Improve your weeknight dinners with this incredible Air Fryer Filet Mignon recipe. This method delivers a perfectly cooked, tender steak with a beautiful crust in a fraction of the time, all thanks to the trick to your air fryer. Forget lengthy cooking processes or complicated techniques. Our Air Fryer Filet Mignon focuses on simplicity and speed, ensuring a delicious meal that’s both impressive and easy to prepare. It’s ideal for busy home cooks seeking gourmet results with minimal effort.
Key takeaways
- The air fryer's convection cooking creates a perfect sear on filet mignon quickly.
- Ensure precise temperature control using a meat thermometer for ideal doneness.
- Adjust cooking times based on your specific air fryer model and steak thickness.
- Vegetables can be swapped with similar quick-cooking options like broccoli or asparagus.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon: 15 Min Miracle
Ingredients
Method
- Remove the filet mignon from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before ready to cook. Season both sides of the filet with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F about 5 minutes before ready to place the filet and veggies inside.
- Wash both the Brussels sprouts and sweet potato. Remove the outer leaves if necessary from the Brussels sprouts. Trim off the hard bottom stems. Peel the sweet potato and cut into about 1 inch pieces. Drizzle the veggies with a bit of vegetable oil and toss to coat evenly.
- Place the seasoned filet and prepared veggies in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for about 15 minutes, flipping the filet over halfway through.
- Steak is done when the internal temperature is between 140 and 145 degrees F. If some of the outer leaves of the Brussels sprouts get too crispy, just remove them.
- While the filet and veggies are cooking, place the butter and minced garlic in a microwave safe dish. Microwave for 30 – 45 seconds, or just until butter is melted.
- Whisk in the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, fresh thyme, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Drizzle the lemon-thyme butter sauce over the cooked filet mignon before serving.
Notes
– Do not overcrowch the air fryer basket; cook steaks in batches if necessary.
– Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model and desired doneness. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
The technique that makes it
The air fryer is a marvel of convection cooking, and it’s perfectly suited for achieving a restaurant-quality filet mignon in a fraction of the time. The key lies in its ability to circulate hot air at high speeds around the food. For filet mignon, this means a rapid sear on the outside, developing a delicious crust, while the interior cooks gently to your desired doneness. Unlike pan-searing, where you have to manage oil splatter and constant flipping, the air fryer handles the heat distribution evenly, minimizing the risk of overcooking or unevenly cooked spots. The high heat also helps to render any minimal fat on the filet, contributing to its rich flavor. For the accompanying vegetables, the air fryer’s convection ensures they cook quickly and evenly, achieving tender-crisp Brussels sprouts and fork-tender sweet potato without becoming soggy. The butter-based sauce, infused with garlic, Dijon, lemon, and thyme, is then brushed onto the steak towards the end of cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and slightly caramelize on the steak’s surface without burning, thanks to the controlled environment of the air fryer.
Troubleshooting
- Steak is overcooked: Ensure you are using an instant-read thermometer and pulling the steak out 5 degrees below your target temperature, as it will continue to cook while resting. Adjust air fryer time downwards for future attempts.
- Steak is undercooked: The initial cooking time may be too short for your air fryer model or steak thickness. Return the steak to the air fryer for additional 1-2 minute intervals, checking temperature frequently.
- Vegetables are burnt: The vegetables may have been placed too close to the heating element or the air fryer temperature was too high for their density. Try arranging them in a single layer and consider slightly reducing the temperature or cooking them for a shorter initial period.
- Sauce is too thin: The butter may not have emulsified properly. Ensure the butter is melted but not boiling when whisked with the other ingredients. You can also try whisking in a tiny bit more Dijon mustard to help with emulsification.
Substitutions
- Filet Mignon: While filet mignon is prized for its tenderness, you can substitute with a New York strip or ribeye steak. Adjust cooking time slightly as these cuts have more marbling and may cook differently. The result will be a steak with a more pronounced beefy flavor.
- Brussels Sprouts: Broccoli florets or asparagus spears are excellent alternatives. They will cook in a similar timeframe. Asparagus may require slightly less time.
- Sweet Potato: Regular potato (like Yukon Gold or Russet) cut into similar-sized cubes can be used. Russet potatoes will become crispier, while Yukon Golds will be creamier.
- Thyme: Rosemary or sage can be used as a substitute for thyme, offering a different but complementary herbal note to the steak sauce. Use sparingly as these herbs can be more potent.
Pro tips
- Ensure your filet mignon is at room temperature before cooking for even results.
- Do not overcrowch the air fryer basket; cook steaks in batches if necessary.
- Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model and desired doneness.
Enjoy this simple yet sophisticated Air Fryer Filet Mignon for a truly satisfying meal. Experiment with different herbs or spices to make it your own.
Try this next: Crispy Air Fryer Crab Rangoon – SO EASY!
More from Air Fryer Vegetables →
Read also on TastyBend: Beef Filet Mignon Nutrition: Complete Facts & Expert Analysis.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cook frozen filet mignon in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen filet mignon in the air fryer. You’ll need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes, typically an additional 3-5 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level. It’s best to thaw it first for more even cooking and better searing, but frozen works in a pinch.
What temperature should filet mignon be in an air fryer?
For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Medium is 135-140°F (57-60°C), and medium-well is 140-145°F (60-63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest part of the steak. Remember, the temperature will rise slightly as it rests.
How do I get a good sear on air fryer filet mignon?
To achieve a good sear, preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, around 400°F (200°C). Pat your filet mignon completely dry before seasoning and placing it in the basket. Ensure there’s enough space between steaks for hot air circulation. A quick sear in a hot pan before air frying can also enhance the crust.
How long does air fryer filet mignon rest?
Allow your air fryer filet mignon to rest for at least 5-10 minutes after cooking. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm while it rests before slicing and serving.
