How I discovered the magic of air fryer filet mignon
Air fryer filet mignon changed the way I cook steak at home. I grew up watching my dad fire up the grill and hearing that satisfying sizzle, but grilling isn’t always convenient—especially on a busy weeknight. One chilly evening in Asheville, I found two beautiful filet mignons in the fridge and didn’t feel like dragging out the cast iron skillet. That’s when I decided to try something new: the air fryer.
I seasoned them simply, tossed them into the preheated basket, and in under 15 minutes, I pulled out the juiciest, most tender filet mignons I’d ever made at home. No smoke. No splatter. Just buttery steak with a seared crust, all thanks to the air fryer.
Why air fryer filet mignon works every time
Let’s be honest: filet mignon is a premium cut. It’s lean, tender, and expensive—which makes cooking it intimidating for many home cooks. But with the air fryer filet mignon method, you remove all the guesswork. The hot circulating air crisps the outside while keeping the inside perfectly pink and juicy. You don’t need a thermometer if you follow the timing tips (though I’ll include those soon), and you certainly don’t need a grill.
The best part? It’s almost impossible to mess up. Whether you’re serving it with creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne for a date night in, or adding it to a simple salad with leftovers, air frying filet mignon gives you steakhouse flavor without any stress.
And if you’re already a fan of air frying meat, recipes like Italian sausage in the air fryer prove how versatile your air fryer really is.
Once you taste your first air fryer filet mignon, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. This technique is my go-to for an impressive meal that’s both foolproof and fast.
Table of Contents
Air Fryer Filet Mignon: The Easiest Way to Cook Perfect Steak
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, tender air fryer filet mignon cooked to perfection in under 15 minutes. No splatter, no stress—just steakhouse flavor from your countertop.
Ingredients
2 filet mignon steaks (1.5–2 inches thick)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 tbsp butter (for finishing)
Instructions
1. Let steaks sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
3. Pat filets dry and rub with olive oil.
4. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
5. Place steaks in air fryer basket without overlapping.
6. Cook at 400°F for 9–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
7. Remove from basket and rest 5 minutes.
8. Top with butter before serving.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for doneness.
Resting after cooking is essential for juicy results.
Pair with salad, potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
How to Cook Air Fryer Filet Mignon to Juicy Perfection
Ingredients for the perfect air fryer filet mignon
When it comes to air fryer filet mignon, simplicity wins. This luxurious cut doesn’t need much dressing up. With just a handful of pantry staples and your air fryer, you can create steakhouse-worthy flavor in under 15 minutes. Choose filets that are about 1.5 to 2 inches thick—those work best for air frying.
You’ll need:
- 2 filet mignon steaks (1.5–2 inches thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter (for serving)
Serve your air fryer filet mignon with bold sides like creamy kielbasa broccoli skillet or a vibrant chicken cornbread casserole for a hearty dinner.
Step-by-step instructions to cook air fryer filet mignon
Step 1 – Let the steaks rest.
Set your filet mignon out on the counter for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature. This helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.
Step 2 – Preheat your air fryer.
Turn the air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes. A hot air fryer basket creates a better crust on your filet mignon.
Step 3 – Season the filet.
Pat the steaks dry. Rub each with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if you like a little smokiness.
Step 4 – Air fry.
Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, giving them space to breathe. Cook at 400°F for:
- Medium-rare: 9–10 minutes
- Medium: 11–12 minutes
- Medium-well: 13–14 minutes
Flip halfway through to sear both sides evenly.
Step 5 – Rest with butter.
Remove the filet mignon and let it rest for 5 minutes. Top with a pat of butter—it’ll melt and seep into every bite.
Air fryer filet mignon is one of the few steak recipes where you can rely on the same perfect outcome again and again. Want even more flavor? Try adding a touch of rosemary or thyme to the butter before serving.
How Long to Cook Air Fryer Filet Mignon at 400°F — And Get It Just Right
Cook time and internal temperature for perfect results
When you’re cooking air fryer filet mignon, temperature and timing are everything. The most popular temperature for air frying filet mignon is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. At this setting, your steak gets a beautiful crust while staying juicy on the inside.
