Emilie Meyer
Air fryer filet mignon is a quick and easy way to cook a gourmet meal at home. Filet mignon is an expensive cut of meat, and cooking it in an air fryer is a low-stress way to achieve a perfect steak every time. The air fryer method requires minimal cleanup and is a foolproof way to cook a juicy and tender steak.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 30 minutes |
| Cooking time | 10-15 minutes |
| Clean-up | Minimal |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Steak thickness | 1.5-2.5 inches |
| Steak weight | 4-8 oz |
| Steak type | Filet mignon |
| Steak number | 2 |
| Seasoning | Olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, parsley, butter, shallots, herbs |
| Sides | Baked potato, asparagus, thyme-roasted radishes, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, potatoes au gratin, watermelon cucumber salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, roasted potatoes, Boursin mashed potatoes, air fryer parsnips, green beans almondine, air fryer dinner rolls, slow-roasted Roma tomatoes |
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What You'll Learn
How to get the perfect doneness
Filet mignon is an expensive cut of meat, so it can be intimidating to cook. But using an air fryer, you can achieve a tender and juicy steak with minimal clean-up. Here is how to get the perfect doneness:
Preparation
Before cooking, bring your steaks to room temperature by taking them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes in advance. This step is important for the best result. You can also season your steak at this stage. Brush or coat both sides of the filets with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like rosemary, thyme, or sage.
Cooking
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steak into the basket, ensuring there is enough space for air circulation. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 9-10 minutes for rare, 10-11 minutes for medium-rare, 11-12 minutes for medium, 11.5-13 minutes for medium-well, and 14 minutes for well-done. For a 1.5-inch thick steak, the cooking time will be slightly longer.
Resting
After cooking, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. During this time, the centers will continue to warm, and the juices will redistribute in the meat. This step is crucial for a perfectly cooked steak.
Checking Doneness
The best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. The temperature for doneness varies depending on your preference: rare (120°F), medium-rare (130°F), medium (140°F), medium-well (150°F), and well-done (160°F).
Toppings
To finish your filet mignon, top it with a pat of compound butter, such as garlic herb butter, which will start to melt over the steak. You can also add other toppings like blue cheese butter or gorgonzola cheese.
With these steps, you can achieve the perfect doneness for your air fryer filet mignon, impressing your date or enjoying a cozy dinner for two.
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The best sides to serve with filet mignon
Filet mignon is a pricey, gourmet, and special dish, so you'll want to choose side dishes that complement its rich, juicy, and tender flavours and textures. Here are some of the best sides to serve with filet mignon:
Salads
A salad can be a great way to keep things light, especially if you opt for a creamy dressing to complement the leanness of the steak. A classic steakhouse Caesar salad with crispy croutons and a creamy, savoury dressing is always a good choice. You could also try a Catalonian salad, which is a bread-based salad lightened up with grilled or roasted vegetables.
For something a little different, a peppery arugula salad with mixed citrus and roasted beets, topped with crispy halloumi croutons, is sure to impress. Or, for a summery option, a cucumber, tomato, and onion salad is a healthy and colourful choice that won't fill you up before the main event.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a classic side dish for steak, and there are several ways to prepare them. Baked potatoes, sweet potato fries, and roasted baby red potatoes are all great options. For something more indulgent, you could try garlic and herb mashed potatoes, or potatoes au gratin, which combines potatoes, onions, and a creamy cheese sauce.
Vegetables
Vegetables are a must when serving filet mignon, and there are endless options to choose from. Asparagus drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with parmesan is a popular choice, as are roasted mushrooms cooked in butter and their own juices. For something a little more indulgent, try French fries or steak frites, which are French fries made from vinegar-brined potatoes.
If you're looking for something healthy, roasted broccoli, brussels sprouts, or green beans are great choices. You can also glaze carrots with a combination of orange juice, maple syrup, and browned butter for an intensely flavorful side.
Other Sides
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish that's sure to please. Or, for something more sophisticated, try creamed spinach with a splash of Cognac and Pernod.
For a gluten-free and carb-free option, bacon-wrapped filet mignon with gorgonzola cheese is a delicious choice. And, of course, you can never go wrong with a simple side of garlic bread.
No matter which sides you choose, your filet mignon is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
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The benefits of cooking filet mignon in an air fryer
Benefits of Cooking Filet Mignon in an Air Fryer
Filet mignon is a special cut of steak, known for its tenderness and flavour. It is usually an expensive choice, and one that many people save for a special occasion or date night. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, but one of the best methods is to use an air fryer.
