Tiffany Haney
Filet mignon is one of the most expensive cuts of steak, and cooking it at home can be daunting. However, using an air fryer guarantees a perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender steak in a fraction of the time compared to other methods. The air fryer method is easy, with minimal prep and cleanup, and it produces restaurant-quality results. This guide will show you how to cook the perfect filet mignon in an air fryer, including tips on seasoning, cooking times, and serving suggestions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Ease | Easy prep, effortless cooking, and minimal cleanup |
| Taste | Tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth, restaurant-quality |
| Steak Type | Filet mignon |
| Steak Size | 5-6 oz, 8 oz, or 2-inch thick |
| Steak Temperature | Bring to room temperature before cooking |
| Steak Seasoning | Salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic powder |
| Steak Toppings | Butter, garlic butter, blue cheese butter, compound butter |
| Steak Sides | Baked potatoes, asparagus, creamed spinach, roasted broccoli, green salad |
| Steak Doneness | Rare, Medium-rare, Medium, Medium-well, Well-done |
| Steak Temperature (Rare) | 120F-125F |
| Steak Temperature (Medium-Rare) | 130F-135F |
| Steak Temperature (Medium) | 140F |
| Steak Temperature (Medium-Well) | 150F |
| Steak Temperature (Well-Done) | 160F |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right cut of steak
First, a little background on filet mignon. This cut of steak is known for its exceptional tenderness, derived from the fact that it is cut from the tenderloin, a long cylindrical muscle that runs along the spine, from the short loin to the sirloin. This muscle is not weight-bearing and doesn't get much work, making the meat tender. It also has minimal connective tissue and fat, which is why it is prone to overcooking.
When choosing your filet mignon, look for a good amount of marbling, which is the flecks of fat within the meat. Marbling leads to a more tender cut when cooked properly. The filet mignon is generally regarded as the most tender cut of steak, but if you can't find it or want to try something different, other tender options include ribeye, T-bone, top sirloin, and strip steak.
When buying your steak, don't be afraid to ask the butcher for help. They are experts and can guide you in choosing the right cut. You can also look for labels denoting high-quality steaks, such as those marked as USDA Prime or American Wagyu.
Finally, consider the thickness of your steaks. The cooking time in your air fryer will depend on the thickness of the steaks, so choose a thickness that aligns with the amount of time you want to spend cooking. For example, if you're looking for a quick meal, opt for thinner steaks that will cook faster.
By following these tips, you'll be able to choose the right cut of steak for your perfect filet mignon in the air fryer.
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Preparing the filet mignon
Preparing filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook this expensive cut of meat. It is also a foolproof method to achieve a juicy and tender steak with minimal clean-up.
Firstly, take your steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook them. This will bring them to room temperature and ensure a better end result. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture and help develop a nice crust.
Next, brush or coat the steaks with olive oil on both sides. This will enhance the flavour and help achieve a crispy exterior. Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for this.
Now, season the steaks. The most important seasonings are salt and pepper, which you should use generously. Sprinkle or grind these over the steaks according to your taste preferences. Fresh rosemary is another great seasoning to use, or you can use dried rosemary if you don't have any fresh. You can also add other fresh herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley if you prefer.
At this stage, you can also add other ingredients to the steaks. For example, you could wrap slices of bacon around each filet, securing them with a toothpick. Alternatively, you could make a compound butter to serve on top of the steaks. To make this, combine butter softened to room temperature, with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and/or parsley in a bowl. Transfer the mixture to a piece of parchment paper, roll it into a log shape, and keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it.
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Cooking the steak
Firstly, take your steaks out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to let them come to room temperature. This step is important as it will ensure a better end result.
Next, brush or coat both sides of the steaks with olive oil. Alternatively, you can pat the steaks dry with a paper towel before coating them with oil, which will help to develop a nice crust. Then, season generously with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. You can also add other seasonings such as fresh or dried rosemary, thyme, or sage. If you want to get creative, try wrapping slices of bacon around each filet, securing them with a toothpick before air-frying.
Now you're ready to cook the steaks. Place them into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 380-400°F. The cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the wattage of your air fryer. As a guide, rare steak should be cooked for 9-10 minutes, medium-rare for 10-11 minutes, medium for 11-12 minutes, medium-well for 11.5-13 minutes, and well-done for 14 minutes. For a medium-rare steak, you can also set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 9 minutes, then turn and cook for an additional 6 minutes or until the steak reaches an internal temperature of 135°F.
To check if your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 120-125°F, while medium-rare should be 130°F, medium should be 140°F, medium-well should be 150°F, and well-done should be 160°F. If you don't have a meat thermometer, you can also gauge the doneness by cooking in 1 1/2-minute increments and checking the steak's progress until it's 5 degrees away from your desired internal temperature.
Once your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, ensuring a juicy and tender texture.
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Resting the steak
Now that your filet mignon is cooked to perfection, it's time to let it rest. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, ensuring a juicy and tender bite. Depending on the thickness of your steak and the desired doneness, you've already air-fried your filet mignon for 9 to 14 minutes. Now, all it takes is a few minutes of resting for the steak to reach its final temperature.
During cooking, the juices and moisture in the steak are driven to the centre due to the heat. When you remove the steak from the air fryer, these juices need time to settle and redistribute. If you were to cut into the steak immediately after cooking, all the delicious juices would end up on your plate instead of in the steak. Patience is key!
Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board or serving platter and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This duration applies whether you're cooking one steak or a batch. If you're cooking a larger batch, you can rest the steaks for a couple of minutes before serving, and then let them rest for another 5 minutes once plated. This way, you can ensure a juicy steak without compromising the ideal serving temperature.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare the compound butter, if you haven't already. Slice or cut the butter into portions and place them on top of the steaks before serving. This extra step will take your filet mignon to the next level, infusing each bite with flavour.
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Serving the steak
Once your filet mignon is cooked, it's time to serve it. But first, you need to let the steak rest. This is a crucial step, as it allows the juices to redistribute into the steak. It might be tempting to cut into the steak right away, but it's worth waiting at least 5 minutes, or even up to 10 minutes, for the best results.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare your sides. There are endless options to choose from, but some classic steakhouse sides include baked potatoes, creamed spinach, and potato gratin. If you're looking for something a little lighter, steamed broccoli or a green salad are also great choices.
When it comes to the steak itself, seasoning is key. Don't be afraid to be generous with the salt and pepper, especially if you're using high-quality, freshly ground varieties. If you want to take your steak to the next level, you can top it with a compound butter. This is simply butter that has been mixed with other ingredients, such as garlic, herbs, or blue cheese. You can make this ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
Finally, it's time to plate your dish. Place your steak on a serving platter or cutting board and top it with a spoonful of compound butter, if using. Be sure to slice the steak against the grain for the most tender bite, and enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
The cooking time for filet mignon in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the steaks and the temperature of the air fryer. It can take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes.
The air fryer should be preheated to 380°F to 400°F.
The best way to ensure proper cooking is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For rare, the temperature should be 125°F. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F. For medium, cook to 135°F. For medium-well, go for 140°F. And for well-done, cook to an internal temperature of 150°F to 160°F.
Seasoning your filet mignon is a matter of personal preference, but a simple combination of olive oil, salt, and pepper is often recommended. You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the flavor. Don't be afraid to season generously!
There are many side dishes that pair well with filet mignon. Classic steakhouse sides include baked potatoes, creamed spinach, and potato gratin. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
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