Air Fryer Filet Mignon
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My air fryer filet mignon recipe guarantees a tender, succulent steak cooked in a fraction of the time it takes with any other method. It’s foolproof and makes the perfect date night or elegant dinner!
Friends, if you ever thought filet mignon was best left to the professionals, my recipe will convince you otherwise. I first started experimenting with cooking this premium cut in the air fryer for my forthcoming air fryer cookbook, but I couldn’t nail it by the time it went to print. Since then, though, I’ve tested it to perfection, so I figured it was time to share it with you here today.
The air fryer guarantees a perfectly cooked steak that’s tender, savory, and practically melts in your mouth. I go one step further and top each portion with garlic butter, infusing every bite with garlicky richness. I made this for my partner on a recent date night, and he seriously thought I reverse-seared or cooked it on a skillet: it’s that good.
Table of Contents
Recipe highlights
- The fastest way to cook this cut. I have a more traditional pan-seared filet mignon recipe, but when I want results FAST, I break out the air fryer.
- Guaranteed results. Ovens, grills, and stovetops can be temperamental, but the air fryer? That never fails.
- Tender and juicy. Filet mignon comes from the cow’s spine, which doesn’t work very hard (poor cow), thus making it THE most tender steak.
- Customize it. Use a marinade, swap the butter, or add fresh herbs to level up. I’ll give you more ideas later on.
Key Ingredients
Here are the main ingredients for air-fried filet mignon. The complete list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
- Filet mignon steaks. For this recipe, I used filets that were 5-6 ounces each. Look for USDA Prime or Choice cuts that are deep red and even in thickness so they cook at the same time. This might sound pedantic, but please get your steaks from a butcher over a grocery store. From my experience, the flavor is unmatched, and for the price tag, it’s worth the effort.
- Olive oil. Although this steak is naturally quite fatty, I do like to add a touch of oil to help the salt and pepper stick, and to add that sizzle once it hits the air fryer.
- Garlic butter. To top the finished steaks. If possible, I prefer making this from scratch, as store-bought garlic butter always tastes off to me. Melt unsalted butter in a pan and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then let it firm up in the fridge.
How to cook filet mignon in the air fryer
Step 1- Season the steaks. Preheat the air fryer and season the steak with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Step 2- Air fry. Add the steaks to the air fryer basket and air fry for 9 minutes or until they reach 125°F for medium-rare. Stop midway to flip the steaks.
Step 3- Serve. Serve the steaks with a spoonful of garlic butter on each.
Filet mignon cooking times
I prefer filet mignon medium-rare, as it remains tender and has more flavor. That said, you can cook it to your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for the right temperature:
- Rare. 120F
- Medium-rare. 130F
- Medium. 135F
- Medium-well. 140F
- Well-done. 150F
After the first 9 minutes, continue air frying in 1 ½-minute increments, stopping to check the temperature between each increment until it’s 5 degrees away from your desired doneness.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Let the steaks come to room temperature. It’s a simple trick I learned in culinary school that completely transformed how I cook steak. I know it’s simple, but room-temperature steaks cook more evenly and thoroughly. I find 30 minutes before cooking to be ample time.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and help a nice crust form. Even a tiny bit of moisture left on the steaks can cause them to steam rather than sear.
- Rest the steaks. After they’re done cooking, I like to leave them untouched for 5 minutes so the juices can redistribute. This is a non-negotiable with any of my protein recipes.
Frequently asked questions
For this recipe, I used filet mignon steaks that were just under 2 inches in thickness. This took exactly 9 minutes, so for a 2-inch steak, you’d be looking at 10-11 minutes. Of course, use a meat thermometer to double-check.
I did test a batch that I actually pan-seared before air frying. It traps in the juices and gives the exterior a nice crust, but it is not necessary. My recipe yields a tender exterior and keeps it juicy throughout (why have an extra pan to clean?).
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Video
Ingredients
- 4 filet mignon steaks 5-6 ounces each
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper and cover in the olive oil.
- Place the seasoned filet mignon steaks in the air fryer basket and air fry for 9 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of the steak, and if it reaches 125F for rare, it’s ready to be removed from the air fryer basket. Continue cooking for an extra 1 1/2 minutes per level of doneness and check 130F for medium-rare, 140F for medium, 150F for medium-well, and 160F for well done.
- Transfer the filet mignon steaks to a plate and add if desired, add a tablespoon of garlic butter on top of each one.
Notes
- Garlic butter: Top the steaks with 1/4 cup of garlic butter (one tablespoon on each steak). Either store-bought garlic butter or my homemade garlic butter (1/4 cup softened butter mixed with one teaspoon of chopped parsley, two cloves minced garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt).
- TO STORE: Store leftover steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- TO FREEZE: Let the steaks cool completely, then freeze them in freezer containers for up to three months.
- TO REHEAT: Air fry at 300°F until warm and sizzling.
Nutrition
More beefy air fryer dinners
- Air fryer meatballs
- Air fryer meatloaf
- Air fryer hamburgers
- Air fryer steak
- Air fryer ribeye
- Air fryer steak bites
Originally published October 2024
Easiest way to make filet mignon. Garlic butter is the best ending seasoning. Can’t wait to try your other air fryer recipes.
This is my favorite way to cook filet mignon. Love your recipe!
Just made this for dinner in my air fryer. So tasty!
Great to hear that!
It looks really good. Many fats and high protein from the meat. I will make it.
Okay, just made this air fryer filet mignon and it is SO juicy and fast.
Thank you for sharing this recipe in your Instagram channel- we made it straight away and now it’s live on your website for everyone!
So welcome! Thanks for being part of my IG broadcast channel for these early recipe drops 🙂