Ella Walter
Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a gourmet meal at home. This method of cooking filet mignon is perfect for a date night or a special occasion, delivering a juicy, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth steak with minimal prep and cleanup. The air fryer ensures even cooking, and the results are comparable to those of a steakhouse.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Filet mignon |
| Steak weight | 6 oz |
| Steak thickness | 1.5-2 inches |
| Steak temperature | 120-160°F (rare to well-done) |
| Cooking time | 9-15 minutes |
| Cooking method | Air frying |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, rosemary, garlic |
| Toppings | Blue cheese, garlic, herb butter |
| Sides | Baked potato, asparagus, salad, etc. |
| Nutrition | 70-1058 kcal, 0-1 g carbs, 42-70 g protein, 32-88 g fat |
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What You'll Learn
How to choose the best cut of filet mignon
Filet mignon is a cut of beef from the smaller, tender end of the tenderloin. It is known for being one of the most tender, juicy, and expensive cuts of steak, and is considered a luxury dish.
When choosing the best cut of filet mignon, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the thickness of the steak is important. Most chefs recommend a minimum thickness of 1.5 inches, with the ideal range being between 2 to 3 inches. This is because thicker steaks allow for more even cooking and better insulation of the centre, giving you more control over the doneness of the steak.
The next thing to consider is the marbling of the meat, which refers to the white flecks and lines of intramuscular fat within the steak. Marbling adds juiciness and tenderness to the meat, so look for a cut with a good concentration of marbling. However, filet mignon naturally has less marbling compared to other cuts like the New York strip or ribeye, so don't expect to see a lot.
The colour of the meat can also indicate the level of marbling. A lighter colour typically indicates more marbling, resulting in a more tender steak with a stronger beef flavour. If you prefer a milder taste, go for the darker red colour with less marbling.
Finally, try to buy your filet mignon from a local butcher if possible, as they can provide fresher and better-quality cuts than most large grocery stores. If you don't have access to a local butcher, consider ordering from specialty meat providers online, especially if you're looking for prime cuts, which are the top 2% of meat in terms of quality.
Now that you've chosen the perfect cut of filet mignon, here's a quick overview of how to cook it in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Bring your steak to room temperature by taking it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes beforehand.
- Lightly coat the steak with extra virgin olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also use other herbs like rosemary or thyme for additional flavour.
- Place the steak in the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between multiple steaks to ensure even cooking.
- Cook for 9-14 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 125°-135°F.
- Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Top with a tablespoon of garlic herb butter and enjoy!
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Preparing the filet mignon for the air fryer
Preparing filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook a gourmet dinner at home. This method produces a juicy, tender steak that rivals any steakhouse offering.
To start, take your 6 oz steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This step, known as tempering, allows the meat to come to room temperature and ensures a better end result. While you wait, you can make your compound butter. This can be kept simple with just butter, salt, and herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. You can also add ingredients like garlic, garlic powder, or blue cheese. Combine your ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Transfer the butter to a piece of parchment paper, roll it into a log shape, and store it in the refrigerator.
Next, pat your steaks dry with paper towels. Brush or coat the steaks with olive oil on both sides, which will help the seasoning adhere well. Season generously with salt and pepper, or use a seasoning blend like Montreal seasoning. You can also add other seasonings like red pepper flakes, garlic salt, or your favorite steak seasoning. If you want to add some extra flavor and juiciness, wrap each steak with a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
Now your filet mignon is ready for the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (some sources recommend 380°F or 450°F). Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is not big enough, cook the steaks in batches.
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Cooking the filet mignon in the air fryer
Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a gourmet dinner at home. The air fryer ensures even cooking and a juicy, tender steak every time. Here is a step-by-step guide to cooking filet mignon in an air fryer:
Preparation:
Firstly, take your steaks out of the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature. This step is important and will take about 30 minutes. While the steaks are coming to room temperature, you can prepare the compound butter. For a simple compound butter, combine softened butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. You can also add blue cheese, parsley, and garlic to the butter for a different flavour profile. Roll the butter into a log shape inside a piece of parchment paper and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve the steaks.
