Tillie Doyle
Air fryer filet mignon is a quick, easy, and delicious way to prepare a steak. With minimal cleanup, this method of cooking filet mignon ensures even cooking and a juicy, tender steak every time. The air fryer also allows you to achieve that coveted golden crust without having to stand over an open flame. The key to success is bringing the steak to room temperature before cooking, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and letting the steak rest before serving.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time | 9-15 minutes |
| Temperature | 350-400°F (176-204°C) |
| Rest Time | 5 minutes |
| Meat Type | Beef |
| Meat Cut | Filet Mignon |
| Steak Thickness | 2"-2.5" |
| Seasoning | Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Butter, Garlic, Herbs |
| Sides | Baked Potato, Asparagus, Mashed Cauliflower, Roasted Broccoli |
| Tools | Air Fryer, Meat Thermometer |
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What You'll Learn
How long to cook filet mignon in an air fryer
The first step to cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is to prepare the meat. Take the steaks out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and let them come to room temperature. This will ensure that the steaks cook evenly. You can also trim any connective tissue around the edges of the steaks and pat them dry with paper towels.
Next, brush or coat the steaks with olive oil on both sides. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat. Sprinkle both sides of the steaks generously with salt and pepper. You can also add some fresh rosemary or thyme for extra flavour. If you want to get creative, you can make a compound butter with butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt. Form the butter into a log using parchment paper and store it in the refrigerator until it's time to serve.
Now it's time to cook the steaks. Preheat your air fryer to between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching or only minimally touching. If you have a lot of steaks, you may need to cook them in batches.
Cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the wattage of your air fryer. For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes. For medium-rare, cook for 10-12 minutes. For a medium steak, cook for 11-15 minutes. For medium-well, cook for 11.5-13 minutes. And for a well-done steak, cook for 14-19 minutes. It's important to note that these times may vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and the power of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steaks.
Once the steaks are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a juicier steak. Top the steaks with a pat of compound butter, and enjoy!
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What temperature to set the air fryer to
The air fryer temperature for filet mignon varies depending on the level of doneness you prefer. For a rare steak, set the air fryer to 400°F for 9–10 minutes. If you prefer your steak medium-rare, cook it at the same temperature for 10–11 minutes. For a medium steak, stick to 400°F but increase the cooking time to 11–12 minutes. If you like your steak medium-well, cook it at 400°F for 11.5–13 minutes. Finally, for a well-done steak, set the air fryer to 400°F and leave the steak in for 14 minutes.
It's important to note that the cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your steak and the power of your air fryer. To ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it's recommended to use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 120°F. Medium-rare ranges from 125°F to 130°F, while a medium steak should be 140°F. If you prefer your steak medium-well, cook it at an internal temperature of 150°F, and for a well-done steak, cook it to 160°F.
Some recipes suggest preheating your air fryer to 350°F or 380°F and cooking the steak for 6–8 minutes, flipping it halfway through. However, the majority of sources recommend a temperature of 400°F and a longer cooking time for the desired doneness.
Remember to bring your steaks to room temperature before cooking and season them generously with salt and pepper. You can also coat the steaks with olive oil to help the seasonings adhere better. After cooking, let the steaks rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender filet mignon.
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How to season the filet mignon
To season filet mignon, you can use a combination of salt and pepper. It is recommended to be generous with the seasoning, using around 1/2-1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of pepper per steak. You can also add other seasonings such as rosemary, thyme, and garlic to create a more dynamic flavor profile.
Firstly, remove the steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature, which usually takes about 30 minutes. This step is important for even cooking and a better end result. You can then trim any connective tissue from the edges of the steaks and pat them dry with paper towels.
Next, brush or coat the steaks lightly with olive oil on all sides. This step will help the seasoning stick to the meat. Sprinkle the steaks generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also mix the salt and pepper in a 4-1 ratio and use this premix to season the steaks.
