How to Cook Filet Mignon in an Air Fryer in 7 Simple Steps
To cook filet mignon in an air fryer, start by choosing a thick, fresh center-cut steak. This method is quick, easy, and perfect for achieving a juicy, tender filet mignon with minimal effort.
Let the steak reach room temperature and pat it dry for the best results.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper, then place the filet in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 10-12 minutes depending on your preferred doneness.
Once cooked, let the filet mignon rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Keep going to discover tips for perfect seasoning and ideal pairings. This simple approach will help you master cooking filet mignon in an air fryer every time.
Key Takeaways
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a good sear on the filet mignon.
- Season the filet mignon generously with kosher salt and black pepper, optionally brushing with olive oil before cooking.
- Air fry the steak for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, to reach medium rare doneness around 130°F internal temperature.
- Let the filet rest for 3-5 minutes covered loosely with foil to redistribute juices and enhance tenderness.
- Serve with complementary sides like garlic herb butter, roasted potatoes, or a fresh arugula salad for a complete meal.
Selecting the Perfect Filet Mignon
When selecting the perfect filet mignon, start by choosing USDA Prime or Choice cuts, as they offer the best marbling and flavor. Look specifically for center cuts, which provide an ideal balance of tenderness and taste, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Pay close attention to the filet mignon’s bright red color, which signals freshness and high quality. Avoid any steaks with blemishes or discoloration. It’s wise to buy from reputable butchers or stores specializing in high-quality meats to guarantee superior quality.
Filet mignon typically weighs between 5 to 8 ounces per steak, so consider your serving needs when picking the size. By focusing on these factors—USDA Prime or Choice cuts, marbling, center cuts, and a vibrant color—you’ll select a filet mignon that’s perfect for air frying.
Preparing the Steak for Air Frying
Before air frying, let your filet mignon sit out for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature, ensuring it cooks evenly. Make sure to pat the steak dry and season it generously with kosher salt and black pepper to bring out its natural flavor.
If you want, brush on some olive oil or marinate briefly to add extra taste and help the seasoning stick.
Choosing Quality Filet Mignon
Selecting a high-quality filet mignon is key to achieving a tender, flavorful steak in your air fryer. Aim for USDA Prime or Choice cuts, preferably center cut, for the best texture and taste. Choose steaks at least 1.5 inches thick to guarantee even doneness during cooking.
Before air frying, let your filet mignon rest at room temperature for 30 minutes and pat it dry to promote excellent crust formation.
| Quality Grade | Cut Type | Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| USDA Prime | Center Cut | 1.5 inches+ |
| USDA Choice | Center Cut | 1.5 inches+ |
| Local Butcher | Center Cut | 1.5 inches+ |
This careful selection sets you up for a perfectly tender filet mignon with a delicious crust in your air fryer.
Seasoning Essentials
Although the quality of your filet mignon sets the foundation, seasoning it properly is what really brings out its rich flavor. Start by patting the steaks dry with paper towels to guarantee a perfect crust during cooking. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the meat’s natural taste.
For a better sear in the air fryer, brush the filet mignon lightly with olive oil, helping the seasoning stick. If you want extra flavor, rub crushed garlic or fresh herbs like rosemary over the steaks. After seasoning, let the filet mignon rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before air fryer cooking.
This step guarantees even cooking and maximizes flavor in every bite.
Bringing Steak to Room Temperature
Why does bringing your filet mignon to room temperature matter? It’s essential for even cooking and reducing overall cooking time in the air fryer. When you take your filet mignon out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking, it prevents a cold center that can lead to uneven doneness.
Before seasoning, make sure to pat the steaks dry with paper towels—this step helps create a better crust during air frying. You can also marinate the steak with olive oil during this time to enhance both flavor and tenderness.
Bringing steak to room temperature guarantees consistency throughout the meat, giving you a perfectly cooked, juicy filet mignon every time. This simple prep step makes all the difference in your cooking process.
Preheating Your Air Fryer
Before you start cooking your filet mignon, make certain to preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. Proper preheating is essential for even cooking and achieving that ideal browning and sear on the steak’s surface. Most air fryers need about 5 minutes to reach the right temperature, so starting early helps prevent overcooking or uneven results.
If your air fryer has a preheat function, use it to simplify the process and guarantee accuracy. Since models vary, always check your air fryer’s manual for specific instructions related to preheating. Following these steps ensures your filet mignon cooks perfectly, locking in flavors and creating a delicious crust every time you use your air fryer.
Seasoning and Adding Flavor
Once your air fryer is preheated and ready, it’s time to focus on seasoning your filet mignon to bring out its best flavors. Start by brushing the steak with olive or avocado oil to help the seasoning stick and promote a good sear. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
If you want to experiment, try dry rubs like Montreal Steak Seasoning or use marinades to infuse extra flavor. Let the filet mignon rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking; this guarantees even cooking and better absorption of the seasoning.
