Air-Fried Filet Mignon: Perfect Timing For Tender Steak

Air fryer filet mignon is a gourmet meal that is easy to make and perfect for a date night or special occasion. It is a foolproof, low-stress, and straightforward recipe that results in a juicy and tender steak. The air fryer is a simpler method than grilling and produces a perfectly cooked steak with minimal cleanup and no smoke. The cooking time for filet mignon in an air fryer depends on the desired level of doneness, ranging from rare to well done, and the thickness of the steak. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure proper cooking.

How to get the perfect doneness with a meat thermometer

Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a great way to get a gourmet-style meal at home. Filet mignon is an expensive cut of meat, so it's important to cook it properly to get the best results. The best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.

First, let your steaks come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, season both sides generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or olive oil. Once your steaks are seasoned, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer with space between them.

Now, you're ready to start cooking your steaks. For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10-11 minutes. For a medium steak, cook for 11-12 minutes. For a medium-well steak, cook for 11.5 to 13 minutes. And for a well-done steak, cook for 14 minutes. These timings are based on a steak that is around 1.5 inches thick. If your steak is thicker, it will need to cook for longer.

To check if your steak is done, insert a meat thermometer into the centre of the steak and check the internal temperature. For a rare steak, the temperature should be 120 degrees Fahrenheit. For medium-rare, it should be 130 degrees. For medium, it should be 140 degrees. For medium-well, it should be 150 degrees. And for a well-done steak, the temperature should be 160 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to note that the steak will continue to cook even after you remove it from the air fryer, so it's best to remove it when it's about 10 degrees lower than your desired temperature.

Let the steaks rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy, tender steak. Then, top with a slice of garlic herb butter and enjoy!

The best sides to serve with filet mignon

When serving filet mignon, you may want to choose side dishes that complement the rich flavour and tender cut of the beef. Salads and vegetables are a great way to balance out the richness of the meat, keeping the overall meal light. A classic Caesar salad with shaved Parmesan and a creamy dressing is always a good option, as is a Catalonian salad with roasted vegetables. For a fruity twist, you could add fresh figs to your salad, or even pears and walnuts, dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.

If you're after something a little more indulgent, you could try a potato-based side dish. Mashed potatoes with roasted garlic and herbs like rosemary, tarragon, sage, or marjoram are a great choice. Alternatively, you could try potatoes au gratin, combining potatoes and onions with a creamy cheese sauce, or even air fryer Hasselback potatoes with garlic herb butter. Baked sweet potato fries are a healthier option, and roasted baby red potatoes with garlic butter are another tasty alternative.

If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, you could try roasted mushrooms cooked in butter and their own juices, with a splash of red wine and tarragon. Glazed carrots with orange juice, maple syrup, and browned butter are another intensely-flavoured option, as are roasted Brussels sprouts coated in oil and spices. For a lighter option, try green beans almondine, or a corn salad.

If you're a fan of cheese, you could try macaroni and cheese, or even goat cheese-stuffed rolls. For a more sophisticated take on cheese and carbs, try a baked risotto with lemon, peas, and Parmesan, or cheesy kale orzo with herbed breadcrumbs.

Finally, if you're looking for something a little more unusual, you could try a salad with warm apples, fresh ginger, roasted pistachios, and ricotta, or a chickpea salad with pita bread and olive oil dressing.

How to make garlic herb butter

Air fryer filet mignon is a gourmet meal that is perfect for date night or a special occasion. It is also easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. The air fryer method is foolproof and straightforward, resulting in a perfect steak every time with minimal cleanup and no smoke. The key to a good filet mignon is the quality of the ingredients, as there are so few of them. A good cut of meat, some olive oil, salt and pepper, and, of course, garlic herb butter are all you need.

Now, for the star of the show: the garlic herb butter. This delicious condiment is what takes the filet mignon to the next level. It is surprisingly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, as it freezes and refrigerates well. Here is a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• Butter (softened to room temperature)
• Fresh garlic cloves (finely minced or roasted)
• Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, thyme, chives, or a blend like Italian seasoning)
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Directions:

• Choose a quality butter that you love the flavor of. Options like Kerrygold, Plugra, or Earth Balance sticks for a dairy-free or vegan option are excellent choices.
• If using fresh garlic, peel and finely mince the cloves. You can also roast the garlic cloves for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Wash and finely chop your chosen fresh herbs. If using dried herbs, use less, as they are more potent. The ratio is 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs to 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter, garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper (if desired).
• Stir the ingredients together until they are fully combined.
• Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap. Place the butter mixture in the center and shape it into a log.
• Roll the plastic wrap over the butter log, twisting the ends and tucking them under.
• Place the butter log in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight until it is solid.
• Once solid, remove the butter from the plastic wrap and slice it into discs.
• Serve the garlic herb butter on top of your air fryer filet mignon or use it as a compound butter for other dishes.

This garlic herb butter is incredibly versatile and can be used on various dishes, including steak, shrimp, bread, vegetables, and pasta. It adds a burst of flavor to any savory dish and is sure to impress!

Why filet mignon is a great cut of steak for home chefs

Filet mignon is a great cut of steak for home chefs to cook in an air fryer because it is easy to prepare, cook, and clean up after. The air fryer method makes it easier than ever to make a perfect steak every time, achieving that desired melt-in-your-mouth texture. The filet mignon is a pricey and prized cut of meat, taken from the tenderloin, and is incredibly tender, juicy, and delicious. It is also a lean cut of meat, which is important to many.

Filet mignon is a great option for a gourmet meal at home without the effort, and it is an ideal cut of steak for a special occasion or date night. It can be cooked to perfection in under 15 minutes, with minimal cleanup and no smoke filling the kitchen. The air fryer method is also foolproof and straightforward, so home chefs can feel less intimidated about cooking an expensive cut of meat.

The filet mignon is also very versatile and can be served with a range of sides and toppings. It can be seasoned with just salt and pepper, or with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. It can also be served with a compound butter, made with butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt, or with olive oil and an acid like lemon or vinegar.

Filet mignon is a great cut of steak for home chefs who want to create a restaurant-quality meal in their own kitchen, without the steep price tag of dining out. It is a tender, juicy, and delicious option that is sure to impress, and with the air fryer method, it has never been easier to cook to perfection.

How to prepare filet mignon in an air fryer in under 20 minutes

Preparing filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this premium cut of meat. It's an impressive dish for a date night or special occasion, but simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Here's how to prepare filet mignon in an air fryer in under 20 minutes:

Ingredients:

• Filet mignon steaks (5-8 oz per person)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper (or kosher salt and cracked black pepper)
• Butter (optional herb butter or blue cheese butter)
• Garlic (optional)
• Fresh or dried herbs (e.g. rosemary, thyme, sage, or parsley)

Method:

Take the steaks out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and let them come to room temperature. This will ensure they cook evenly.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.

Brush or rub both sides of the steaks with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. If you're making herb butter, combine softened butter with your choice of garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, or parsley, and a pinch of salt. Roll the butter into a log shape in parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator.

Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. For a 5-ounce steak, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes for medium-rare, or 12 minutes for medium. For an 8-ounce steak, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time.

Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with slices of herb or blue cheese butter, or serve it on the side.

Tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak for the desired doneness.
• For a more sophisticated dish, wrap the sides of the steak in bacon and secure it with a toothpick before air frying.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a good crusty bread to soak up all the juices.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality filet mignon, cooked to perfection in your air fryer!

Frequently asked questions