If you want to get creative, you can make a compound butter or basting butter by combining softened butter with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder or fresh garlic, and salt. Form the mixture into a log shape using parchment paper and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Finally, place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. The air fryer should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You can then follow the cooking times based on your desired doneness, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
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How to make garlic herb butter
To make garlic herb butter, you will need butter, garlic, herbs, and salt. You can also add lemon zest for a pop of acid. The type of butter you use is up to you, but it should be softened to room temperature. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the level of salt in your garlic herb butter, but salted butter is also an option. For the garlic, you will need fresh, finely minced cloves. Avoid garlic powder or garlic salt, as they will not give you the same flavor.
For the herbs, you can use a combination of fresh parsley, rosemary, and thyme, or try oregano, dill with lemon zest, basil, cilantro and lime zest, or green onions. Fresh herbs are better than dried, but you can use dried herbs if you need to—just be sure to adjust the amounts. You can also add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick.
To make the garlic herb butter, simply mix the softened butter with the minced garlic, chopped herbs, lemon zest (if using), and kosher salt in a medium bowl. You can use a hand mixer or a rubber spatula to stir until combined. Mold the butter into a log shape and place it on wax paper or parchment paper for storage. You can then transfer it to a storage container and keep it in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. You can also leave it at room temperature if you plan to cook with it shortly after mixing.
Now, for the filet mignon. Set your air fryer to 400°F. Brush both sides of the filet mignon steaks with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. You can also add fresh rosemary and thyme, or dried if fresh is unavailable. Once the air fryer has reached the target temperature, place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, air fry for 9-10 minutes; for medium-rare, air fry for 10-11 minutes; for medium, air fry for 11-12 minutes; for medium-well, air fry for 11.5-13 minutes; and for well-done, air fry for 14 minutes. It is best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steaks, as cook times can vary based on the thickness of the steaks and the power of your air fryer.
Once your steaks are done, remove them from the air fryer and top with a pat of your homemade garlic herb butter. Allow the steaks to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will give the juices a chance to redistribute and the butter a chance to melt into the meat. Enjoy!
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What to serve with the filet mignon
Filet mignon is a tender cut of beef, so you'll want side dishes that can complement its rich flavor. Here are some options to serve with your air-fried filet mignon:
Salads
A salad can be a great way to keep things light, especially if you opt for a creamy dressing to complement the leanness of the steak. A classic steakhouse Caesar salad with crispy croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a creamy, savory dressing is always a good choice. You could also try a Catalonian salad, which is a bread-based side dish that is lightened up with grilled or roasted vegetables.
For something a little different, consider a walnut and pear salad. The almost fatty flavor of walnuts contrasts well with the pears, and the richness of the beef. Use a sharp knife to cut a wedge of iceberg lettuce, then top it with cherry tomatoes, blue cheese dressing, and bacon.
Potatoes
Potato side dishes are a classic choice for steak, and there are many options to choose from. You could go for mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, French chantilly potatoes, or cacio e pepe gratin. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try dauphinoise potatoes—thin slices of potatoes baked in a cheese-bolstered cream mixture. For a healthier option, try baking a sweet potato or making baked sweet potato fries.
Vegetables
There are numerous vegetable side dishes that can pair well with filet mignon. Some options include roasted broccoli and cauliflower, roasted green beans, sauteed or red wine mushrooms, creamed spinach, and glazed carrots with orange juice, maple syrup, and browned butter. If you're using an air fryer for your steak, you could also try air-frying some Brussels sprouts with oil and spices until they're crisp and well-browned.
Other Sides
Some other sides that you could serve with filet mignon include baked potatoes, asparagus, roasted chickpeas with heirloom cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, or garlic bread.
Remember, when preparing your filet mignon in an air fryer, it's important to preheat the air fryer, season the steaks generously, and cook them in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the basket.
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Frequently asked questions
The air fryer should be set to 400°F.
The cooking time depends on how well you like your steak. For a rare steak, cook for 9-10 minutes. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10-11 minutes. For a medium steak, cook for 11-12 minutes. For a medium-well steak, cook for 11.5-13 minutes. For a well-done steak, cook for 14 minutes.
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. A rare steak should be 120°F, a medium-rare steak should be 130°F, a medium steak should be 140°F, a medium-well steak should be 150°F, and a well-done steak should be 160°F.