Next, pat the steaks dry with paper towels and brush or coat them lightly with olive oil. Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides. If you want to add extra flavour, you can season the steaks with red pepper flakes, pressed clove garlic, garlic salt, or your favourite steak seasoning.
Cooking:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steaks into the air fryer basket, leaving space between them so they cook evenly. If your air fryer is not big enough to fit all the steaks with space in between, cook them in batches. Air fry the steaks for 9-14 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes, and for a well-done steak, cook for 14 minutes. It is best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks to ensure they are cooked to your liking.
Serving:
Once the steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute in the meat and the temperature to rise a few degrees. Top each steak with a tablespoon of the compound butter, which will start to melt. Let the steaks rest for another 5 minutes before slicing them against the grain. Serve with your favourite sides and enjoy!
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How to achieve the perfect doneness
The key to achieving the perfect doneness for your 6 oz filet mignon in an air fryer is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The temperature will depend on your desired level of doneness. Here are the temperature ranges 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
It is important to note that the cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and the wattage of your air fryer. As a reference, for a 1.5-inch-thick steak, the cooking time ranges from 9 to 14 minutes for rare to well-done, respectively.
- Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Prepare the steaks by patting them dry with paper towels and brushing or coating them with olive oil.
- Season the steaks with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice, such as rosemary or thyme.
- Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the steaks for the recommended time based on your desired level of doneness, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Remove the steaks from the air fryer when they are 5 degrees below your desired temperature, as the steaks will continue to cook internally while resting.
- Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the temperature to rise slightly.
By following these steps and paying close attention to the internal temperature of your steaks, you can achieve the perfect doneness for your 6 oz filet mignon in an air fryer.
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Sides and toppings to serve with filet mignon
Filet mignon is a tender and juicy cut of beef that is perfect for a special occasion or date night. When cooking filet mignon in an air fryer, you can achieve a restaurant-quality steak with minimal effort and cleanup.
To cook 6 oz of filet mignon in an air fryer, first preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Then, brush both sides of the filet with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add additional seasonings such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 9-12 minutes for rare, 10-13 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust the timing according to your desired doneness.
Now, let's move on to the sides and toppings that will elevate your filet mignon:
Sides:
- Salads: Keep things light with a salad. For a classic steakhouse option, go for a Caesar Salad with crispy croutons and a creamy dressing. You can also add shaved Parmesan cheese and anchovies to your dressing. Another option is an arugula salad with mixed citrus and roasted beets, topped with crispy halloumi croutons.
- Vegetables: Green vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli can add a refreshing touch to your meal. Try grilling or roasting them for a smoky flavor. You can also make a modern green bean casserole with a sesame-stick topping or shave asparagus into thin ribbons for a crisp and flavorful salad.
- Potatoes: Baked potatoes, sweet potato fries, or roasted potatoes are classic sides that pair well with filet mignon. For a decadent option, try potatoes au gratin, where you layer potatoes and onions with a creamy cheese sauce.
- Bread: Don't forget some bread to soak up those delicious steak juices! Yeasted dinner rolls, sunflower seed peasant bread, or cornbread muffins will all complement your meal.
Toppings:
- Compound Butter: The most popular topping for filet mignon is a compound butter, which can be made with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley, and softened butter. You can also add ingredients like garlic or minced fresh parsley to your butter.
- Sauces: Try a creamy peppercorn sauce or a bourbon cream sauce to take your steak to the next level.
With these sides and toppings, you can create a well-rounded and indulgent meal to impress your taste buds and your guests!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 10-15 minutes to cook 6 oz filet mignon in an air fryer.
The air fryer should be preheated to 400°F.
The best way to ensure proper cooking is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
