Using an air fryer for filet mignon may not be the first cooking method that comes to mind when you think about cooking this prized piece of steak. But it’s a surprisingly easy, reliable way to cook a tender and juicy filet mignon. This modern kitchen tool circulates hot air evenly, locking in flavor while giving your steak a mouthwatering crust. Whether you’re a seasoned steak pro or a beginner looking for another way to cook filet mignon, the air fryer makes it simple to enjoy this steak at home without overspending at a restaurant.
Explore the steps, tips, and variations you’ll need to know for a successful air-fried filet mignon.
Why the Air Fryer?
Cooking filet mignon in the air fryer is a convenient and easy way to cook that can appeal to many home cooks. If you’re someone with a busy schedule who wants a great steak dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this might be the way for you to go. Air fryers heat up fast, use minimal oil, and maintain a consistent temperature, so it’s much easier to get that perfect medium-rare center than pan-frying filet mignon. Even if you’re new to cooking steak, the air fryer’s set-it-and-forget-it simplicity takes a lot of the guesswork out.
For filet mignon specifically, the air fryer’s quick, even heat preserves its natural tenderness and delicate flavor — if you’re experienced with your air fryer, that is. Instead of wrestling with a hot grill or stovetop, you can simply season the steak, set the temperature, and let the air fryer handle the rest. The result? A beautifully cooked steak with a lightly crispy outside and juicy inside that tastes like you spent hours perfecting your technique. Consider it steakhouse quality dining at home without the hassle.
Preparing the Filet Mignon
Before you place the filet mignon in the air fryer, take a few simple steps to ensure a restaurant-worthy finish. Start by letting the steak rest at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes. Allowing it to warm up slightly helps it cook more evenly, so you won’t end up with a cold or underdone center. Then, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any surface moisture. Doing this helps the outer layer crisp up nicely once the air fryer’s heat gets to work.
Next, season the filet mignon on both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t hesitate to add other spices, like garlic powder, herbs, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder for an extra kick. Gently press the seasonings into the meat so they adhere well. If desired, lightly brush the steak with high-quality oil, like avocado or olive oil, to help it crisp in the air fryer.
Preparing the Air Fryer
Before you get started, give your air fryer a quick check. Make sure it’s clean and free of any lingering crumbs from previous meals to make sure no leftover smells and flavors make their way into your filet mignon. Most air fryers have a removable basket or tray, so take it out, rinse it if needed, and pat it dry. If your air fryer includes a rack, use it for filet mignon, as good airflow through the basket can help the steak cook evenly. Spritz the rack with cooking spray to prevent the steak from sticking.
Then, preheat the air fryer. Most air fryers need just a few minutes at the desired cooking temperature. Preheating ensures that the filet mignon hits hot air right away, locking in those juices and helping form the crispy exterior.
Tips For Success
Once you cook filet mignon in the air fryer a couple of times, you probably won’t need these tips. Until then, consider them as you learn how to use the air fryer for filet mignon:
- Season generously: Filet mignon has a mild flavor compared to other steaks, so don’t hesitate to sprinkle on enough salt and pepper to enhance its natural taste. While salt and pepper are the typical spices to use on filet mignon, feel free to experiment with other flavors you love.
- Use a thermometer: The air fryer makes even cooking easier, but having a meat thermometer on hand can help you make sure your steak reaches the right doneness level (usually, medium-rare for filet mignon). Check the thickest part of the steak, aiming for about 130°F for medium-rare.
- Don’t overcrowd: If you’re cooking for multiple people, keep space between each filet. Make sure the air can circulate around each filet so the heat sears the outside evenly. And reaches the middle of the steak.
- Flip halfway: Some air fryers cook more evenly than others, which usually depends on how well they circulate air. If you notice one side of your filet is cooking quicker than the other, flip the filet halfway through the cooking time.
- Rest before serving: Once it’s out of the air fryer, let the filet rest for five minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and assists with tenderness and flavor.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe
Now that you know what to expect when cooking filet mignon in the air fryer, it’s time to get started. Follow this basic recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 8-ounce filet mignon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Rest the filets at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Pat them dry. Brush both sides with a light coating of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spray the air fryer basket rack with cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5-6 minutes.
- Place the filets inside the basket on top of a rack so that they don’t touch. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning to the other side once, if necessary for crisping. This can vary by air fryer, so be sure to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the inside should reach 130°F.
- Rest the filets for 5 minutes at room temperature before enjoying.
Notes
If you need to make more than two filets, consider cooking them in batches of two unless your air fryer can comfortably accommodate all filets with room in between each.
Recipe Variations
The recipe above is a very basic recipe to get you familiar with air frying filet mignon. Like most recipes, it can be modified to add extra flavors and bring new excitement to the dish.
One way is to pair it with homemade compound butter. Mix softened butter with fresh herbs, a pinch of garlic, or even a small amount of blue cheese. After the steak finishes cooking and rests, place a small pat of this flavored butter on top. As it melts, it turns into a sauce that adds a silky and flavorful layer.
You can also experiment with a variety of seasonings. Smoked paprika, dry mustard, or herbes de Provence can bring new dimensions to the dish. If you want to add some sweetness, try a drizzle of balsamic glaze or maple syrup blended into your marinade or sauce. Or, brush the filet with a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and a small amount of brown sugar before cooking for a savory-sweet addition.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Filet Mignon
You already know you’re making air fryer filet mignon the star of your dinner plate, but what can you serve with it? Fortunately, there are lots of options. Here are some ideas to get you going:
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus that’s drizzled in olive oil and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper is an excellent choice. Or, go for simple sauteed mushrooms cooked in garlic butter or a slightly charred grilled broccolini.
- Potatoes: There are numerous ways to cook potatoes, and just about any of them works well with filet mignon. Creamy garlic butter mashed potatoes are a go-to, but baked potatoes, scalloped potatoes, and crispy roasted potatoes are also ideal alternatives.
- Salads and lighter sides: Because filet mignon is savory on its own, you might want to go lighter with the sides. In that case, a mixed greens salad or cucumber and tomato salad drizzled with balsamic vinegar can be refreshing for your plate and palate. A quinoa salad tossed with fresh herbs and lemon juice can also add brightness to your meal without taking away from the steak.
Conclusion
Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick, convenient, and effective way to achieve a perfectly cooked steak with a flavorful sear and tender interior. With minimal effort and cleanup, the air fryer is an excellent tool for preparing a restaurant-quality filet mignon at home.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Ingredients
- 2 8- ounce filet mignon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Rest the filets at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Pat them dry. Brush both sides with a light coating of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spray the air fryer basket rack with cooking spray. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5-6 minutes.
- Place the filets inside the basket on top of a rack so that they don’t touch. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning to the other side once, if necessary for crisping. This can vary by air fryer, so be sure to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the inside should reach 130°F.
- Rest the filets for 5 minutes at room temperature before enjoying.