussels sprouts coated in oil and spices. Glazed carrots are another great option—try combining orange juice, maple syrup, and browned butter for an intensely flavorful side dish. If you're looking for something a little more unusual, try burnt broccolini with garlic and lemon, or chickpeas with halved heirloom cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and green onions, dressed with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and rice wine vinegar.

How to store leftovers

When storing leftovers of air-fried filet mignon, follow these steps to ensure food safety and maintain the best quality:

Allow the cooked filet mignon to cool down: After your meal, let the leftover steak come to room temperature. Placing hot food directly into the refrigerator can raise the temperature of your fridge, creating an environment for bacteria to thrive. So, it's important to let the steak cool slightly. Once the steak has reached room temperature, you can proceed to the next step.

Transfer the leftovers to airtight containers: Using airtight containers is crucial to prevent leftover steak from drying out and to avoid picking up odors from other foods in the refrigerator. Choose containers that are shallow rather than deep, as this will help the steak cool quickly and evenly once stored. If you don't have airtight containers, sealable plastic bags can also be used.

Refrigerate the leftovers promptly: Place the containers with the leftover filet mignon in the refrigerator as soon as possible. For best food safety practices, steak leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. If the room temperature is particularly warm (above 90°F or 32°C), reduce this window to 1 hour.

Consume the leftovers within 3 to 4 days: Stored properly, leftover filet mignon will maintain its freshness and quality for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to keep your refrigerator temperature at 40°F (4°C) or below to prevent bacterial growth.

For longer storage, consider freezing: If you don't plan to eat the leftover steak within the next few days, freezing is a great option. Place the steak in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the containers with the date, and try to consume the frozen steak within 2 to 3 months for the best quality.

When reheating, aim for even heating: To reheat your leftover filet mignon, consider using a gentle heating method such as the oven or stovetop. This helps ensure the steak is heated evenly throughout, preserving its texture and flavor. You can also use the air fryer to reheat, but be mindful of the timing to avoid overcooking the steak. Always ensure the steak is heated to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.

Frequently asked questions