Perfect Results Every Time
Air fryers are a great way to ensure your filet mignon is cooked to perfection. The temperature and timing can be controlled, meaning you can achieve your desired level of doneness, from rare to well done. The filet mignon will be tender and juicy, with a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Quick and Easy
This method of cooking is incredibly quick and easy. It takes just 10-15 minutes to cook, with very little hands-on time. There is no need to flip the meat, and you can simply walk away and let the air fryer do its job. It is a low-stress way of cooking an expensive cut of meat, with very little clean-up required afterwards.
Smoke-Free Kitchen
Unlike cooking on a stovetop, an air fryer does not fill the kitchen with smoke. This is a great advantage, as it means you can avoid a smoky smell lingering in the house, and there is less cleaning required afterwards.
Affordable Luxury
Filet mignon is a luxurious meal, but cooking it at home in an air fryer makes it a much more affordable treat. You can enjoy restaurant-quality steak without the high prices of eating out.
Versatile
Air-fried filet mignon can be served with a variety of sides and toppings, making it a versatile dish. It can be served with baked potato, asparagus, garlic bread, or a salad. It can also be paired with compound butter, garlic butter, or blue cheese for a rich, indulgent flavour.
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How to make garlic herb butter
Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a great way to prepare a cozy dinner for two or a quick and easy weeknight meal. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness, ranging from 9 minutes for rare to 14 minutes for well-done. Now, let's get to the star of the show—the garlic herb butter.
Making garlic herb butter at home is a simple process that will elevate your filet mignon or any other dish you choose to use it with. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- Butter: Choose a quality stick of butter, preferably softened to room temperature. You can use salted or unsalted butter, but softened butter is essential for easy mixing.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves and mince or chop them finely to add an amazing flavor to your butter. If you find the taste of raw garlic too strong, you can roast the garlic cloves first, which gives them a more mellow and slightly sweet flavor.
- Herbs: For this recipe, you can use a combination of fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme. However, feel free to mix it up and use other herbs like oregano, dill with lemon zest, basil, cilantro, or Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs are recommended, but you can also use dried herbs, adjusting the amounts accordingly.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. If using salted butter, you may not need to add additional salt.
Instructions:
- Prepare the garlic herb butter by mixing the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped herbs in a bowl. You can use a fork to mix everything together, or for a finer texture, use a blender or food processor.
- Once the mixture is well-combined, transfer it to a piece of parchment or waxed paper.
- Shape the butter: Form the paper into a log shape by rolling the butter inside and twisting the ends, similar to a Christmas cracker.
- Refrigerate: Place the butter in the refrigerator until it firms up and is ready to use. It will last for up to 2 months in the fridge and up to 6 months in the freezer.
Your garlic herb butter is now ready to be used! You can use it as a compound butter for your filet mignon, spread it on bread, or add it to pasta, vegetables, or any dish that needs a garlicky boost. Enjoy!
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How to bring steaks to room temperature
Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy, tender, and delicious steak. The air fryer method ensures a perfect steak every time, with minimal cleanup required.
To cook filet mignon in an air fryer, you should first prepare the steaks by coating them lightly in extra virgin olive oil and seasoning with salt, pepper, and rosemary. You can also add other herbs like thyme, sage, or garlic powder. For an extra indulgent touch, you can create a compound butter by mixing softened butter with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt, rolling it into a log, and refrigerating it until serving.
When you are ready to cook, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 9-13 minutes for rare to medium-well, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a well-done steak, cook for 14 minutes.
Now, let's talk about bringing steaks to room temperature. There are varying opinions on whether it is necessary to bring steaks to room temperature before cooking. Some sources claim that it helps the steak cook more evenly, allowing for a more consistent doneness throughout the meat. It is recommended to let the steaks sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, or 30-40 minutes for a 500g steak, to achieve this. However, others argue that it makes no difference to the cooking process, and that the steak will only increase in temperature minimally, even after an extended period of time.
If you choose to bring your steaks to room temperature, take the necessary precautions to ensure food safety. Raw meat should not be left at room temperature for an extended period, as it can become unsafe to consume. Additionally, if you have dry-brined your steaks, there is no need to let them sit at room temperature before cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time depends on how well done you want your steak to be. It is recommended to cook filet mignon for 9-10 minutes for rare, 10-11 minutes for medium-rare, 11-12 minutes for medium, 11.5-13 minutes for medium-well, and 14 minutes for well-done.
Before cooking, bring your steaks to room temperature and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the steak into the basket, ensuring there is enough space for air circulation. After cooking, let the steak rest for 5 minutes.
Some side dish options include Boursin Mashed Potatoes, Air Fryer Parsnips, Green Beans Almondine, Thyme Roasted Radishes & Onions, and Lemony Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus.