Here’s a helpful guide based on how you like your steak:
- Rare (120°F): 8 to 9 minutes
- Medium-Rare (130°F): 9 to 10 minutes
- Medium (140°F): 11 to 12 minutes
- Medium-Well (150°F): 13 to 14 minutes
Always flip the filet halfway through cooking to get even browning on both sides. And for the most accurate results, use a digital meat thermometer. It removes the guesswork and helps you hit the exact doneness you’re aiming for.
What if your filet mignon is extra thick?
For those cooking 2-inch thick filet mignon in the air fryer, you’ll need to increase the cooking time slightly. At 400°F, a 2-inch steak will take about 11 to 12 minutes for medium-rare, and around 14 to 15 minutes for medium-well. Don’t rush it. That extra minute or two is worth the flavor.
Once it’s out of the fryer, let the filet rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and flavorful—just like you’d get at a high-end steakhouse.
Need the perfect side dish to complete your plate? Try a refreshing Mediterranean cucumber salad or go bold with buffalo chicken bowls for a contrast of flavors.
Getting the timing right is key to making air fryer filet mignon truly unforgettable. Once you’ve nailed your preferred doneness, it becomes the kind of weeknight meal you’ll look forward to again and again.
How to Serve, Store, and Reheat Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Serving air fryer filet mignon the right way
You’ve cooked the perfect air fryer filet mignon—now what? How you serve it can elevate your whole meal. Keep it classic with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, or go lighter with a crisp salad and grilled fruit.
If you’re looking for a flavorful pairing, this chicken enchilada casserole with white sauce offers creamy comfort that balances well with the richness of filet. On warmer nights, I love serving sliced filet over the microgreens salad from my garden—it’s simple, colorful, and refreshing.
To plate filet mignon like a pro:
- Slice across the grain for tenderness.
- Add a pat of herbed butter or compound garlic butter.
- Spoon over any juices collected while resting for extra flavor.
This method not only looks impressive but keeps the meat moist and flavorful until the very last bite.
Reheating and storing leftovers
One of the beauties of air fryer filet mignon is that it reheats surprisingly well—if you do it right. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep that juicy texture when reheating, avoid the microwave. Instead, pop the filet back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 4 minutes. It gently warms the steak without drying it out or overcooking the center.
Want to repurpose leftovers? Thinly slice your filet and use it in wraps, grain bowls, or even layered into a steak sandwich with caramelized onions. The air fryer gives it a crispy edge that still holds up the next day.
With proper storage and smart reheating, you can enjoy your air fryer filet mignon even after the first night. It’s a rare kind of dinner that tastes just as good tomorrow as it did today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Filet Mignon
How long does it take to cook a filet mignon in an air fryer?
For medium-rare, air fryer filet mignon typically takes 9 to 10 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Thicker cuts may need an additional 1–2 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness for your preferred level.
How long to cook steak in an air fryer at 400 degrees?
It depends on the steak cut and thickness. For filet mignon, about 1.5 to 2 inches thick, the total cook time is 9–12 minutes at 400°F. Thin steaks may only need 6–8 minutes. Filet mignon benefits most from the even cooking of the air fryer.
How long to cook filet mignon at 400 degrees?
To cook filet mignon at 400°F in the air fryer, plan for:
Rare: 8 minutes
Medium-Rare: 9–10 minutes
Medium: 11–12 minutes
Well-Done: 13–14 minutes
Always flip halfway through and rest the steak after cooking.
How long do you cook a 2 inch thick filet mignon?
A 2-inch thick air fryer filet mignon will need 11–13 minutes at 400°F for medium-rare to medium. Because of the thickness, resting the steak afterward is even more important to keep the juices locked in.
Conclusion: Air Fryer Filet Mignon Is the Foolproof Steak You’ll Keep Making
When you want a luxurious meal without a long prep or clean-up, air fryer filet mignon delivers every time. It’s quick, flavorful, and reliably juicy—even on a busy weeknight. With a few simple ingredients, a little attention to cook time, and your trusty air fryer, you can serve a filet that rivals any steakhouse dinner.
Whether you’re impressing guests, planning a date night at home, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe will never steer you wrong. Now that you know the timing, temperature, and tips to get it right, it’s your turn to make steak night easy and unforgettable.
For more check this Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin
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