Air Fryer Filet Mignon

For many steak lovers, ordering Filet Mignon at a fine steak restaurant is a culinary experience worth savoring. The anticipation of indulging in tender, juicy meat cooked to perfection is enough to make any foodie’s mouth water.

Recently my partner and I ordered this beloved steak at a high-end steak restaurant. We were disappointed to find the texture was not up to par. It felt like I was biting into boiled meat! After requesting a replacement and even having to speak with the manager, we were still left unsatisfied.

That experience led me to explore using an air fryer for my steak. To me, nothing beats the juicy tenderness achieved by this cooking technique. Perhaps it’s time for more restaurants to start incorporating air frying into their menus. I would enjoy ordering Air Fryer Steak from their menu.

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly juicy and tender filet mignon. And when it’s seared to perfection on the outside, it’s downright divine. That’s why an air fryer filet mignon is a great way to get that “better than restaurant-quality steak” at home.

With the air fryer, you don’t need to worry about heating up the kitchen or dealing with hot oil. The result is a beautiful sear that locks in all the flavorful juices, leaving you with a truly mouthwatering steak. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, an air fryer filet mignon is sure to impress.

Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe

What is Filet Mignon?

Firstly, let’s discuss some basics about filet mignon. It is a meat cut from the tenderloin area of beef. It is considered one of the finest cuts of meat due to its ‘melt in your mouth‘ quality and tenderness. The air fryer will help you cook this high-value meat to perfection. Here are some simple steps to follow for your next air fryer filet mignon recipe.

Ingredients

To make the most succulent Filet Mignon in the air fryer, firstly, select high-quality beef. The better the cut, the better the result. Look at the color of the meat. A good filet mignon should have a bright red color with some light marbling throughout the cut. Next, consider the thickness of the steak. A thicker steak will offer a more even cook and a juicier bite.

Then, gather a few basic ingredients like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. You can also try a splash of Worchester sauce or your favorite steak sauce. Just keep in mind, that many of those steak sauces contain a high amount of sodium. To me, salt and pepper to taste, garlic and a little Extra virgin oil are all that Succulent Filet mignon needs.

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not skip this step. Please make sure your air fryer is hot. Preheat for at least 5 minutes. If you do not have a preheat function, simply run your air fryer empty for 5 minutes.

While your air fryer is preheating, pat your filet mignon with a paper towel to remove any excess liquid.

Season the meat with oil on both sides, add some salt and pepper, to taste, and garlic powder. Sometimes I press finely minced fresh garlic into the meat. If using a steak sauce, let the steak marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.

Place the steak in the basket and let it cook in the preheated air fryer. Air fry for about six to eight minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. Mine were about 1 and ½ inches thick, see photo below.

Turn the steak over and cook it for another six to eight minutes. Or until an internal temperature of 130°F is reached for medium-rare doneness (54.4°C). 145°F for medium or 155°F for well done.

For reference: The thickness of my filet mignon is 1 and ½ inches. I cook it 6 minutes per side for a medium-rare doneness.

The cooking time will vary with the thickness and size of the steak. Make sure to check the temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Once cooked, remove from the air fryer and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes. This will allow the juices to be redistributed and give it a mouth-watering flavor.

Tips and Variations

Keep in mind that once you remove the steak from the air fryer and have it rest for more than 5 minutes, the internal cooking process may slow down, but the heat inside the meat will continue to cook the steak even after it has been removed from the air fryer. The steak can quickly go from medium-rare to medium or well-done.

Another tip to ensure your steaks are juicy and tender is to let them sit out for 30 minutes or so before cooking. This step will allow them to reach room temperature, enabling the meat to cook evenly, and reducing the risk of an undercooked or overcooked steak.

You may also add some butter, garlic, thyme, or any other seasoning of your choice while cooking filet mignon to enhance the flavor. Top your filet mignon with Air fryer baked potato or steamed vegetables. I love serving it with Air fryer Blooming Baked Potatoes or Hasselback potatoes for a show-stopping twist that enables my family to have a better-than-restaurant-style meal ready at home! May I also recommend the Homemade Garlic butter when cooking Air fryer Steak Bites?

Garlic Butter

One way to add even more flavor to this already delicious cut of beef is by topping it with garlic butter. Soften 3 tablespoons of butter and mix in two finely minced garlic cloves. Add a touch of salt and pepper, to taste. I also love to add some herbs like finely chopped parsley or thyme. Spread this delicious butter over your cooked filet mignon, and watch as it melts into the steak, adding a creamy and garlicky twist to every bite.

Do I need to thaw the meat before I put frozen Filet Mignon in the Air fryer?

Yes, you should. While it may be tempting to cook frozen meat to save time, thawing is essential to ensure even cooking and prevent the outside from overcooking before the inside has a chance to thaw. Plus, with the delicate nature of a filet mignon, allowing it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight will help it stay tender and juicy. Your patience will pay off in the end with a delicious, perfectly cooked steak that will be the highlight of your meal.

Leftovers

Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. My hubby swears that steak tastes better the next day since it has had time to soak up all the flavors. On the other hand, I sometimes feel that the texture of the steak has become tougher as it sits in the refrigerator.

We both agree, however, that reheating steak in an air fryer is a game-changer. The hot air circulates around the steak, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. I reheat it at 375°F for only a minute or two per side to achieve the perfect reheated steak. My favorite way to use up leftover Filet Mignon is to make this juicy, crispy, and mouthwatering Air fryer Steak Melt.

More Air Fryer Steak Recipes

While some may assume the air fryer is only suitable for cooking vegetables and frozen fries, this compact appliance can also produce delicious and juicy meats. Meats like chicken drumsticks, pork chops, and chicken wings are way better cooked in the air fryer than through traditional methods such as grilling or pan-frying. May I also recommend: