Air Fryer Omaha Steaks: Filet Mignon Perfection

Omaha Steaks' filet mignon is a premium cut of beef, aged for at least 28 days for maximum tenderness and flavour. Cooking this cut of meat in an air fryer is a convenient, hands-free approach to preparing a delicious steak. Before cooking, it is important to ensure your air fryer is clean and preheated to the right temperature. This guide will take you through the steps to cook Omaha Steaks' filet mignon in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking your Omaha Steaks Filet Mignon. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you prepare your steak. This temperature is crucial for achieving the desired crisp exterior while maintaining the juicy interior of the steak.

While the air fryer preheats, you can continue preparing your steak. Start by ensuring your steak is thawed. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the quick-thaw method by immersing the sealed package in cold water. Once thawed, pat your steak dry with a paper towel. This step is important to remove any excess moisture, ensuring a crispier crust.

Next, lightly oil your steak. A light brush of oil helps prevent the meat from sticking to the air fryer and promotes even cooking. You only need a small amount, about one teaspoon, to coat the surface of the steak.

After oiling, it's time to season your steak. Seasoning enhances the flavor of your filet mignon. You can keep it simple with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the natural beef flavor to shine. Alternatively, experiment with Omaha Steaks Seasoning, dry rubs, or marinades to add your personal touch. Remember, filet mignon is a delicate cut, so be careful not to overpower its natural flavors.

By the time you finish preparing your steak, your air fryer should be preheated to the optimal temperature for cooking your Omaha Steaks Filet Mignon. Now, you're ready to move on to the next step of placing the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket.

Pat steaks dry, lightly oil, and season

To prepare your Omaha Steaks filet mignon for cooking in an air fryer, you should first pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. This is an important step, as it helps to remove any excess moisture, which can affect the cooking process and the final texture of the steak.

Once the steaks are patted dry, the next step is to lightly oil them. You can use olive oil or another type of cooking oil of your choice. Lightly brushing each steak with about a teaspoon of oil will help to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

After oiling, it's time to season the steaks. Seasoning is a crucial step in enhancing the flavour of your filet mignon. You can keep it simple with a liberal amount of coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the natural beef flavour to shine through. Alternatively, you can experiment with various dry rubs, marinades, or your favourite steak seasoning blend to add your own personal touch. Just remember, filet mignon is a delicate cut, so be careful not to overpower its natural flavours.

Finally, before cooking, it's important to let the seasoned steaks come to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking throughout. Now you're ready to preheat your air fryer and cook your Omaha Steaks filet mignon to your desired doneness!

Place in the air fryer basket with 1-inch gaps

Now that your Omaha Steaks filet mignon is prepared and your air fryer is preheated to the right temperature, it's time to place the steaks in the air fryer basket. But it's not just about putting the steaks in; there's a technique to ensure they cook evenly and achieve that perfect doneness you're aiming for.

First, make sure you leave a gap of approximately 1 inch between each steak in the basket. This spacing is crucial as it allows the hot air in the air fryer to circulate effectively. By giving each steak its own space, you promote even cooking and help achieve that coveted crispy crust on all sides. Imagine biting into a beautifully browned, crispy exterior and revealing a juicy, tender interior—that's what proper spacing helps you achieve.

Leaving the right amount of space also helps prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and a less-than-ideal final product. So, take a moment to arrange the steaks neatly in the basket, ensuring they are not touching and have that crucial 1-inch gap.

Remember, precision is key when cooking filet mignon. Overcooking can result in a dry and tough steak, while undercooking can leave you with an unappetizing raw center. By giving your steaks the room they need to cook evenly, you're already on your way to a mouthwatering dining experience.

Now that your steaks are in the basket with the perfect spacing, you're almost ready to start the air fryer and let the hot air work its magic. But before you do, take a moment to ensure your steaks are seasoned to perfection and that your air fryer is clean and ready for action.

Cook for 10-14 minutes for medium-rare

Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer requires precision to achieve the perfect level of doneness. To cook Omaha Steaks Filet Mignon in an air fryer to a medium-rare doneness, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your steak by patting it dry with a paper towel. Then, lightly oil the steak and season it with coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, or use Omaha Steaks Seasoning. You can also try a dry rub or marinade, but be mindful not to overpower the natural flavours of the filet mignon. Place the seasoned filet mignon in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is a 1-inch gap between portions to allow for air circulation and a nice, crispy crust.

Now, you're ready to cook your Omaha Steaks Filet Mignon to medium-rare perfection. Place the steaks in the air fryer and cook for 10-14 minutes. Flip the steaks halfway through the cooking process for a crispy exterior. After 10-14 minutes, your steaks should be medium-rare. You can check the doneness of your steaks by using the finger test: gently press the centre of the steak with your index finger. If it has some resistance with a slight bounce, it is medium-rare. Alternatively, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium-rare.

Once your steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy filet mignon. Pair your steaks with your favourite side dishes and a decadent dessert for a delicious steakhouse-style dinner. Enjoy your perfectly cooked Omaha Steaks Filet Mignon!

Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving

Now that your Omaha Steaks filet mignon is ready, it's time to let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute within the steak, ensuring a tender and juicy bite for your steak dinner. It's tempting to slice into your steak right after cooking, but waiting a few minutes will be worth it.

During this resting period, the juices in the steak will redistribute, resulting in a more flavourful and juicy steak. This process is essential for achieving the perfect doneness, whether you prefer your steak rare or medium-rare. It is also a good time to prepare any side dishes or sauces to accompany your filet mignon.

While waiting, you can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak to ensure it has reached your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135-140°F (57-60°C). Keep in mind that cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines.

In addition to the resting time, it is important to note that the cooking process itself plays a significant role in achieving the desired doneness. With an air fryer, you can utilise rapid air circulation to cook your steak evenly, ensuring a perfect medium-rare or your preferred doneness throughout. The air fryer's ability to circulate hot air rapidly with an internal fan simulates deep frying without the need for oil, resulting in a crispy exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.

Finally, once the resting time is complete, you can slice and serve your Omaha Steaks filet mignon. Pair it with your favourite side dishes and a decadent dessert for a delicious steakhouse-style dinner in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy your culinary creation!

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