Air Fryer Filet Mignon: Perfectly Cooked Steak In Minutes

Filet mignon is a premium cut of beef, and cooking it in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a tender and juicy steak. This method allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Here's a guide on how to cook filet mignon in an air fryer, ensuring a delicious and perfectly cooked steak every time.

Preparation: Pat dry, season with salt and pepper, and coat with oil

When preparing filet mignon for the air fryer, the initial steps are crucial to ensure a delicious and evenly cooked steak. Start by taking the filet mignon out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This allows the meat to cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with paper towels; this step is essential as moisture can prevent the steak from developing a crispy exterior. Patting dry also helps the seasoning adhere better.

Seasoning is key to enhancing the natural flavor of the filet mignon. Generously sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the steak. You can also add other spices or herbs like garlic powder, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor. Make sure to season both sides of the steak. Let the seasoned steak sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

After seasoning, it's time to coat the steak with oil. This step is often overlooked but is vital for achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Lightly brush or spray the steak with oil, ensuring an even coating. You can use any neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil. The oil helps to create a barrier between the steak and the air fryer basket, preventing the steak from sticking and promoting even cooking.

By following these preparation steps, you'll set the foundation for a perfectly cooked filet mignon in the air fryer. The dry pat, generous seasoning, and oil coating will ensure a tender, flavorful steak with a crispy exterior.

Temperature: Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for medium-rare

When it comes to cooking filet mignon in an air fryer, achieving the perfect temperature is key to ensuring a delicious and tender result. For a medium-rare filet mignon, you'll want to set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the meat to cook evenly and quickly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful steak.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master this cooking technique:

• Prepare your filet mignon: Start by taking the steak out of the refrigerator and letting it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, as this can lead to steam buildup in the air fryer.
• Seasoning: Season the filet mignon generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred steak rub. This simple step enhances the natural flavors of the meat.
• Cooking in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned filet mignon in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your personal preference for doneness. For medium-rare, you want the internal temperature to reach 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C).
• Rest and Serve: Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the filet mignon from the air fryer. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender steak. After resting, slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately.

Remember, cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and convenient method that can produce excellent results. By setting the temperature to 375°F (190°C), you'll achieve a medium-rare steak with a beautiful pink center and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Enjoy your perfectly cooked filet mignon!

Cooking Time: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway

To cook filet mignon in an air fryer, you'll want to ensure a perfect medium-rare center while keeping the exterior juicy and flavorful. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving that:

Preparation: Start by taking your filet mignon out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This ensures even cooking throughout. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, dried herbs, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, depending on your preference.

Cooking Process: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned filet mignon in the air fryer basket, ensuring there's enough space for the hot air to circulate. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. For medium-rare, you're aiming for an internal temperature of 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C).

Flipping: Flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time is crucial for even browning and doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak carefully, being mindful not to pierce the meat, as this can release juices. After flipping, continue cooking for the remaining time.

Resting and Serving: Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the filet mignon from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Finally, slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately. This method ensures a delicious, evenly cooked filet mignon with a crispy exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth center.

Resting: Let meat rest for 5 minutes after cooking

Resting is a crucial step in the process of cooking filet mignon in an air fryer, as it allows the meat to retain its juices and ensures a tender and flavorful result. After cooking your filet mignon to your desired doneness, it's important to let it rest for about 5 minutes. This simple yet essential technique is often overlooked but can significantly impact the quality of your dish.

During the resting period, the internal temperature of the meat will continue to rise slightly, which is known as the 'carryover cooking' effect. This process ensures that the center of the filet mignon reaches a safe internal temperature, killing any potential bacteria and making the meat safer to eat. Additionally, resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender cut. As the meat rests, the proteins relax, and the juices that were driven to the surface during cooking are reabsorbed, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful filet mignon.

To properly rest your air-fried filet mignon, place it on a clean plate or cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. This simple step helps to retain some heat while allowing the meat to rest undisturbed. The 5-minute rest time is crucial for optimal results, as it gives the meat enough time to reach the desired internal temperature and redistribute its juices.

While the meat rests, you can prepare any desired sauces or sides to accompany your main course. This step also allows you to plate the dish neatly, ensuring a visually appealing presentation. Remember, the goal of resting is to enhance the overall dining experience by providing a perfectly cooked and juicy filet mignon.

After the resting period, you can slice the filet mignon against the grain to further ensure tenderness. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat incredibly soft and moist. Finally, serve your air-fried filet mignon with confidence, knowing that your attention to the resting process has contributed to a delicious and memorable meal.

Serving: Slice and serve with your choice of sides

Once your filet mignon is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it's time to get creative with the presentation. Serving this delicious cut of meat is an art, and the right combination of sides can elevate the entire dining experience. Here's a guide to ensure your filet mignon shines on the plate:

Slicing the Meat: Start by letting the filet mignon rest for a few minutes after cooking. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy slice. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the meat against the grain into thin, uniform slices. The goal is to have each slice as close to the thickness of a playing card as possible, which will ensure a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Accompaniments: The beauty of serving filet mignon is the versatility it offers when paired with various sides. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Grilled Vegetables: Asparagus, bell peppers, and mushrooms are excellent choices. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill them alongside the meat for a fresh and healthy accompaniment.
• Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, golden potatoes are a classic side. Try cutting them into thin wedges, tossing them with herbs and oil, and roasting them until they're perfectly browned.
• Sautéed Spinach: For a simple yet flavorful option, sauté some spinach with garlic and a pinch of nutmeg. This side adds a pop of color and a nutritious boost to your dish.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can be a comforting and indulgent pairing. Add a touch of butter and milk to your mashed potatoes for a luxurious finish.

Plating and Presentation: When serving, arrange the slices of filet mignon on a platter or individual plates. Fan them out to showcase the meat's beauty. Surround the meat with your chosen sides, creating a visually appealing and balanced plate. Consider adding a small garnish of fresh herbs or a drizzle of reduced balsamic glaze for an extra touch of elegance.

Remember, the key to a memorable dining experience is not just in the cooking but also in the presentation. By paying attention to the details, you can transform a simple meal into a culinary masterpiece. Enjoy your perfectly cooked filet mignon and the delightful array of sides that complement its flavor!

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