Air-Fried Filet Mignon: A Quick, Juicy Steak Perfection

Filet mignon is a special cut of beef from the smaller, tapered end of the tenderloin. It's known for being incredibly tender, juicy, and delicious, but it can be pricey to buy and challenging to cook. However, with an air fryer, you can easily prepare restaurant-quality filet mignon in the comfort of your own home. Air frying is a convenient, smoke-free method that produces consistently tender and juicy results, making it perfect for a cozy date night or a quick weeknight meal. In this article, we'll guide you through the simple steps to air-fry filet mignon to perfection, along with tips on seasoning, temperature settings, and serving suggestions.

Characteristics of cooking filet mignon in an air fryer:

How to cook filet mignon in an air fryer: ingredients and prep

Air fryer filet mignon is a gourmet meal that is surprisingly easy to make. Filet mignon is a pricey and delicate cut of beef, taken from the smaller, tapered end of the tenderloin. It is incredibly tender, juicy, and delicious.

Ingredients

• Filet mignon steaks
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Butter
• Garlic
• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley)

Optional Ingredients

• Blue cheese
• Bacon
• Montreal seasoning
• Garlic powder

Prep

First, let the steaks come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. If using, prepare the compound butter by combining the butter, herbs, garlic, and salt in a bowl and mixing well. Transfer the butter to a piece of parchment paper, roll it into a log shape, and keep it in the refrigerator until the steaks are ready.

Next, brush or rub both sides of the steaks with olive oil. Season the steaks generously with salt and pepper, or, for extra flavour, use Montreal seasoning. If desired, wrap the steaks in bacon and secure it with a toothpick.

Air fryer settings for filet mignon

To cook filet mignon in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F. Brush or coat the steaks lightly with olive oil, avocado oil, or another high-quality oil. Season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper. If you want to add extra flavour, you can season with fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, or sage.

Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is space between them. The cooking time will depend on how well done you like your steak. For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes, for medium-rare cook for 10-11 minutes, for medium cook for 11-12 minutes, for medium-well cook for 11.5–13 minutes, and for well-done cook for 14 minutes. If you prefer to check the temperature of your steak, rather than cooking for a set time, the internal temperature should be 120F for rare, 130F for medium-rare, 140F for medium, 150F for medium-well, and 160F for well-done.

Once cooked, let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving. For an extra touch of luxury, serve with a spoonful of garlic butter or compound butter.

How to tell when filet mignon is cooked

The best way to tell when filet mignon is cooked is to use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The cooking time will depend on the level of doneness you prefer.

For a rare steak, cook the filet mignon for 9-10 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10-11 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F. If you prefer your steak medium, cook it for 11-12 minutes, or until it reaches 140°F. For a medium-well steak, cook the filet mignon for 11.5–13 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F. Finally, for a well-done steak, cook the filet mignon for 14 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and the power of your air fryer, so using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is the most accurate way to determine doneness.

Additionally, letting the steaks come to room temperature before cooking will result in more even cooking. After cooking, let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to continue cooking slightly.

Resting and serving filet mignon

After removing your filet mignon from the air fryer, transfer it to a plate and tent it with foil. Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. The final temperature of the steak will continue to rise during this time, a process called "carryover cooking". For example, if you remove your steak from the air fryer at 125°F for a medium-rare steak, it will reach a final temperature of 130°F after resting.

Before serving, you can top your filet mignon with melted herb butter from the pan or a fresh slice of compound butter. You can also serve it with a side of the pan sauce, made by placing butter, garlic cloves, and rosemary into the skillet with the juices from searing.

Filet mignon pairs well with a variety of classic steakhouse sides. Some options include sautéed mushrooms, roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted broccoli, steamed broccoli, and creamy mashed potatoes.

Sides and leftovers

Filet mignon is an excellent dish for leftovers. You can cut up the leftover steak and use it in a stir-fry, or serve it with eggs the next morning for a classic steak and eggs breakfast. It's best to eat filet mignon fresh, but if you have leftovers, they'll last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, pop the steak back in the air fryer for just a minute to retain its pink centre, or gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. You can also freeze cooked steaks for 3-4 months; they're best used in soups or salads with dressing, as they won't be as tender.

When it comes to sides, there are many delicious options to serve with filet mignon. For a keto-friendly option, try thyme-roasted radishes and onions, or lemony prosciutto-wrapped asparagus. If you're doing Whole30, go for potatoes au gratin, a watermelon cucumber salad, a broccoli cauliflower salad, or roasted potatoes. For a simple formula, serve your filet mignon with a green veggie and an orange veggie—for example, sweet potato and green beans. If you're looking for a good carb to go with your filet mignon, try mashed potatoes, air fryer carrots, or air fryer garlic bread. For an easy option with fewer dishes, go for Texas toast and frozen broccoli in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions