Emilie Meyer
Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a juicy, tender steak with minimal effort. This cut of beef, taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin, is known for being incredibly tender and delicious, and cooking it in an air fryer ensures even cooking and a gourmet meal without the effort. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the steaks, as well as your desired level of doneness, but on average, a 6 oz filet cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit should take around 10-12 minutes for a medium steak, and up to 15 minutes for a well-done steak.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak weight | 6 oz |
| Steak type | Filet mignon |
| Steak temperature | Room temperature |
| Steak seasoning | Salt, black pepper, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, parsley |
| Steak cooking time | 10-16 minutes |
| Steak flipping | Once halfway through cooking time |
| Steak resting time | 3-5 minutes |
| Steak serving suggestion | Topped with garlic herb butter |
| Steak calories | 736-1058 kcal |
| Steak protein | 31-70 g |
| Steak fat | 67-88 g |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for a 6 oz filet cooked in an air fryer will depend on your preferred level of doneness. As a guide, you can follow the cooking times below, but it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak for the best results.
Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Then, brush or rub both sides of your steak with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for the following times, flipping the steak halfway through:
- For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 120°F.
- For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10-11 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 130°F.
- For a medium steak, cook for 11-12 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F.
- For a medium-well steak, cook for 11.5-13 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 150°F.
- For a well-done steak, cook for 14 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 160°F.
Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and for the steak to continue cooking. The steak's temperature will increase by around 5°F during this time. Finally, serve your steak with a slice of garlic herb butter on top.
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Choosing the right cut of steak
To cook a 6 oz filet mignon in an air fryer, you should preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Season the steaks with salt and black pepper on both sides and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes, and for a medium-rare steak, cook for 10-12 minutes. A medium steak will take 11-12 minutes, while a medium-well steak will take 11.5–13 minutes. A well-done steak will take around 14 minutes.
Now, choosing the right cut of steak can be challenging, given the variety of options available. Here's a guide to help you select the perfect steak:
Tenderloin or Filet Mignon
Cut from the tenderloin, the filet mignon is known for its exceptional tenderness and mild beef flavor. It has less marbling than other cuts like the New York strip or ribeye, but its low fat content makes it prone to overcooking. It is best cooked rare to medium-rare and is often served with a rich sauce or seasoning to complement its mild flavor.
Ribeye
Ribeye steaks are considered premium cuts, known for their robust flavor and tenderness. They have the cap muscle removed, which results in a more tender steak. If you prefer a leaner option, ask your butcher for the cap steaks, which are cut from the same area but tend to be less fatty.
Flat Iron
The flat iron is a newer cut of steak, taken from the top blade of the chuck. It is the second most tender steak, after the filet mignon, and boasts a bold, beefy flavor. It has excellent marbling, which contributes to its tender texture, and is a favorite among steak enthusiasts.
Top Sirloin
Top sirloin steaks are cut from the top of the sirloin section, closest to the short loin. They are the most tender of the sirloin steaks and are significantly leaner than other options. Top sirloin steaks exhibit enough fat marbling to stay juicy when cooked to medium-rare, and they are also less expensive than other premium cuts.
When choosing a steak, consider the level of tenderness, flavor intensity, and marbling (the distribution of fat within the meat). The area of the cow from which the steak is cut will impact these factors, so understanding the different cuts and their unique characteristics is essential for selecting the right steak for your taste and preferences.
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Preparing the steak
Firstly, choose a good-quality steak. Look for a filet mignon with fine marbling (small streaks of fat within the meat), which adds flavour and keeps the steak tender. The meat should be bright red and very slightly marbled, with thin "lines" of fat. The steak should be at least 1.5 to 2 inches thick, as thicker cuts are easier to cook evenly and stay juicier.
Next, remove the steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and bring them to room temperature. This will ensure they cook more evenly and produce juicier meat. You can also marinate the steaks at this stage. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels, then place them in a shallow dish with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Allow them to marinate and come to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Now it's time to cook the steaks. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between them. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of your steaks, so it's a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a 6oz steak, cook for around 10-12 minutes for a medium steak, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking time.
Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute in the meat and ensure a juicy, tender steak. For the perfect finishing touch, top the steaks with a slice of garlic herb butter.
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Using a meat thermometer
There are many types of meat thermometers available, from simple instant-read thermometers to smart thermometers with multiple probes that connect to an app. The instant-read digital variety is a good option, as it doesn't require opening the air fryer to check the temperature. However, smart thermometers have the added benefit of allowing you to monitor the temperature remotely, without losing heat.
When using a meat thermometer, it's important to insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat for the most accurate reading. For a steak, this is usually the centre. You should also ensure that the thermometer is suitable for the high heat of an air fryer.
The temperature you should aim for depends on how well done you like your steak. For a 6 oz filet, the cooking time will likely be somewhere between 9 and 16 minutes. Here are the target temperatures for different levels of doneness:
- Rare: 120°F
- Medium-rare: 125°F–130°F
- Medium: 140°F
- Medium-well: 150°F
- Well-done: 160°F
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Serving suggestions
A 6 oz filet cooked in an air fryer pairs well with a variety of side dishes and toppings. The following are some suggestions for serving this dish:
Side Dishes
- Starchy Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, Texas toast, or garlic bread are all great options to accompany the filet. For a low-carb option, try thyme-roasted radishes and onions or roasted cauliflower.
- Vegetables: Air-fried carrots, broccoli, asparagus, or green beans can add a healthy and tasty element to the meal. For a more indulgent option, try wrapping the asparagus in prosciutto. Sauteed beet and Swiss chard greens or kohlrabi greens with bacon are also unique and flavorful choices.
- Salads: A watermelon cucumber salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the filet.
Toppings
- Compound Butter: A compound butter made with unsalted butter, salt, and fresh herbs such as parsley, rosemary, or thyme can be a delicious and simple topping. For a cheesy twist, try adding some blue cheese or goat cheese to the butter. This can be made ahead of time and frozen in portions, then thawed while the steaks are cooking.
- Garlic Herb Butter: Softened butter to room temperature and mixed with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt. This can be served on top of the steak or on the side.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 10-16 minutes to cook a 6 oz filet in an air fryer, depending on how well you like your steak done.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. For a rare steak, the temperature should be 120°F, for medium-rare 130°F, for medium 140°F, for medium-well 150°F, and for a well-done steak 160°F.
Set your air fryer to 400°F.
Filet mignon is a premium cut of meat, so it's best to serve it with a good carb and a vegetable. Try mashed potatoes, air fryer carrots, garlic bread, or a salad.
