Air-Fryer Filet: Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Air fryers have become a popular way to cook filet mignon, a cut of steak that is usually expensive and considered delicate. The air fryer's hot air helps to char the edges of the steak while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Depending on the desired level of doneness, the cooking time for filet mignon in an air fryer can range from 9 to 16 minutes, with temperatures set between 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. The steak's thickness and the air fryer's power also influence the cooking time, so using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is recommended for the best results.

How to get the perfect doneness

To get the perfect doneness when cooking filet mignon in an air fryer, there are several important steps to follow. Firstly, the filet mignon should be a bright red colour with very thin "lines" of marbling. It is important to remove any silver skin, as this can be difficult to chew.

Before cooking, the steaks should be patted dry with paper towels and seasoned generously with salt and pepper. Some recipes suggest using other seasonings such as rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic powder, or a steak dry rub. It is also recommended to let the steaks sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes before cooking.

When cooking, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. It is important to ensure that the steaks are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, with space between them. The cooking time will depend on the desired doneness and the thickness of the steak. For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes, for medium-rare cook for 10-11 minutes, for medium cook for 11-12 minutes, for medium-well cook for 11.5-13 minutes, and for well-done cook for 14-16 minutes.

To ensure the perfect doneness, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The ideal temperatures are 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well-done. It is important to note that the steak will continue to cook even after being removed from the air fryer, so it is recommended to remove it when it is about 10 degrees lower than the desired temperature.

Finally, let the steak rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to reach the perfect temperature. The filet mignon can be served with a slice of garlic herb butter on top, or with a variety of side dishes such as baked potatoes, asparagus, or roasted vegetables.

Choosing the right cut of filet

Cut of Steak

The cut of steak you choose will impact the flavor, texture, and tenderness of your final dish. Different cuts offer varying characteristics, so understanding the basic cuts is crucial. Here are some popular options:

• Filet Mignon: This is one of the most tender and expensive cuts available, making it ideal for special occasions. It is known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Filet mignon is cut from the smaller end of the tenderloin.
• Ribeye: Ribeye is a popular choice due to its marbling (fat content) and juiciness. The fat renders during cooking, creating a flavorful exterior.
• Sirloin: Sirloin offers a good balance of flavor and tenderness, although it is leaner than ribeye. It is a great all-around choice due to its flavor and price.
• T-Bone: This cut combines the tenderloin and the strip, providing an incredible taste experience.

Thickness

The thickness of the steak is crucial for even cooking. Aim for steaks that are at least 1 inch thick, with some sources recommending up to 1.5 inches. Thinner steaks may overcook and dry out, while thicker ones may take longer to cook through.

Marbling and Fat Content

Marbling refers to the fat content within the meat. Steaks with good marbling, like ribeye, tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after air frying. Look for steaks with white flecks of fat dispersed throughout the meat.

Seasoning and Marinade

Seasoning and marinade can elevate the flavor of your steak. A simple mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder works well, but you can also experiment with marinades, dry rubs, or herbs. If you're using a tougher cut, like sirloin, consider marinating it beforehand to tenderize the meat.

Room Temperature

Allow your steaks to reach room temperature before cooking. Take them out of the fridge about 30-60 minutes beforehand to ensure even cooking and a juicier final product.

By considering these factors and selecting a high-quality cut of meat, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious air-fried filet in the comfort of your own home.

Preparing the filet before cooking

Choose the Right Cut of Meat

Start by selecting the highest quality filet mignon steaks you can find. Filet mignon is a pricey cut of beef, known for its tenderness and juicy flavour. It is cut from the smaller end of the tenderloin, making it a delicate and expensive choice. If you cannot find filet mignon, tenderloin steaks are a similar alternative.

Bring to Room Temperature

Remove your steaks from the fridge about 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. Allowing the meat to come to room temperature ensures more even cooking and produces juicier results. This step is important for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Pat Dry and Coat with Oil

Use paper towels to pat the steaks dry. Then, place the steaks in a shallow dish and coat them lightly with extra virgin olive oil. You can also use avocado oil or another oil of your choice. This step helps the seasonings adhere to the meat and creates a delicious crust during cooking.

Season Generously

Now it's time to season your steaks. Be generous with your seasonings, as this will enhance the natural flavour of the filet mignon. Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper are classic choices, but you can also add fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or other herbs and spices of your choice. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination.

Marinate (Optional)

If you have the time, you can allow the steaks to marinate in the oil and seasonings for a few minutes. This step is not necessary, but it can add even more flavour to your filet mignon.

Prepare the Compound Butter (Optional)

While the steaks are coming to room temperature, you can prepare the compound butter, which is highly recommended for taking your steaks to the next level. Simply combine softened unsalted butter with salt and minced fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. You can also add ingredients like garlic, garlic powder, or other spices. Mix well and shape it into a log, then refrigerate until serving.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). This step ensures your steaks cook evenly and efficiently.

Trim and Arrange in the Air Fryer

Before placing the steaks in the air fryer, trim any connective tissue around the edges. Then, arrange the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching or only minimally touching. If you are cooking multiple steaks, you may need to work in batches.

Now that your filet mignon is prepared, it's time to cook it to perfection in the air fryer! Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and don't be afraid to adjust the cooking time to your desired doneness. Enjoy your juicy and tender air-fried steaks!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for filet mignon in an air fryer will depend on how well you want your steak cooked and the thickness of the steak. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.

For a rare steak, cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 9-10 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10-11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer your steak medium, cook it for 11-12 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, aiming for an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For a medium-well steak, cook for 11.5–13 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, for a well-done steak, cook for 14-16 minutes, aiming for a final internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak, so adjust the timing accordingly. Always let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and for the steak to continue cooking.

Serving suggestions

The filet mignon is a premium, expensive cut of meat, so serving it with some delicious sides will elevate your meal. You can keep it simple with salt and pepper to let the flavour of the beef shine through, or you can add a compound butter for a juicy, tender steak.

If you're serving up filet mignon, you might want to go all out with some classic steakhouse sides. You could serve it with a good carb and veggie—mashed potatoes, air fryer carrots, and air fryer garlic bread are great options. If you want to keep it keto, try thyme-roasted radishes and onions, or lemony prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. For a Whole30 option, potatoes au gratin, watermelon cucumber salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, or roasted potatoes are all delicious choices.

If you're looking for a more low-maintenance side, Texas Toast from the air fryer and some frozen broccoli are a great option with minimal dishes. Or, if you want to stick to the classics, you can't go wrong with a baked potato and some veggies. For something a little different, you could try a stir fry or with eggs for breakfast the next day.

Don't forget that the filet mignon is best served rare to medium-rare, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. And if you're making compound butter, it can be made in advance and kept in the fridge or freezer.

Frequently asked questions