Air-Fryer Filet Mignon: A Quick, Tender Steak Perfection

Filet mignon is an expensive, tender cut of beef from the smaller end of the tenderloin. It is considered a gourmet meal, perfect for a date night or special occasion. But you don't have to be a fancy chef to make it—the air fryer is a great tool for cooking filet mignon. It's also simple to make, with very little prep and cleanup.

The air fryer can perfectly char the edges of the steak while maintaining a juicy, tender interior. It's also healthier than other cooking methods, as it uses far less oil.

Here's how to make filet mignon in the air fryer:

1. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel.

2. Season the steaks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. Place the steaks in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.

4. Check the internal temperature of the steaks with a meat thermometer. For a rare steak, the temperature should be 120°F. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F.

5. Once the steaks are done, drizzle melted butter or ghee on top and serve.

Choosing the best cut of filet mignon

When it comes to the meat itself, look for a cut with fine marbling, which means small streaks of fat within the meat. This adds flavour and keeps the steak tender. Thicker cuts, ranging from 1.5 to 2 inches, are also ideal as they are easier to cook evenly and tend to stay juicier.

In terms of grade, aim for USDA Prime or Choice cuts, which are top-quality based on the USDA grading system. Prime cuts have the highest level of marbling and tenderness, while Choice cuts are still high-quality but with slightly less marbling.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask the meat department for help. If you're splurging on a steak, it's perfectly acceptable to ask questions to ensure you're getting the right cut.

Preparing the garlic herb butter

Ingredients:

• Butter: Use softened butter, preferably at room temperature, so it's easy to mix. You can use regular butter or go for a dairy-free option like vegan butter or ghee.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves can be minced or grated into the butter. You can also use garlic powder as a substitute.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme are ideal, but you can also use dried herbs. Chop the herbs finely to release their flavours.
• Salt: Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavours. If you're using unsalted butter, you may need to adjust the amount of salt accordingly.

Instructions:

• Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the garlic, herbs, and salt. Use a fork to mash and mix everything together until well combined. You can also use a food processor for this step if you prefer.
• Form the butter: Transfer the mixture to a piece of parchment paper. Roll the paper while shaping the butter into a log. Fold the paper to cover the butter completely.
• Chill the butter: Place the butter log in the refrigerator to chill and harden. You can also freeze it if you want to store it for later use.

Your garlic herb butter is now ready to be served with your air fryer filet mignon! Simply slice or dollop the butter over the cooked steaks for a mouthwatering, flavourful experience. Enjoy!

Marinating the steaks

• Pat the steaks dry: Use paper towels to pat the steaks dry on both sides. Removing any excess moisture will help the seasoning adhere better and promote even cooking.
• Season generously: Don't be shy with the seasoning! Sprinkle both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper, or your preferred steak seasoning. You can also use a combination of black pepper, garlic powder, salt, paprika, onion powder, ground coriander, dill weed, and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Bring to room temperature: Allow the steaks to sit out for about 10-30 minutes to come to room temperature. This step helps the steaks cook more evenly and results in juicier, more tender meat.
• Use a shallow dish with olive oil: Place the seasoned steaks in a shallow dish with a small amount of olive oil. This will help the steaks absorb the flavours of the seasoning and olive oil.
• Cover if needed: If you need to leave the steaks to marinate for a longer period, you can cover them with plastic wrap to protect them from any contaminants.
• Marinate for 10-12 minutes: This is the ideal amount of time for the steaks to absorb the flavours and come to room temperature, ensuring they are ready for the next steps in the cooking process.

Cooking the steaks

Firstly, let the steaks sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before preparing. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel.

Next, brush or drizzle both sides of the steaks with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper. You can also add your favourite steak seasoning, such as Montreal steak seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes.

Now it's time to cook the steaks! Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. If you need to, cook the steaks in batches.

Cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, cook for 9-12 minutes. For medium-rare, cook for 10-14 minutes. For medium, cook for 11-15 minutes. For medium-well, cook for 13-15 minutes. And for well-done, cook for 14-16 minutes.

Use a meat thermometer to check for the right temperature: 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F 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, serve with a slice of garlic herb butter.

Serving suggestions

There are many different options for what to serve with your air fryer filet mignon. Here are some suggestions:

• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans
• Roasted potatoes
• Rutabaga
• Yuca
• Beet and Swiss chard greens
• Kohlrabi greens with bacon
• Baked potato
• Asparagus
• Thyme roasted radishes and onions
• Lemony prosciutto-wrapped asparagus
• Potatoes au gratin
• Watermelon cucumber salad
• Broccoli cauliflower salad
• Roasted yellow squash
• Roasted broccolini
• Air fryer sweet potato cubes
• Air fryer green beans
• Air fryer corn on the cob
• Air fryer baked potato
• Air fryer sweet potato cubes
• Air fryer green beans
• Air fryer corn on the cob

Frequently asked questions