Air-Fryer Filet Mignon: The Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Filet mignon is a cut of steak that is usually cooked in a grill or pan, but can also be cooked in an air fryer. The cooking time for filet mignon in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. For a 1.5-inch steak, it will take around 10-12 minutes for rare, 11-13 minutes for medium-rare, 12-14 minutes for medium, 13-15 minutes for medium-well, and 14-16 minutes for well-done. The best way to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

How to cook filet mignon in an air fryer

Filet mignon is a special cut of steak, usually an expensive one, so you'll want to get it right! It's a tender, juicy, melt-in-the-mouth cut of beef from the smaller end of the tenderloin.

Ingredients

You'll need:

• Filet mignon steaks (one per person)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Butter (optional)
• Fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, and/or parsley (optional)

Method

• If you want to, you can marinate your steaks first. Pat them dry with a paper towel, season both sides with salt and pepper, and place in a shallow dish with olive oil. Leave them to marinate until they reach room temperature (about 10-12 minutes).
• If you're using it, now is a good time to prepare your garlic herb butter. Simply mix butter with your choice of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and/or parsley, and place in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Brush or drizzle both sides of your steaks with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
• Place your steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not touching.
• Air fry for 9-14 minutes for rare, 10-13 minutes for medium-rare, 11-14 minutes for medium, 11.5-14 minutes for medium-well, and 14 minutes for well done. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the centre of the steak: 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well done.
• Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Top with a slice of garlic herb butter, if you made it.

Tips

• It's best to use a meat thermometer to check that your steaks are cooked to your liking, as cook times can vary depending on the power of your air fryer.
• If you're making more than two steaks, cook them in batches so as not to overcrowd your air fryer.
• Choose a good-quality olive oil, as there are so few ingredients in this recipe.
• Don't skip the compound butter—it really takes the dish to the next level!

How to pick the best filet mignon

Filet mignon is known as the king of steaks for its high quality and cost. So, when you're buying filet mignon to cook at home, you want to make sure you're getting the best possible cut of meat. Here are some tips on how to pick the best filet mignon:

Appearance

The appearance of the meat is crucial when choosing the best filet mignon. Look for a steak that is bright red in colour and has only light marbling. While marbling might be considered fat, it's actually unsaturated intramuscular fat found between the muscle and the muscle fibres. As the meat cooks, these unsaturated fats melt, adding flavour and keeping the steak tender. Avoid cuts with large pieces of fat or any silver skin, as this can be difficult to chew.

Source

When buying filet mignon, it's essential to choose a reputable source. Shop at a trusted butcher, specialty meat shop, or high-quality grocery store known for premium cuts of meat. Places like Wegman's, Whole Foods, and Sprouts might be a little pricier, but they typically offer fresh, high-quality meat.

Thickness

The thickness of the steak is also an important consideration. Choose a filet mignon that is at least 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Thicker cuts are easier to cook evenly, stay juicier, and look more impressive when served.

Grade

Look for USDA Prime or Choice cuts, which are the top-quality grades based on the USDA grading system. Prime cuts have the highest level of marbling and tenderness, while Choice cuts are still high-quality but with slightly less marbling.

Centre Cut

Opt for a centre cut, as this will deliver a good portion of meat. It will be a little more expensive, but it's worth the extra cost for the quality.

Ask for Help

If you're ever in doubt, don't hesitate to ask the meat department for assistance. They should be more than happy to help you select the right cut of meat, especially if you're splurging on a nice steak like filet mignon.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you're getting the best possible filet mignon for your money. Now, you can cook it to perfection in your air fryer, grill, or pan and enjoy a delicious, tender, and juicy steak!

How long to cook filet mignon in an air fryer

Filet mignon is a cut of steak that comes from the smaller end of the tenderloin. It is a pricey dish when purchased at steakhouses, but it is still cheaper to get at the grocery store. This cut of steak is so perfect that simple seasoning is best.

The cooking time for filet mignon in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steaks and the air fryer temperature. It is recommended to cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For a 1.5-inch steak, the cooking time is about 10-12 minutes for rare, 11-13 minutes for medium-rare, 12-14 minutes for medium, 13-15 minutes for medium-well, and 14-16 minutes for well-done.

The best way to ensure the steak is cooked to your preference is to use a meat thermometer. The temperature for rare is 120 degrees Fahrenheit, medium-rare is 130 degrees Fahrenheit, medium is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, medium-well is 150 degrees Fahrenheit, and well-done is 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for cooking filet mignon in an air fryer:

• It is best to gauge the cooking time for steak by using a digital meat thermometer rather than a specific time.
• It is recommended to pull the beef out of the air fryer around 125°Fahrenheit for the perfect medium-rare finish. The temperature will continue to rise a few degrees while the steak rests.
• It is best to pull the steak out of the air fryer sooner rather than later. It can always be cooked longer if necessary.
• It is basically a sin to eat filet mignon past medium!
• Let the steaks rest for a few minutes after removing them from the air fryer. This is crucial to a juicy steak.
• Don't under-season the steak. Be generous with the salt, pepper, and rosemary.
• When the steak comes to room temperature before cooking, it cooks more evenly.
• Don't skip the compound butter. This is an important part of bringing that rich flavor you'd get at a restaurant from this steak.

How to cook filet mignon in an air fryer:

• Let the steaks sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before preparing.
• Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and then either drizzle or brush the olive oil onto the steaks, coating both sides.
• Season generously with salt and pepper and sprinkle the minced rosemary all over to coat.
• Transfer the seasoned filets to the racks of an air fryer (for oven models) or into the basket that has been preheated to 400°Fahrenheit.
• Air fry the filet mignon at 400°Fahrenheit until the desired internal temperature is reached.
• Transfer the cooked filet mignon to a cutting board and let rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute in the meat.
• Slice the compound butter into two portions and serve on top of the steaks.

How to serve air-fried filet mignon

Air-fried filet mignon is best served with a side of garlic herb butter. This is made by combining butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl and using 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, and keep it in the refrigerator.

You can also serve filet mignon with a baked potato and some veggies. Some options for veggies include air fryer green beans, air fryer corn on the cob, roasted broccoli and cauliflower, or thyme-roasted radishes and onions.

How to store filet mignon

When storing filet mignon, it's important to note that it's best eaten fresh. However, if you need to store it for later, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Firstly, make sure to store raw filet mignon in the refrigerator for no longer than 2-3 days. To ensure the meat stays fresh, wrap it tightly in butcher's paper or a freezer bag, eliminating as much air as possible. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum sealer to preserve the meat for up to 10 days in the refrigerator.

If you wish to store cooked filet mignon, place it in the refrigerator to cool down, then package it with freezer paper and a freezer bag, or store it in an airtight container. Cooked filet mignon can be stored in the freezer for 2 to 4 months.

When freezing filet mignon, it's crucial to prevent exposure to air and moisture, as this can lead to freezer burn and ice crystal formation. Wrap each steak individually in freezer paper, then place them in a large freezer bag. You can also use a vacuum sealer to extend the freezer storage time by 3 to 5 times.

To thaw frozen filet mignon, always do so slowly in the refrigerator or in cold water. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth.

Frequently asked questions