Emilie Meyer
Cooking beef filet in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and foolproof way to achieve a tender and juicy steak with minimal cleanup. The air fryer's smoke-free cooking and consistent results make it a convenient and effective method for preparing this expensive cut of meat. With simple seasoning and a short cooking time, you can create a delicious and impressive meal for any occasion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400°F |
| Resting Time | 3-5 minutes |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, rosemary, olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic, parsley, balsamic vinegar glaze, Lawry's season salt, Montreal seasoning |
| Sides | Baked potato, asparagus, thyme roasted radishes and onions, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus, potatoes au gratin, watermelon cucumber salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, roasted potatoes, air fryer dinner rolls, slow-roasted Roma tomatoes, air fryer parsnips, green beans almondine, twice-baked potatoes, mashed potatoes |
| Toppings | Butter (blue cheese, garlic, herb), garlic-herb butter |
| Meat Type | Beef |
| Cut | Filet mignon, beef tenderloin |
| Meat Temperature | 120°F (rare), 125°F-135°F (medium-rare), 130°F (medium-rare), 140°F (medium), 145°F (medium), 150°F (medium-well), 160°F (well-done) |
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What You'll Learn
How to get the perfect medium-rare filet mignon in an air fryer
Air-fried filet mignon is a quick, easy, and foolproof way to get a perfect medium-rare steak. It's tender, juicy, and restaurant-quality, with minimal cleanup. Here's how to do it:
Preparation:
First, buy a good-quality filet mignon. Look for Choice or Prime cuts, and if you can find pasture-raised, grass-fed beef, even better. The filet should be bright red with very thin, slight marbling. Avoid any with silver skin, or cut it off before cooking.
Before cooking, season your filet mignon. Bring the steaks to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels, then drizzle olive oil over each piece of beef, rubbing it onto both sides. Season generously with salt and pepper, and other spices like rosemary, garlic, or thyme, pressing the seasoning into the meat with your hands.
Cooking:
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the steaks in the basket with space between them, and cook for about 10–11 minutes for medium-rare. The timing will depend on the thickness of your steaks, so it's best to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. For a perfect medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130–135 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serving:
Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 3–5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the temperature to rise a few degrees. Top with garlic herb butter and serve. You can make compound butter by mixing softened butter with herbs and spices, then chilling it in the fridge until hardened.
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The best seasoning for filet mignon
When it comes to seasoning filet mignon, there are several options to consider, depending on your taste preferences and how much time you have. A simple and classic option is to stick to salt and pepper, which will let the flavour of the steak shine through. Be generous with these seasonings, as filets are known for their tenderness but have relatively poor flavour compared to other cuts.
If you want to add a little more flavour, you can include rosemary, thyme, and garlic to your salt and pepper base. You can also make a compound butter with these ingredients, which will bring a rich flavour to the dish. To make the compound butter, combine softened butter with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt. You can also add fresh garlic cloves to the mix. Roll the butter into a log shape and place it in the refrigerator or freezer until hardened, then slice and serve on top of the steaks.
If you're looking for a store-bought option, Montreal Steak Seasoning is a good choice. It adds a crunchy texture to the crust of the steak and has a garlic, onion, and pepper flavour. You can find it at most grocery stores, including McCormick and Aldi.
Another option is to marinate the filet mignon in extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar glaze, and seasoned salt for an hour before cooking.
Finally, don't forget to let your steaks come to room temperature before cooking, as this will help them cook more evenly.
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How to make garlic herb butter
To make garlic herb butter, you will need butter, garlic, and herbs. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference and dietary needs. Softened butter is easier to mix and combine with the other ingredients. If your butter is too hard, leave it out at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before you begin.
For the garlic, you will need fresh cloves, finely minced. Roasted garlic cloves can also be used if you prefer a more mellow, slightly sweet flavor. You can also add garlic powder for an extra kick, but this is optional.
For the herbs, a combination of fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme is a great place to start. You can also experiment with other herbs such as oregano, dill with lemon zest, basil, cilantro, and lime zest, or even red pepper flakes for some heat.
Once you have your ingredients, it's time to mix them together. You can do this by hand in a bowl with a fork or a rubber spatula, or you can use a blender for a finer texture. Combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped herbs, and any additional seasonings, such as salt or lemon zest. Stir or blend until the ingredients are fully combined and you have a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
Now, it's time to shape and store your garlic herb butter. Transfer the mixture to a piece of parchment paper or wax paper and shape it into a log. You can then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Your garlic herb butter is now ready to be used! Simply slice off a piece when needed and enjoy it on top of your air-fried beef filet or any other dish you desire.
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How to get a crispy crust on your filet mignon
To get a crispy crust on your filet mignon, preheating your air fryer is crucial. Adding the steak to a hot basket lets it sear right away, helping to create a golden crust. While you won't get as dark a crust as you would using a stovetop or grill, preheating is still the best way to air fry filet mignon.
The reverse searing method is another way to get a golden crust on your filet mignon. This method takes a little longer than using an air fryer, but the crust is worth the wait.
To get a good crust, you should also ensure that your filet mignon isn't crowded in the basket. Space between the pieces will allow them to cook evenly. If you're cooking more than two steaks, it's best to cook them in batches.
Finally, to get a crispy crust, you should let your filet mignon come to room temperature before cooking. This will help the steak cook more evenly.
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The best sides to serve with air-fried filet mignon
There are many side dishes that go well with air-fried filet mignon. The best sides complement the rich flavor of the steak without detracting from it. Here are some suggestions:
- Roasted potatoes: Parmesan herb air fryer sweet potatoes, crispy roasted baby potatoes, or red potatoes are all great options.
- Mashed potatoes: For a creamy and comforting side, try mashed rutabaga or mashed yuca.
- Green vegetables: Air-fried filet mignon pairs well with sautéed beet and Swiss chard greens, kohlrabi greens with bacon, or roasted broccoli and cauliflower.
- Other vegetables: Try roasted green beans, sauteed mushrooms, creamed spinach, or air-fried Brussels sprouts.
- Salads: A watermelon cucumber salad or a broccoli cauliflower salad can add a refreshing element to the meal.
- Baked potato: A classic side dish that goes well with steak.
- Asparagus: You can keep it simple with plain asparagus or try something more elaborate, like lemony prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.
When preparing your side dishes, consider the cooking method and timing to ensure that everything is ready at the same time as your steak. For example, if you are using an air fryer, you may be able to cook your sides in the air fryer, either simultaneously or in batches.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 9-15 minutes to cook beef filet in an air fryer, depending on how well you want it cooked.
The air fryer should be set to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef filet. For rare, it should be 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit, and for medium-rare, it should be 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can season the beef filet with salt, pepper, rosemary, and olive oil. You can also add garlic, thyme, oregano, and parsley.
