Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon
If you’re searching for a dish that feels luxurious yet is incredibly easy to whip up at home, look no further than Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon. This delightful filet is seared to perfection, with that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that filet mignon is known for, all while being perfectly cooked in the air fryer. The best part? You can enjoy this restaurant-quality meal without the heavy oils and fats typically used in traditional cooking methods.
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I vividly remember the first time I prepared filet mignon in my air fryer. It was a stormy evening, and I was craving comfort food that wouldn’t derail my healthy eating goals. In just a matter of minutes, rich, juicy steaks emerged from the air fryer, making my home feel warm and welcoming — just like a cozy steakhouse. From start to finish, this dish takes around 25 minutes, making it a fabulous choice for dinner on busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can have a delicious dinner ready in just 25 minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is packed with robust flavor and tenderness.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: It looks as good as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for a romantic dinner or a casual weekday meal.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and easy to keep healthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Filet mignon steaks (1 – 4, 5–6 oz each): The star of the dish, filet mignon boasts tenderness and rich flavor. Choose high-quality cuts for the best results.
- Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the flavor of the meat. If you don’t have kosher salt, sea salt can be a good substitute.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a nice kick to the dish. Freshly cracked offers better flavor than pre-ground pepper.
- Avocado oil spray: Ideal for greasing as it has a high smoke point, preventing the steaks from sticking. Olive oil can work as an alternative, but make sure it’s also suitable for high heat.
How to Make Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Season the steaks: Pat the filets dry with a paper towel, then generously sprinkle kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides. This seasoning is simple yet impactful. Allow the seasoned steaks to sit at room temperature for 10–20 minutes before cooking. This step helps them achieve even cooking by taking the chill off.
Preheat the air fryer: While the steaks rest, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This is crucial because starting with a hot air fryer helps the steaks sear beautifully. Don’t forget to lightly grease the basket with avocado oil spray; this will ensure easy release later on.
Air fry: Once the air fryer is heated, place the filets in the basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Cook for about 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare. For those who prefer their steaks cooked differently, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Make garlic butter (optional): If you want to elevate your dish further, prepare a simple garlic butter by mixing 2 tablespoons of softened butter with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Spoon this mixture over the steaks right after they rest, allowing it to melt and soak into the juicy meat.
Rest + serve: Once the cooking time is up, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period is essential; it ensures the juices redistribute, yielding that perfect juicy bite. Slice, serve, and indulge!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover filet mignon, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two hours. For refrigeration, store in a fridge-safe container for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze your cooked steaks, ensure they’re well-wrapped, and use them within three months. Reheat in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes at 350°F to retain that mouthwatering texture — it may not be quite as luscious as when freshly made, but this method helps refresh it beautifully.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid wet filets: Make sure your steaks are thoroughly dried before seasoning to achieve a nice sear.
- Room temperature prep: Always let your meat rest at room temperature prior to cooking to promote even cooking.
- Perfect doneness: Invest in a meat thermometer for best results — it takes the guesswork out and ensures you’ll achieve your desired doneness.
- Enhance flavors: If you’d like, feel free to add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to your garlic butter for a flavor kick.
- Cut against the grain: Make sure to slice the filet against the grain when serving — this helps maintain the tenderness.
Every bite of Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon is a testament to how effortless gourmet cooking can be at home. Fancy steakhouse dinners don’t have to be out of reach when you can create this amazing dish right in your kitchen. You could easily make it for a cozy date night or just when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen filet mignon?
While it’s best to use fresh filet mignon for optimal texture, you can indeed cook it from frozen. Just increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes, making sure to check the internal temperature to ensure doneness.
How do I know when the steaks are done?
The most accurate way to check is with a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare; adjust cooking times for your preference (120°F for rare and 145°F for medium).
What should I serve with air fryer filet mignon?
This rich steak pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables, potato gratin, or a fresh salad. You could even drape some sautéed mushrooms on top for an added umami punch.
Is it possible to marinate filet mignon?
Absolutely! A simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and balsamic vinegar can add delicious depth to your filets. Just be sure to allow the steaks to return to room temperature if marinated before cooking.
Creating a Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon is a wonderful experience that promises delicious results with minimal effort. I encourage you to let your creativity shine through. The only thing left is to indulge in this incredible meal! Enjoy!
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📖 Recipe Card
Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Air Fryer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon combines succulent steaks with simple seasonings for an easy, flavorful meal. It’s a healthy choice for a quick dinner without compromising on taste!
Ingredients
- 1 – 4 (5–6 oz) filet mignon steaks
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- avocado oil spray, or another high-smoke-point oil for greasing the air fryer basket
Instructions
- Pat the filets dry and generously season all sides with salt and black pepper. Allow them to sit at room temperature for 10–20 minutes for even cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket with avocado oil spray.
- Place the seasoned filets in the basket, cooking for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway if desired, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
- Optional: Make garlic butter by mixing 2 tablespoons softened butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small minced clove), and a pinch of salt. Spoon this over the steaks after resting for extra flavor.
- Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain their juices.
Notes
Allowing the steaks to rest after cooking helps keep them juicy.
For a more flavorful steak, consider marinating the filets before cooking.
Experiment with different seasonings for varied taste profiles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
