Cody Casey
Cooking beef fillet in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a restaurant-quality steak with minimal cleanup. The air fryer's even circulation of hot air creates a crispy crust and soft interior, making the beef fillet tender and juicy. This cooking method is especially useful for those who don't want to deal with the mess of a cast-iron pan or the hassle of grilling. By following some simple steps and adjusting the cooking time based on your desired doneness, you can have a perfectly cooked beef fillet every time.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of beef
Type of Beef Cut
The first step is to decide on the type of beef cut you want to cook. Different cuts will offer varying levels of tenderness, flavour, and cooking time. Some common cuts used in air fryers include:
- Filet Mignon: This is a premium cut from the tip of the tenderloin, known for its tenderness, juiciness, and delicate texture. It is one of the most expensive cuts and is perfect for special occasions.
- Sirloin: This cut is appreciated for its hearty flavour and can be divided into the top sirloin, which is more tender, and the bottom sirloin, which is larger, leaner, and slightly tougher.
- Cube Steak: A convenient and versatile cut that usually comes from the top or bottom round of the cow. It is lean and can be tough, so it benefits from marination to tenderize the meat.
- Flank Steak: This cut comes from the loin primal section and is known for being extremely lean and tender. It is best enjoyed rare to medium-rare.
- Ribeye: Nicknamed "the beauty steak," ribeye is a popular choice among beef lovers for its rich, buttery flavour.
Marbling
When selecting your beef, look for cuts with a higher degree of marbling, which will enhance your eating experience. Marbling refers to the intramuscular fat within the meat, which adds flavour and juiciness. However, if you are making beef jerky in the air fryer, opt for leaner cuts like Eye of Round or Top Round.
Thickness
Choose steaks with a minimum thickness of 1 inch. Thicker steaks, such as those closer to 2 inches, will take longer to cook but can be ideal for achieving a nice medium-rare doneness.
Quality
For the best-tasting steak, opt for high-quality beef. Look for Choice or Prime cuts at your local grocery store, and if you can find pasture-raised or grass-fed beef, even better!
Remember, the right cut of beef will depend on your personal preferences and the specific recipe you are following. With the right choice and proper preparation, you can achieve a restaurant-quality steak right in your own kitchen!
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Preparing the beef fillet
Start by choosing high-quality beef. Look for Choice or Prime cuts at your local grocery store. If you can find pasture-raised or grass-fed beef, that would be ideal. Make sure the beef fillet is at least 1 inch thick; thinner steaks may cook too fast and not get a chance to brown properly.
Next, bring the beef to room temperature. Take it out of the fridge and let it sit for around 20-30 minutes. This step is important because it helps the steak cook more evenly.
Now, it's time to season the beef. Brush both sides of the fillet generously with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use a paper towel to pat the oil onto the meat. Then, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. Be generous with the seasoning, as it enhances the flavour of the steak. You can also add other spices like rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder to take your steak to the next level. If you have time, you can let the steak sit with the seasoning for up to an hour to really absorb the flavours.
If you want to get creative, you can make a compound butter to go with your steak. Simply mix softened butter with your choice of herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt. Transfer the mixture to a piece of parchment paper and shape it into a log. Keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.
Once your beef fillet is prepared and seasoned, it's time to place it in the air fryer. Make sure the air fryer basket is preheated to the desired temperature, which can range from 350 degrees Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your preference and the desired doneness of the steak.
Remember, the key to a perfect beef fillet is in the preparation. Taking the time to choose good-quality meat, bringing it to room temperature, seasoning generously, and using compound butter can elevate your steak-cooking game to the next level.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for beef fillet in an air fryer depend on several factors, including the thickness of the steak, the power of the air fryer, and your desired level of doneness.
Firstly, it is important to ensure that your steak has reached room temperature before cooking. This usually takes around 20-30 minutes.
For a 1-inch steak, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, turning halfway, for a medium-rare finish. For a medium finish, cook for 12 minutes, again turning halfway. If your steak is thicker or thinner than 1 inch, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
For a 2"-2.5" thick steak, cook at 390°F for 10-11 minutes for a medium-rare finish. Reduce the temperature to 360°F and cook for 10 more minutes. The temperature in the centre of the steak should be 135°F for medium doneness.
For a well-done steak, cook at 400°F for 14 minutes.
It is worth noting that the temperature of the steak will continue to rise slightly after it has been removed from the air fryer, so it is important to take this into account when deciding on the desired level of doneness.
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Resting the beef
While the beef is resting, it is important to keep it covered loosely with foil to prevent it from continuing to cook in the air fryer basket. You can also place the beef on a wire rack to rest, which will allow air to circulate and prevent the bottom from getting soggy. If you are using a meat probe or instant-read meat thermometer to check the doneness of the beef, remove it from the thickest part of the meat before letting it rest. This will give you an accurate reading of the internal temperature.
The resting time will also depend on the thickness of the beef fillet. For thicker cuts, a longer resting time is required, while thinner cuts may need a shorter resting time. It is important to note that the beef will continue to cook slightly during the resting period, so it is best to remove it from the air fryer sooner rather than later to avoid overcooking.
During the resting period, you can also prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with the beef fillet. This will ensure that your meal is ready to be served once the resting period is complete. Some side dishes that pair well with beef fillet include baked potatoes, asparagus, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
Additionally, bringing the beef fillet to room temperature before cooking can also impact the resting process. It is recommended to let the beef sit out at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking, as this allows the beef to cook more evenly. This step is important for ensuring that the beef fillet is properly rested and cooked to perfection.
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Serving suggestions
The air fryer beef fillet can be served with a variety of side dishes, depending on your preferences and dietary requirements.
For a keto-friendly option, try thyme-roasted radishes and onions, or prosciutto-wrapped asparagus with a squeeze of lemon. If you're following the Whole30 diet, potatoes au gratin, watermelon cucumber salad, broccoli cauliflower salad, or roasted potatoes are great choices.
For a more classic approach, serve the fillet with baked potatoes and asparagus or roasted green beans. If you're looking for something a little different, air fryer dinner rolls and slow-roasted Roma tomatoes make a unique combination.
For a truly indulgent experience, try the fillet with Boursin mashed potatoes, air fryer parsnips, or green beans almondine. And if you're a fan of garlic, don't forget to top your steak with garlic-herb butter before serving.
If you're serving this dish for a special occasion, like Valentine's Day or a date night, consider pairing it with a glass of red wine and some romantic music to set the mood.
Finally, remember to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving, as this will ensure it stays juicy and tender.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking beef fillet in an air fryer is an easy and quick way to achieve a restaurant-quality steak. First, preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Brush your fillet with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and onion granules. Place the fillet in the air fryer basket and cook for 9-14 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10-12 minutes. Always let your steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
The best way to ensure your beef fillet is cooked to your desired level of doneness is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 120°F, while a medium-rare steak should be 125-130°F. A medium steak should be cooked to 135-140°F, a medium-well steak to 145-150°F, and a well-done steak to 155-160°F.
There are many sides that pair well with beef fillet. Some options include baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, asparagus, and salad. If you're looking for keto options, try thyme-roasted radishes and onions or lemony prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.
To get a good sear on your beef fillet, preheat your air fryer before adding the steak. This will ensure that the steak starts cooking as soon as it touches the surface of the basket. You can also rub a little oil on the steak to help it brown better. If you want a more well-done steak, you can also try reverse searing, which takes a little longer but gives a golden crust.
