Quick and Easy Filet Mignon

November 27, 2024 • 0 comments

Cooking a filet mignon in an air fryer is a game-changer, especially if you're aiming for a dish that doesn't requirie a lot of time in the kitchen. It's the go-to recipe for your steak to turn out tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked every time. One of the best things about using an air fryer is how fast it cooks compared to conventional ovens or grills. You're not waiting around—which is awesome on busy evenings or when you're hungry! It takes the guesswork out of achieving consistent results.

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

(1 lb) Beef Tenderloin Steak
(1/2 tsp) Salt (Kosher)
(1/2 tsp) Black Pepper (ground)
(1 tbsp) Olive Oil
(to taste) Garlic Butter

Directions

First up, set your air fryer to 400°F (or 200°C) and give it a few minutes to warm up. This is important because preheating helps you get that golden, slightly crispy crust on the outside while keeping the steak juicy and tender inside.

Now, grab your steaks and make sure they’re sitting at room temperature—this just helps them cook more evenly. If they’ve just come out of the fridge, give them about 30 minutes to chill (or, well, warm up). Pat them dry with a paper towel. Trust me, this step is worth it. A dry steak gives you that beautiful sear everyone loves.

Next, drizzle a little olive oil over both sides of each steak and rub it in. Then sprinkle on some salt and pepper—don’t overthink it! A simple seasoning goes a long way to bring out the beefy goodness.

Carefully place your seasoned steaks right into the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s a little space between them so the air can flow around and cook them evenly. Set the timer for 9 minutes. About halfway through, flip those steaks over so both sides can brown perfectly.

Depending on how you like your steak done, here are the temperatures you should look for:

Rare: 120°F.
Medium-rare: 130°F.
Medium: 135°F.
Medium-well: 140°F.
Well-done: 150°F.

Notes

How Long to Cook a 2-Inch Thick Filet Mignon

If you're cooking a 2-inch thick filet mignon in the air fryer, aim for about 10-11 minutes of cooking time. It's always a good idea to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired doneness. Remember, medium-rare is achieved at 125°F, while medium is around 135°F. Keep an eye on it to ensure it's cooked just how you like it!

Original recipe by The Big Man's World