Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe

Cooking filet mignon in the air fryer honestly surprised me the first time I tried it. I always thought a cut this tender and luxurious needed a blazing-hot skillet or a grill to do it justice. Turns out, the air fryer can deliver a beautifully seared outside with a buttery-soft center, and it does it faster and with far less mess. After a few rounds of trial and error (including one batch I slightly overcooked because I trusted the timer more than my thermometer), I finally nailed a method that gives consistent, steakhouse-style results at home.

This recipe is all about respecting the quality of the meat, using simple seasoning, and letting the air fryer do its job.

Why Make Filet Mignon in the Air Fryer

Air-frying filet mignon is ideal when you want a high-end dinner without turning on the oven or dealing with splattering oil.

Key reasons I keep coming back to this method:

• Even cooking from edge to center
• Quick cooking time
• Minimal cleanup
• Consistent doneness
• Great crust without excessive oil

It’s especially helpful when cooking just one or two steaks, and you want predictable results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filet Mignon

• 2 filet mignon steaks (6–8 oz each, about 1½ to 2 inches thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Optional Finishing Add-Ons

• 1 tablespoon butter
• Fresh rosemary or thyme
• Minced garlic

Prep and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 9–14 minutes
• Total Time: About 25 minutes
• Servings: 2

Choosing the Best Filet Mignon

A good filet mignon should be thick, evenly cut, and bright red with minimal connective tissue. Thickness matters more than weight here. Thin filets cook too quickly and can lose that signature tenderness.

Look for:

• Thickness of at least 1½ inches
• Even shape for uniform cooking
• Minimal moisture in packaging

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bring the Steaks to Room Temperature

Remove the filets from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This step is crucial. Cooking cold steaks leads to uneven doneness, which I learned the hard way early on.

Pat the steaks dry thoroughly with paper towels to help create a better crust.

Step 2: Season Simply but Generously

Brush both sides of the filets with oil.

Season evenly with salt and black pepper. Add garlic powder or smoked paprika if you like a subtle extra layer of flavor, but avoid overpowering this delicate cut.

Press the seasoning gently into the meat.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 3–5 minutes. Skipping this step can prevent proper browning.

Step 4: Cook the Filet Mignon

Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each one.

Cook at 400°F (205°C):

• 5–6 minutes on the first side
• Flip and cook another 4–8 minutes, depending on thickness and doneness

Internal Temperature Guide

• Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)
• Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
• Medium: 140°F (60°C)
• Medium-well: 145°F (63°C)

Medium-rare is where filet mignon truly shines.

Step 5: Rest the Steaks

Remove steaks from the air fryer and place them on a plate.

Top with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs if desired.

Loosely tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes. This step keeps the meat juicy and tender.

Common Mistakes I’ve Made (So You Don’t Have To)

• Overcooking by relying only on time
• Skipping the rest period
• Using thin steaks
• Not preheating the air fryer
• Over-seasoning a premium cut

A meat thermometer is your best friend here.

Flavor Variations

Classic Steakhouse

Finish with garlic butter and fresh thyme.

Peppercorn Crust

Press crushed black peppercorns onto the steak before cooking.

Herb-Infused

Rub with chopped rosemary, thyme, and a touch of lemon zest.

Spicy Finish

Add a pinch of cayenne and drizzle with chili oil after cooking.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Filet Mignon

This steak pairs beautifully with simple sides that don’t compete with its flavor.

Great options include:

• Mashed or roasted potatoes
• Garlic green beans
• Asparagus or broccolini
• Creamed spinach
• Simple arugula salad
• Mushroom sauce or peppercorn sauce

Storage and Reheating

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 2 days

Reheating

• Air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes
• Oven at 325°F until warmed
• Avoid the microwave to prevent toughness

Nutritional Highlights

Filet mignon is:

• High in protein
• Rich in iron and vitamin B12
• Lower in fat than many other steak cuts
• Naturally gluten-free and low-carb

It’s a great option for balanced, protein-forward meals.

FAQs

Can I cook frozen filet mignon in the air fryer?

It’s best to thaw completely for even cooking and proper texture.

Do I need to flip the steak?

Yes, flipping ensures even browning and doneness.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Use oil for cooking and butter for finishing. Butter alone may burn.

Is air fryer filet mignon tender?

Yes, when cooked correctly and rested, it’s extremely tender.

How do I get a better crust?

Dry the steak thoroughly, preheat the air fryer, and don’t overcrowd the basket.

Can I cook more than two steaks at once?

Only if they fit in a single layer without touching.

Air fryer filet mignon proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or fancy equipment to enjoy a truly exceptional steak at home. With the right cut, careful timing, and a little patience, you’ll get a juicy, tender, and beautifully cooked filet every single time.