Description
This Air Fryer Filet Mignon recipe delivers fast, tender, and juicy steaks with a perfect crust every time. Using the air fryer allows for even cooking without the need for a grill or oven, making it an ideal method for cooking filet mignon at home quickly while retaining its delicate texture and flavor. Topped with a flavorful compound butter, these steaks are perfect for an elegant dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Steaks
- 4 8-oz Filet mignon steaks
- 2 tsp Sea salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Compound Butter
- 1/2 recipe Compound butter (see recipe instructions for compound butter preparation)
Instructions
- Bring Filets to Room Temperature: Remove the filet mignon steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This step helps in cooking the steaks evenly throughout.
- Prepare Compound Butter: Follow the compound butter recipe instructions and refrigerate it until ready to use. Compound butter adds rich flavor when melted over the hot steaks.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat completely before cooking the steaks for optimal searing.
- Season and Prepare Filets: Trim away any connective tissue around the edges of the steaks. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to help develop a nice crust. Season liberally on both sides with sea salt and black pepper.
- Air Fry the Steaks: Place filet mignon steaks in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch or crowd the basket (cook in batches if needed). Air fry based on your preferred doneness for 1.5-inch thick steaks: 10-12 minutes for rare (120°F), 11-13 minutes for medium rare (130°F), 12-14 minutes for medium (140°F), 13-15 minutes for medium well (150°F), or 14-16 minutes for well done (160°F). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, as temperatures will rise by about 5°F during resting.
- Finish with Compound Butter: Once cooked, remove steaks from the air fryer and transfer to a plate. Top each steak immediately with 1 tablespoon (14g) of the chilled compound butter to melt on contact, enhancing flavor and juiciness.
- Rest and Serve: Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy bite. Slice against the grain and serve.
Notes
- Allowing the steaks to reach room temperature ensures even cooking.
- Patting the steaks dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
- Using a meat thermometer is key to cooking the steaks to your preferred doneness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
- The cooking times are approximate and may vary depending on the thickness of the steaks and your air fryer model.
- Resting the meat after cooking is essential for juiciness.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American