Air Fryer Filet Mignon is a quick and easy way to cook a juicy, tender steak when grilling isn't an option. Just season the steaks, pop in the air fryer for 10 minutes, and out comes a deliciously prepared dinner with little to no effort.
I love cooking with my air fryer! It is far and away a better and faster way to cook most foods than the popular instant pot. I've cooked delicious salmon, pork chop and tuna patty dinners, and even spaghetti and meatball muffin appetizers but never thought to try a filet mignon.
I mean, steak in the air fryer? Are you crazy? But when the weather isn't cooperating to grill it outdoors, and you are really feeling like a nice steak dinner, the air fryer is the way to go!
It's surprisingly easy to cook steak in the air fryer. And the best part, it's practically foolproof! The air fryer has the advantage of being a small contained area, making it easy to keep a constant heat and enabling you to turn out a perfectly cooked, juicy, tender steak every time.
There is little hands-on time and dinner can be on the table in less than 30 minutes. What more could you ask for?
Tips for cooking an air fryer steak
- Steak that is at least 1" thick does the best. Mine were 1" and 1-½" and came out perfectly medium-rare in 10 minutes.
- Allow steak to come to room temperature. Any steak, whether air fried or grilled, does best at room temperature. Let the steak sit out on the counter for 30-60 minutes.
- Always preheat the air fryer. It usually needs just 5 minutes.
- Make sure that the steaks are not overcrowded in the basket. This allows the air to circulate around them and cook them evenly.
- Remove the steak from the basket so they do not overcook.
- Allow the steaks to rest for 10 minutes to seal in the juices.
How to cook steak in an air fryer
Rub steaks with oil or spray with nonstick spray. Season with salt and pepper. For more flavor, you can also season with steak seasoning like Montreal Steak Seasoning.
Place the seasoned steaks in the basket of air fryer, sprayed with nonstick spray, allowing plenty of room in-between. Cook according to doneness preferred. (times are based on 1" thick cuts of steak)
- Medium-rare takes 10 minutes at 400 degrees
- Medium takes between 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees
- Medium-well takes between 12-15 minutes at 400 degrees
It is even easier to check for doneness with a meat thermometer. 125 degrees for rare, 135 for medium-rare, 145 for medium, and 155 for medium-well.
This air fryer filet mignon dinner was quick, easy, and every bit as delicious as if I had grilled it outside. It was deliciously moist and supremely tender.
I topped mine with a pat of garlic butter to add that extra flavorful touch. You could also top with herb butter or champagne butter sauce. To complete dinner, I served the steaks with a Caesar salad and a side of vegetables. Enjoy!
Other air fryer recipes
Southwest Egg Rolls take less than 10 minutes in the air fryer. Egg roll wrappers are filled with spicy chicken, black beans, corn, minced jalapeno, and plenty of cheese for the perfect game time appetizer.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings are made with no breading and come out deliciously crisp, moist, and flavorful. Low carb, gluten-free, and paleo friendly.
Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin with a delicious spice rub is flavorful and tender.
Corned Beef Hash is the perfect use for leftover corned beef. Just 10 minutes in the air fryer, top with egg for 3 minutes and breakfast is served.
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Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Ingredients
- 2 filet mignon steaks 1 to 1-½” thick
- Vegetable oil or nonstick spray
- Salt & pepper
- Garnish: ¼ cup butter mixed with ½ teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Take steak out of refrigerator and let it sit on the counter 30-60 minutes until it comes to room temperature. This will allow the steak to cook evenly.
- Preheat air fryer at 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
- Rub steaks with oil or spray with nonstick vegetable spray. Season with salt and pepper or steak seasoning like Montreal Steak Seasoning.
- Spray basket with nonstick spray.
- Lay steaks in basket leaving room for the air to circulate. Never overcrowd the basket.
- Cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes for medium rare. Adjust time according to thickness and doneness desired.
- When done, remove steaks from basket, place a pat of garlic butter on top and allow them to rest for 10 minutes. The resting period helps seal in the juices.
- Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Tips for cooking an air fryer steak
- Steak that is at least 1" thick does the best. Mine were 1" and 1-½" and came out perfectly medium-rare in 10 minutes.
- Allow steak to come to room temperature. Any steak, whether air fried or grilled, does best at room temperature. Let the steak sit out on the counter for 30-60 minutes.
- Always reheat the air fryer. It usually needs just 5 minutes.
- Make sure that the steaks are not overcrowded in the basket. This allows the air to circulate around them and cook them evenly.
- Remove the steak from the basket so they do not overcook.
- Allow the steaks to rest for 10 minutes to seal in the juices.
Nutrition
This post has been updated and was first published on January 3, 2021.