Filet Mignon in Air Fryer is the perfect solution for anyone who wants to enjoy a restaurant-quality steak at home without the hassle of grilling or pan-searing. This popular cut of meat, known for its tenderness and rich flavor, can be cooked to perfection in just a fraction of the time when using an air fryer. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this method ensures a juicy, flavorful filet mignon every time.
The air fryer’s rapid cooking process seals in the steak’s natural juices, creating a crispy, golden-brown crust while maintaining a tender, succulent interior. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about preparing, cooking, and enjoying filet mignon in the air fryer, along with tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect steak.
Why You Should Cook Filet Mignon in an Air Fryer
The air fryer has quickly become a kitchen staple, and for good reason. It uses hot air circulation to cook food, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining moisture inside. When it comes to filet mignon, the air fryer is perfect for locking in the steak’s juices and ensuring a tender, flavorful result. Unlike traditional methods like grilling or pan-searing, cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is not only fast but also gives you the freedom to achieve the perfect level of doneness without overcooking. Plus, it’s easy to clean up afterward!
How to Prepare Filet Mignon for Air Frying
Preparation is key to cooking the perfect filet mignon. To start, choose a high-quality filet mignon from your local butcher or grocery store. Aim for steaks that are about 1 to 2 inches thick for the best results in the air fryer.
Steps to Prepare Filet Mignon:
- Seasoning: Begin by seasoning your filet mignon. For the most basic preparation, use salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. If you like additional flavor, you can marinate your steak or use steak seasoning.
- Room Temperature: Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures it cooks evenly in the air fryer.
- Oil: Lightly coat the steak with oil to help achieve a golden-brown crust.
Once your steak is seasoned and ready, you can proceed with cooking it in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon at 400°F: A Simple Method for Juicy Steaks
One of the most common methods for cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is at 400°F. This temperature is ideal for creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
How to Cook at 400°F:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
- Place the filet mignon in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is enough space around the steak for air circulation.
- Air fry the steak for 10-12 minutes for a medium-rare result, flipping the steak halfway through.
- Once done, let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
This method is simple, effective, and results in a perfectly cooked steak every time.
The Perfect Cooking Time for Filet Mignon in an Air Fryer
The cooking time for filet mignon can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness. Here’s a general guide for cooking times at 400°F in an air fryer:
- Rare: 8-9 minutes
- Medium-Rare: 10-12 minutes
- Medium: 12-14 minutes
- Well Done: 15-18 minutes
Remember, cooking times can vary depending on the specific air fryer model, so it’s a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F.
How to Achieve Medium Rare Filet Mignon in an Air Fryer
If you’re aiming for a medium-rare filet mignon, precision is key. Follow these tips to achieve the perfect medium-rare result:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best way to ensure accuracy. The ideal internal temperature for medium-rare filet mignon is 130°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading.
- Resting Time: After cooking, let your steak rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat and ensures a tender and juicy bite.
- Cook in Batches: If you’re cooking multiple steaks, it’s better to cook them in batches rather than overcrowding the air fryer. This ensures that the hot air can circulate properly and cook each steak evenly.
By following these steps, you’ll have a perfectly cooked medium-rare filet mignon that’s tender and flavorful.
Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon in the Air Fryer: A Delicious Twist
For those who enjoy a bit of extra flavor, wrapping your filet mignon in bacon is a fantastic option. The bacon adds a smoky richness that complements the tender meat of the filet mignon. Plus, the air fryer makes it easy to cook the bacon to crispy perfection.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon:
- Wrap one or two slices of bacon around each filet mignon, securing them with toothpicks.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Place the bacon-wrapped filet mignon in the air fryer basket, and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Once the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare, remove the steak and let it rest before serving.
This bacon-wrapped variation adds a crispy, flavorful twist to your traditional filet mignon.
Cooking a 6 oz Filet Mignon in the Air Fryer: Tips for Tenderness
A 6 oz filet mignon is smaller than the typical 8 oz cut, but it can still turn out perfectly tender when cooked in the air fryer. Here are some tips for cooking a 6 oz filet mignon:
- Thickness Matters: Even though it’s a smaller cut, ensure your filet is at least 1 inch thick for the best results. If it’s too thin, it may cook too quickly and lose tenderness.
- Reduced Cooking Time: A smaller filet will cook faster. For a 6 oz filet mignon, aim for 8-10 minutes at 400°F for a medium-rare result. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
By following these tips, your 6 oz filet mignon will be just as delicious and tender as a larger cut.
How to Cook a 2-Inch Filet Mignon in an Air Fryer for Maximum Flavor
A 2-inch thick filet mignon requires a longer cooking time, but the results are worth the wait. Cooking such a thick cut in an air fryer ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender on the inside while developing a beautiful crust on the outside.
Steps for Cooking a 2-Inch Filet Mignon:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Season the filet mignon with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer.
- Air fry for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare.
- Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
This method ensures that the thick filet mignon is cooked evenly while maintaining a perfect level of juiciness.
Preparing Thin Filet Mignon in an Air Fryer: Quick and Tasty
Thin filet mignon cuts cook faster and require a bit more attention to avoid overcooking. However, the air fryer can still produce excellent results for thin steaks.
How to Cook Thin Filet Mignon:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Season the steak lightly with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs or spices.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Always check the internal temperature, aiming for 130°F for medium-rare.
Because the steak is thinner, it’s essential to monitor it closely to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
The Ideal Air Fryer Temperature for Cooking Filet Mignon Perfectly
The key to perfectly cooked filet mignon is maintaining the right temperature in the air fryer. Generally, 400°F is the ideal temperature for filet mignon, as it gives the meat a nice crispy crust while preserving moisture inside. However, some people prefer to cook at lower temperatures, such as 350°F, for a slower, more controlled cook.
Recommended Temperatures:
- 400°F: Ideal for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- 350°F: Suitable for a slower cook, which results in a more even doneness throughout the steak.
Experiment with temperatures to find the method that works best for your taste preferences and air fryer model.
Conclusion
Cooking filet mignon in an air fryer is a quick and efficient way to enjoy a delicious, tender steak without the need for a grill or stovetop. With the right temperature, seasoning, and cooking time, you can achieve the perfect medium-rare or well-done filet mignon. Whether you prefer a classic air fryer method or want to experiment with bacon-wrapped filet mignon, the air fryer makes it easy to enjoy this delicious cut of steak at home. By following this guide, you’ll be able to create restaurant-quality filet mignon every time, all while saving time and effort in the kitchen.
