Air-Fryer Filet: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender steak with minimal clean-up. The air fryer method is perfect for a date night or a weeknight meal, producing a restaurant-quality steak at a fraction of the cost. The key to a great-tasting steak is in the seasoning, and the air fryer's even cooking ensures a golden crust and a juicy, tender centre. With easy preparation and a short cooking time, this is a foolproof way to cook a gourmet meal with very little effort.

Characteristics of cooking a filet in the air fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking filet mignon. It helps to create a golden crust on the steak, giving it that desirable seared look and feel. To preheat your air fryer, start by setting the temperature to 400°F or 200°C. Allow the air fryer to heat up for approximately 5 minutes. This timing may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or your own experience with the appliance.

Once preheated, you can prepare the air fryer basket by spraying it with a cooking spray. This step ensures that your steaks don't stick to the basket and makes for easier cleaning afterward. If you don't have a cooking spray, you can brush the basket with a thin layer of olive oil or another high-heat-tolerant oil.

When preheating, it is also essential to consider the size of your air fryer basket and the number of steaks you plan to cook. Ensure there is adequate space between the steaks for even cooking. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

After preheating and preparing the basket, you can proceed to the next step of placing the seasoned steaks into the air fryer. Remember to follow the specific instructions for your desired level of doneness, as the cooking time will vary depending on whether you prefer your steak rare, medium-rare, medium, or well done.

In summary, preheating your air fryer to the appropriate temperature and preparing the basket are crucial steps in ensuring your filet mignon cooks evenly and develops a desirable crust. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to cooking delicious and tender steaks every time.

Prepare the filet

Preparing filet mignon in an air fryer is a straightforward process. First, take your steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This step is optional but will improve the end result. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and trim any fat if needed. Next, season the steaks. The main seasonings are salt and pepper, but you can also add fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, sage, or garlic powder. If you want to add an extra touch of flavour, brush the steaks with olive oil before seasoning so that the herbs and spices adhere well.

Once you're happy with the seasoning, it's time to fire up the air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F for 5 minutes. While it's heating up, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the steaks from sticking. Then, place the steaks in the basket, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is not big enough to fit all the steaks with space around them, cook them in batches.

Cook the filet

Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a gourmet meal at home. The air fryer is a great way to cook filet mignon because it ensures the steak is tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked every time.

Prepare the Steak:

First, bring your steaks to room temperature. Take them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes in advance. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and trim any fat if needed.

Season the Steak:

Lightly coat the steaks in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, or sage. If you want to add an extra kick of flavour, use a compound butter with your chosen herbs, garlic, and butter.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them so they cook evenly. For a 1.5-inch-thick steak, cook for 9-10 minutes for rare, 10-11 minutes for medium-rare, 11-12 minutes for medium, 11.5-13 minutes for medium-well, and 14 minutes for well-done. If you are cooking thicker filets, you will need to increase the cooking time. For a 2"-2.5"-thick steak, cook for about 15 minutes for a medium-rare finish.

Use a meat thermometer to check that your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. For rare, the internal temperature should be 120°F-125°F, for medium-rare 130°F-135°F, for medium 140°F, for medium-well 145°F-150°F, and for well-done 160°F.

Once your steak has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-10 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving. Top with a tablespoon of garlic butter, which will start to melt over the hot steak.

Now you know how to cook filet mignon in an air fryer, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!

Rest the filet

Resting the filet is an important step in the cooking process. Once you have cooked the steak to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. Covering the steak with foil while it rests will help keep it warm. During this time, the juices will redistribute in the meat, making for a more tender and juicy bite.

The filet's temperature will rise by about 5 degrees Fahrenheit while it rests, so it's important to account for this when deciding how long to cook the steak for. For example, if you want a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and it will reach a final temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit while resting.

If you are cooking multiple steaks, it is best to let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing them. This will allow the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, ensuring that each steak is juicy and tender.

Resting the filet is a crucial step in the cooking process, as it ensures that the steak is cooked to perfection and results in a more flavorful and enjoyable dining experience.

Serve the filet

Once your filet mignon steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest. For rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (roughly 5-6 minutes); for medium-rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (roughly 9-10 minutes); for medium, cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (roughly 11-12 minutes); for medium-well, cook until the internal temperature reaches 150°F (roughly 11.5-13 minutes); and for well-done, cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (roughly 14-16 minutes).

Let the steaks rest for 3-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. You can cover the steaks with foil to keep them warm while they rest. Top each steak with a tablespoon of garlic butter, which will start to melt. You can also serve the filet mignon with a side of baked potato, asparagus, or your favorite side.

Frequently asked questions