After air frying, top your steak with compound butter, such as garlic herb butter made with fresh herbs and minced garlic, for a rich, flavorful finish.
Cooking Time and Temperature Guide
Although cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of your filet mignon, following specific temperature and time guidelines will help you achieve your desired doneness with ease. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, then cook the steak based on your preferred internal temperature. For rare, cook 9-10 minutes until it reaches 120°F.
Medium rare requires 10-11 minutes, hitting 130°F. If you want medium, aim for 11-12 minutes and 140°F. For medium well, cook 11.5-13 minutes until 150°F.
Well done needs about 14 minutes, reaching 160°F. This recipe’s easy steps guide you to perfect cooking time and temperature for every filet mignon preference, ensuring juicy, delicious results every time.
Resting the Filet Mignon After Cooking
After cooking your filet mignon, it’s essential to let it rest for about 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This resting period helps the steak stay tender and flavorful while the internal temperature rises slightly.
Make sure to cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm without steaming.
Importance of Resting
Because resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the filet mignon, you’ll end up with a steak that’s more tender and flavorful. Skipping this step causes juices to escape when cutting, making your filet dry and less succulent. Resting also helps the internal temperature rise to your desired doneness, ensuring ideal juiciness and texture.
| Step | Why It Matters | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Resting time | Redistributes juices | Tender, juicy filet |
| Avoid cutting | Prevents juice loss | Maintains moistness |
| Temperature | Continues to rise gently | Perfect doneness |
| Texture | Improves during rest | Smooth, flavorful bite |
| Flavor | Juices enhance taste | Rich, succulent steak |
Resting is essential for a perfectly cooked filet mignon every time.
Resting Time Guidelines
When you finish cooking your filet mignon, you’ll want to let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes so the juices can redistribute evenly throughout the meat. This resting time is essential to achieve a flavorful and tender steak. Following steak resting guidelines, cover loosely with foil to maintain warmth without steaming the crust.
Avoid cutting immediately after cooking; patience during this period prevents the juices from spilling out, which can cause dryness. A good rule of thumb is about 1 minute of resting per 100 grams of meat for ideal results. By allowing the juices to redistribute and keeping your filet warm, you enhance the overall dining experience, ensuring every bite is juicy and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
If you want to elevate your air fryer filet mignon, pairing it with the right sides and toppings can make all the difference. Enhance the tender texture of your steak with a dollop of garlic herb butter or blue cheese compound butter.
For sides, consider these: Roasted mini potatoes for a crispy, flavorful bite. Sautéed asparagus to add a fresh, green touch.
A crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light contrast. Creamy mashed potatoes to complement the richness.
To complete your meal, pour a glass of full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. These wine choices beautifully balance the filet’s richness, making every bite and sip a delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Cook Filet Mignon in the Air Fryer?
You cook filet mignon in the air fryer by preheating it to 400°F, then seasoning your steak with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil if you like.
Place the filet in the fryer basket and cook for about 10-11 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for your preferred doneness.
Let it rest a few minutes before serving to keep it juicy and tender.
How to Make a Fillet Steak in the Air Fryer?
To make a fillet steak in the air fryer, start by seasoning it well with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Cook the steak for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check for your preferred doneness—130°F is great for medium-rare.
Let it rest a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
How Long Do You Cook Steak in an Air Fryer at 400 Degrees?
You might think cooking steak at 400 degrees in an air fryer always takes the same time, but it actually depends on how you like it done. Generally, you’ll cook it about 9-10 minutes for rare, 10-11 for medium rare, and 11-12 for medium.
Medium well needs closer to 11.5-13 minutes, while well done takes roughly 14 minutes. Don’t forget to flip halfway and use a thermometer for perfect results!
How Long to Air Fry a 6 Oz Filet?
You’ll want to air fry a 6 oz filet mignon at 400°F for about 10-11 minutes if you like it medium-rare, flipping it halfway through for even cooking. If you prefer medium, cook it for 11-12 minutes. Always check the internal temperature—130°F for medium-rare and 140°F for medium.
Don’t forget to let your steak rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking so the juices settle nicely.
Conclusion
Cooking filet mignon in your air fryer is like revealing a treasure chest of flavor—simple, quick, and rewarding. By selecting the right cut, seasoning it well, and following the cooking times, you’re set for a perfectly tender steak every time.
Remember to let it rest; this step is the secret key that keeps the juices secured. Enjoy your delicious creation and impress anyone lucky enough to share your meal!
Mastering how to cook filet mignon in an air fryer not only saves time but also guarantees a juicy, flavorful steak that’s sure to delight.
