Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a great way to cook filet mignon, a cut of beef that is taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin, which is the most lean and tender. The air fryer is a perfect way to cook this delicate and expensive cut of meat, producing a juicy and tender steak with minimal effort and no smoke. The air fryer's even circulation of hot air cooks the steak quickly and efficiently, with no need to flip the meat. This method is also healthier than pan-searing or deep-frying, cutting calories by up to 80%.
Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Filet in an Air Fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Filet mignon |
| Steak weight | 5-8 oz |
| Steak thickness | 2 inches |
| Marinade | Olive oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, black pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder |
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Timing | 9-14 minutes |
| Temperature for rare | 120°F-125°F |
| Temperature for medium-rare | 130°F-135°F |
| Temperature for medium | 140°F-145°F |
| Temperature for medium-well | 150°F-155°F |
| Temperature for well-done | 160°F |
| Temperature to reheat | 350°F |
| Time to reheat | 3 minutes |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days |
| Freezing | Freeze in freezer containers for up to three months |
| Sides | Baked potato, asparagus, garlic bread, mashed potatoes, carrots, Texas toast, broccoli |
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What You'll Learn
How to season your filet
Seasoning your filet mignon is crucial for enhancing its natural flavours. A simple yet effective method is to use salt and pepper on both sides of the steak. Be generous with the seasoning, as this will draw out moisture and help create a delicious crust during cooking. For an added layer of flavour, consider rubbing in some garlic powder, onion powder, or even some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. You could also add some blue cheese crumbles post-cooking for a creamy, bright, slightly funky finish.
If you want to add some oil, it's best to choose a high-quality olive oil. Avocado or canola oil are also good options. Use a small amount to rub over the steak or spray lightly in the air fryer basket. Applying oil can help the seasoning adhere better to the meat. If you're concerned about the amount of oil, just use enough to coat the surface lightly.
Before seasoning, you should let the filet mignon sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This will help the seasoning penetrate the meat and reduce the cooking time, leading to a more evenly cooked steak. After seasoning, pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture and help develop a nice crust.
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How to cook your filet in the air fryer
How to cook your filet in an air fryer
Air-fried filet mignon is a gourmet meal that is easy to make and will impress your loved ones. It is a foolproof way to cook a tender, juicy steak with barely any hands-on time.
Ingredients
- Filet mignon steaks (2 x 8oz steaks for two people)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Butter (softened to room temperature)
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Garlic powder
Method
Firstly, remove the steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and let them come to room temperature. This will ensure they cook evenly and produce juicier meat.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steaks in a shallow dish and coat them lightly with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. You can add other herbs like rosemary and thyme for extra flavour.
Now you are ready to cook your steaks. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between them for the air to circulate. Set the air fryer for 10 minutes for medium-rare, 12 minutes for medium, 13 minutes for medium-well, and 14 minutes for well-done. If you prefer your steak rare, cook for 9 minutes. For the perfect finish, flip the steaks halfway through cooking.
When the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This is an important step, as it allows the juices to redistribute and results in a perfectly cooked steak.
Finally, serve your steaks with a slice of garlic herb butter. Enjoy!
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How to make garlic herb butter
To make garlic herb butter, you'll need a stick of butter, garlic, and herbs. You can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference and dietary needs. If you opt for unsalted butter, you may need to add a pinch of salt to taste. For the herbs, you can use a combination of fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme, or try oregano, dill with lemon zest, basil, cilantro, and lime zest, or Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs are best, but you can also use dried herbs, adjusting the amount used as necessary. You can also add red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor.
First, leave the butter out at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to soften. Then, mince or crush your garlic cloves. You can also roast the garlic cloves first for a more mellow, slightly sweet flavor. Next, chop your herbs. Once your ingredients are prepared, combine the butter, garlic, herbs, and salt (if using) in a medium bowl. Use a hand mixer or a rubber spatula to stir until combined. You can also use a blender or food processor for a finer texture.
Once combined, transfer the butter to a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Form the butter into a log shape, then roll it up in the paper or plastic wrap, completely covering it. You can store this garlic herb butter in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks or in the freezer for several months. When you're ready to use it, simply slice off a piece and enjoy the delicious flavor it adds to your steak, chicken, shrimp, vegetables, bread, and more!
Now, for the filet mignon, you'll want to start by bringing your steaks to room temperature, which will help them cook more quickly and evenly. Remove them from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the steaks generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. You can also brush or coat the steaks with olive oil, which will help the seasonings stick and add a nice sizzle to the cooking process.
Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure there is space between them. For a 5-ounce steak, cook at 400 degrees 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. You can adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steaks and your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 120 degrees for rare, 130 degrees for medium-rare, 140 degrees for medium, 150 degrees for medium-well, and 160 degrees for well-done.
Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. Then, top each steak with a slice or a spoonful of your homemade garlic herb butter. Enjoy your perfectly cooked filet mignon with a side of baked potato, asparagus, garlic bread, or your favorite side dish!
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What sides to serve with your filet
There are many side dishes that can accompany a filet steak cooked in an air fryer. Here are some suggestions:
Potatoes
A classic side to serve with steak is potatoes. You can bake them in the air fryer, resulting in a quicker and crispier texture than oven-baked potatoes. Top your baked potato with butter and chives, and anything else you like. Alternatively, you could make potato wedges, which are perfect for mopping up steak juices and sauces. If you're looking for something more elegant, try making potato gnocchi or baked risotto with lemon, peas, and Parmesan.
Salads
A simple salad can make your steak dinner lean and nutritious. You can grill the romaine for a slight char and serve it with Caesar dressing, or chop it up for a wedge salad. Another option is a chopped salad with Mexican-inspired flavours, including avocado, corn, radishes, romaine, and bacon. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try asparagus stalks with Hollandaise sauce.
Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are a great side dish to serve with steak. You could try grilled corn, baby carrots cooked in a white wine and butter sauce, or broccolini, which has a sweet and garlicky flavour. If you're looking for something more indulgent, try mushrooms, which can be served as a side dish or spooned over the steak.
Fries
Fries are a classic side dish to steak, and you can make them in your air fryer. Try Parmesan steak fries or vinegar-brined potatoes for a tangy flavour.
Other Sides
Some other sides to consider are onion rings, which can be made in the air fryer for a crunchy texture without the mess of hot oil. You could also try a tomato and burrata salad or grilled leeks au gratin for something more elegant.
Remember, the choice of side dish depends on your personal preference and the preparation of your steak. If your steak is simply prepared, most side dishes will work. However, if your steak is made with a heavy cream sauce, you might want to opt for a lighter, more neutral side.
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How to store your filet leftovers
To store your filet mignon leftovers, use a vacuum sealer to keep the juices locked in and air out. If you don't have access to a vacuum sealer, an alternative method is to wrap the steak leftovers tightly in freezer paper, a thick, coated plastic paper that can lock in moisture and keep air away. Wrap each piece of meat individually and place them in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
Make sure to store the steak in the refrigerator right after you've cooked and cut it so that it doesn't sit out at room temperature for too long. Generally, leftover steaks can be stored in the fridge for up to three days if they are wrapped properly. If you don't think you'll eat the leftovers within this time, consider placing them in the freezer instead. When reheating steak, avoid using the microwave as it can dry out the meat. Instead, reheat in an air fryer or use the oven.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is easy. First, season your steaks with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the steaks in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 9-11 minutes, and for a medium steak, cook for 11-12 minutes. If you like your steak well done, cook for 14 minutes. Always let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 120°F, for medium-rare 130°F, for medium 140°F, for medium-well 150°F, and for a well-done steak, 160°F.
There are many side dishes that go well with filet mignon. Some classic options include mashed potatoes, garlic bread, and vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli. For a special occasion, try something like twice-baked potatoes or parsnips.
Yes, filet mignon is a very versatile dish. You can use different herbs and spices for seasoning, such as rosemary or thyme. You can also top your steak with garlic butter or compound butter for extra flavor and a nice sauce. If you are dairy-free, you can use vegan butter or ghee instead.
