Air Fried Filet Mignon

Name: Air Fried Filet Mignon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Ingredients: 2 steaks Filet Mignon (6 to 8 ounces each, at room temperature and pat dry.); 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For rubbing the steaks, room temperature.); 1 teaspoon Salt (Kosher or sea salt, measured.); 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground is best.); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (For savory depth.); 1 teaspoon Rosemary (Finely chopped, optional.); 1 teaspoon Thyme (Fresh or dried, optional.); 1 tablespoon Butter (Unsalted, room temperature for finishing.); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (For extra umami, room temperature.); 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Adds a subtle smoky warmth.)

Delicious air fried filet mignon served on a plate with vegetables

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Creamy, juicy, and seared to perfection — this Air Fried Filet Mignon delivers restaurant-quality steak with a fraction of the fuss. If you want a special meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor, this is your go-to. Fun fact: filet mignon was once a favorite cut of French nobility because it’s incredibly tender and quick to cook — a little luxury that’s surprisingly simple at home.

This recipe is special because it pairs the precision of an air fryer with classic steakhouse flavors, giving you a beautifully caramelized exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth center. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, date nights, or a cozy family dinner. If you love simple desserts after steak, try pairing with my easy fried apple or peach pies for a warm finish: fried apple or peach pies. Ready to impress with minimal effort? Let’s get cooking!

What is Air Fried Filet Mignon?

What’s in a name? Air Fried Filet Mignon simply means a classic, tender filet cooked in an air fryer. Sounds modern and slightly rebellious — who knew a countertop gadget could rival a cast-iron skillet? Ever wonder if the air fryer is secretly a tiny broiler in disguise? The answer: yes, and it’s brilliant. They call it filet mignon because of the cut — petite, tender, and elegant. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Want to win hearts (and appetites)? Try this recipe and enjoy the applause.

Why You’ll Love This

Unbeatable tenderness: The filet mignon’s naturally soft texture becomes even more luxurious when air-fried to the perfect doneness.
Cost-saving and convenient: Making filet at home saves on restaurant markups and lets you control seasoning, portion, and doneness.
Bold flavor with minimal effort: Simple seasonings plus a finishing butter and Worcestershire boost create rich, savory layers without complicated prep.

Compared to a pan-seared ribeye, this method focuses on tenderness over heavy marbling, so it’s leaner yet still deeply satisfying. Make it tonight — your family will thank you.

How to Make

Quick Overview
This recipe is easy, fast, and truly satisfying. Preparation is straightforward: season, preheat, air-fry, and rest. Expect a tender interior, a caramelized crust, and a buttery finish. Total time: about 20–25 minutes (5 minutes prep, 10–12 minutes cook, 5 minutes rest).

Ingredients

2 Filet Mignon steaks — 6 to 8 ounces each, ensure Filet Mignon is at room temperature and pat dry.
1 tablespoon Olive Oil — for rubbing the steaks, room temperature.
1 teaspoon Salt — kosher or sea salt, measured.
1 teaspoon Black Pepper — freshly ground is best.
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder — for savory depth.
Optional: 1 teaspoon Rosemary — finely chopped, optional.
Optional: 1 teaspoon Thyme — fresh or dried, optional.
1 tablespoon Butter — unsalted, room temperature for finishing.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce — for extra umami, room temperature.
1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika — adds a subtle smoky warmth.

Directions

Bring steaks to room temperature: Remove the filet mignon from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and pat dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes so the basket is hot and ready.
Season the steaks: Rub each steak with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. If using, sprinkle rosemary, thyme, and smoked paprika evenly.
Place in the air fryer: Arrange the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
Cook to doneness: Cook the Filet Mignon in the Air Fryer based on desired doneness: 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway. Adjust 1–2 minutes more for medium, less for rare.
Finish with butter and Worcestershire: In the last minute, brush steaks with a mixture of butter and Worcestershire sauce for a glossy, savory finish.
Rest before slicing: Rest the steak for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to let juices redistribute.

Air Fried Filet Mignon

What to Serve With

Round out the meal with sides that balance richness and texture:

Crispy roasted potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes for creamy comfort.
A bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
Sautéed green beans or asparagus with a squeeze of lemon.
For a hearty, flavorful side, try serving with chicken fried rice for an unexpected but delicious pairing.
Drinks: a bold red wine like Cabernet or a peppery IPA complements the steak beautifully.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Temperature matters: Letting steaks come to room temperature ensures even cooking.
Pat dry for better crust: Moisture = steam; drying guarantees a good sear.
Use a thermometer: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs to circulate for even browning.
Rest is essential: Skipping rest leads to lost juices and a drier steak.
Substitute ideas: Use thyme or rosemary only if you prefer one herb over the other. Swap Worcestershire for a splash of balsamic for a sweeter finish.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftover sliced steak in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Vacuum-seal or tightly wrap cooked steaks and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a 300°F oven or in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to avoid overcooking. For single slices, warm in a skillet with a teaspoon of butter for added flavor.

FAQs

How do I know when filet mignon is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer: 125°F rare, 135°F medium-rare, 145°F medium. Insert into the thickest part for an accurate read.

Can I cook other steak cuts the same way?
Yes, but adjust cooking times. Thicker or fattier cuts like ribeye may need a few extra minutes and a slightly lower temperature to avoid over-browning.

Do I need to flip the steaks in the air fryer?
Yes. Flip once halfway through cooking for even caramelization on both sides.

What if my steak is frozen?
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Cooking from frozen will result in uneven doneness and a lackluster crust.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce added salt slightly to prevent the steak from becoming too salty.

Conclusion

This Air Fried Filet Mignon proves that simple techniques can produce stunning results. It’s fast, family-friendly, and impressively tender — a perfect choice when you want a special meal with minimal stress. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight celebration or a relaxed weekend dinner, the air fryer makes it approachable and reliable. For an alternate take and more tips, check out this thorough guide to air fryer filets: The BEST Air Fryer Filet Mignon | Mary’s Whole Life. Give it a try, invite someone you love, and enjoy every savory bite.