Delicious Air Fryer Filet Mignon

If you ask me, cooking filet mignon in an air fryer sounds a bit unconventional.

This classic steakhouse cut turns out surprisingly good when prepared in the air fryer, with a nice brown crust on the outside and a juicy center. The high heat circulation gives you that restaurant-quality sear without firing up the grill or using a cast iron pan.

I’ve found that the air fryer method makes cooking filet mignon much less intimidating, and cleanup is a breeze. Just a few simple seasonings and the right timing are all you need for great results.

It’s a foolproof way to prepare an impressive dinner that feels special but doesn’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen.

What Kind of Filet Mignon Should I Use?

When shopping for filet mignon, look for cuts that are about 1.5 to 2 inches thick with good marbling throughout the meat. The best filets will have a bright red color and feel firm to the touch, with a small amount of fat running through them – though filet mignon is naturally lean compared to other cuts. For this air fryer recipe, try to choose steaks that are similar in size and thickness so they’ll cook evenly. While USDA Prime is the top grade and will give you the most tender result, USDA Choice filets are also excellent and more budget-friendly. Just make sure your steaks are at room temperature before cooking, which helps them cook more evenly in the air fryer.

Options for Substitutions

While this recipe is pretty straightforward, here are some helpful substitution tips:

• Filet mignon: If filet mignon is out of your budget or unavailable, you can use other tender cuts like ribeye or New York strip steak. Just keep in mind that cooking times might need to be adjusted since these cuts are usually larger and have different fat content.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Any high smoke point oil will work here – try avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or even regular olive oil. Just avoid butter by itself as it can burn at high temperatures (though you can add it at the end for flavor).
• Salt and pepper: While this recipe keeps it simple with basic seasonings, you can experiment with garlic powder, dried herbs, or your favorite steak seasoning blend. Just remember that filet mignon has a nice natural flavor that doesn’t need much help.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Air Frying

The biggest mistake when cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is not letting your steaks come to room temperature first – take them out of the fridge 30-45 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking from edge to center. Another common error is overcrowding the air fryer basket, which prevents proper air circulation and results in uneven cooking – make sure to leave enough space between each steak. To achieve that perfect medium-rare doneness, avoid the temptation to constantly open the air fryer to check on the steaks, as this releases heat and extends cooking time – instead, rely on a good meat thermometer and remove the steaks at 130-135°F for medium-rare, keeping in mind they’ll continue cooking during the crucial 5-10 minute rest period. For the juiciest results, resist the urge to cut into your steak right away – letting it rest allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

What to Serve With Filet Mignon?

When serving filet mignon, I love to pair it with classic steakhouse sides that let the tender meat stay in the spotlight. A creamy mashed potato is my go-to base – it soaks up all those tasty meat juices perfectly. For vegetables, roasted asparagus or sautéed mushrooms work great since they’re simple but satisfying companions to the steak. If you want to make it extra special, add a pat of herb butter on top of the steak and serve with a glass of bold red wine. Keep the sides simple and let that perfectly cooked filet be the star of the show!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: If you have leftover filet mignon, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pro tip: wrap each piece individually in aluminum foil before putting them in the container to help maintain their moisture.

Freeze: You can freeze cooked filet mignon for up to 2-3 months. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps your steaks tasting great.

Reheat: To keep your filet mignon juicy when reheating, warm it in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature. You can also wrap it in foil and heat in a 250°F oven for about 20 minutes. Try to avoid using the microwave, as it can make your steak tough.

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	9-15 minutes
Total Time	14-25 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1400-1600
• Protein: 100-115 g
• Fat: 100-115 g
• Carbohydrates: 0-5 g

Ingredients

• 4 filet mignon cuts (5-6 ounces per steak)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 200°C (400°F).

This will ensure that your steaks cook evenly and have a nice sear.

Step 2: Season the Steaks

While the air fryer is preheating, season both sides of the filet mignon steaks generously with salt and pepper.

Then, cover the steaks in olive oil to help lock in the flavor and moisture during cooking.

Step 3: Air Fry the Steaks

Place the seasoned filet mignon steaks in the air fryer basket.

Air fry for 9 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides.

Step 4: Check the Doneness

Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.

For rare, the steak should reach 125°F.

If more doneness is desired, continue cooking for an extra 1 1/2 minutes per level of doneness.

Check for 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well done.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the steaks have reached your desired doneness, transfer them to a plate.

If desired, add a tablespoon of garlic butter on top of each steak to enhance the flavor.

Allow the steaks to rest for a few minutes to reabsorb the juices before serving.