Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon
There’s something magical about the scent of perfectly cooked steak wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? The air thickens with the savory aroma of juicy beef, sunlight dances on the tender surface, and your mouth begins to water just thinking about the first bite. Imagine slicing into a juicy air fryer filet mignon, its deep, sumptuous color calling for you to indulge. It’s that kind of meal that transforms an ordinary evening into something special, perhaps a cozy dinner date at home or a well-deserved treat after a long week.
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I remember the first time I prepared filet mignon for my partner; I was nervous but so excited as I plated it with roasted veggies. The way their eyes lit up at that moment made the effort so worthwhile. Now, with this air fryer method, I can recreate that culinary joy with far less fuss and mess. So why not whip up your own juicy air fryer filet mignon tonight? You deserve an indulgent evening without the hassle of grilling!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Takes just 5 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook.
- Irresistible Flavor: Perfectly tender and seasoned, each bite bursts with rich flavor.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A restaurant-worthy dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for date night, special occasions, or a cozy indulgent dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and high in protein—great for keto diets too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Filet Mignon Steaks (1-4, 5–6 oz each): The star of our dish, filet mignon is prized for its tenderness and rich flavor. Choose quality cuts from a reputable butcher for the best results.
Kosher Salt: This seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the beef. It’s coarser than table salt, making it great for steak seasoning.
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: For a subtle kick, fresh ground pepper elevates the dish. Pre-ground pepper is fine, but the fresh stuff has a brighter flavor.
Avocado Oil Spray: This high-smoke-point oil is perfect for lightly greasing the air fryer basket. You can substitute with canola or grapeseed oil if needed.
How to Make Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Season the Steaks: Begin by patting your filet mignon steaks dry with paper towels. This helps create a beautiful sear later on. Generously season all sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let the seasoned filets sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes. This ensures they’re not cold, allowing for more even cooking when they hit the air fryer.
Preheat and Prepare: While your steaks rest, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. It’s essential to get that temperature just right for a perfect sear. Once heated, lightly grease the basket with your avocado oil spray to prevent sticking and ensure a crispy exterior.
Air Fry the Filets: Place the seasoned filets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway to develop that gorgeous crust on both sides. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare—use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy. Don’t forget to take in that glorious aroma wafting from your air fryer!
Make Optional Garlic Butter: If you’re feeling fancy, in a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of softened butter, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder (or a small minced clove), and a pinch of salt. Spoon this melting garlic butter over your hot filets right after resting; it adds a rich, aromatic finish that elevates your dish to another level.
Rest and Serve: Once done, let your steaks rest for about 5 minutes. This is key for juicy meat, as it allows the juices to redistribute. Slice into these glorious filets and enjoy the succulent textures and flavors. Serve with sides of your choice for a complete meal!
Storing & Reheating
To store your leftover juicy air fryer filet mignon, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, you can freeze the filets for up to 3 months wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Keep in mind that reheating may alter the tenderness a bit, but a splash of beef broth or a pat of butter can refresh the flavor and moisture beautifully.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be cautious with seasoning; start conservatively, as you can always add more if needed.
- Always allow the steaks to come to room temperature before cooking for even results.
- Use a meat thermometer for doneness; this is your best tool for a perfect filet every time.
- Don’t rush the resting period! It’s crucial for juicy, flavorful results.
- Experiment with herb-infused butters or dry rubs to customize the flavor profile.
When it comes to steak dinners, this juicy air fryer filet mignon recipe shines with its perfect balance of flavor and texture. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself reaching for this method time and again. Enjoy exploring variations, perhaps adding your favorite spices or sides to accompany this indulgent dish.
What are you waiting for? Treat yourself and your loved ones to an evening of mouth-watering elegance, and whip up this incredible dish tonight!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak?
Absolutely! While filet mignon is the best choice for its tenderness, you can also use ribeye or sirloin. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly based on thickness and fat content.
How do I know when my steak is done?
The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done. You can also use the touch test method, though a thermometer is best for precision.
What sides go well with this dish?
Pair your juicy air fryer filet mignon with sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Also, feel free to get creative with sauces, such as chimichurri or red wine reduction, to complement the steak.
Can I marinate the steaks before cooking?
Yes! Marinating can add extra flavor. Just be cautious with time; a few hours to overnight is perfect. Avoid stronger acids like vinegar for long marination, as this may alter the texture negatively.
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📖 Recipe Card
Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon is a delightful dish featuring tender, flavorful steak that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy date night, this recipe will impress with its restaurant-quality flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- Filet Mignon Steaks (1-4, 5–6 oz each)
- Kosher Salt
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
- Avocado Oil Spray
Instructions
- Pat the filet mignon steaks dry with paper towels.
- Season all sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper and let sit at room temperature for 10-20 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and grease the basket with avocado oil spray.
- Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, cooking for 10-15 minutes and flipping halfway.
- For garlic butter, mix softened butter, garlic powder, and salt, and spoon it over the filets after resting.
- Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use quality cuts of beef from a reputable butcher for best results.
Consider adding herb-infused butters to customize flavors.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filet mignon
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
