Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Today I’m sharing how I make air fryer filet mignon – and honestly, it comes out just as good as a restaurant steak. Perfectly seared on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside.

I know it sounds almost too easy, but the air fryer does an incredible job with thick cuts of steak. The high heat creates a beautiful crust while keeping the center pink and buttery.

The whole thing takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. Season, air fry, top with a quick herb butter, and you’re done.

You don’t need a grill, a cast iron pan, or any fancy technique. Just your air fryer and a few simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

If you’ve been wanting to make a nice steak dinner without all the fuss, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Steakhouse Quality at Home – You can make a perfectly seared filet mignon that rivals any expensive restaurant, and all you need is your air fryer and a handful of simple ingredients.

Perfectly Even Cooking – The air fryer circulates hot air all around the filet mignon, which means you get a beautiful crust on the outside and an evenly cooked, tender pink center without any guesswork.

Perfect for a Special Date Night In – Filet mignon is one of the most tender and elegant cuts of beef you can serve, and being able to cook it this easily in your air fryer means you can pull off an impressive dinner for two any night of the week.

The Herb Garlic Butter Takes It Over the Top – That simple two-minute thyme and garlic butter you spoon over the steaks at the end adds a rich, aromatic flavor that makes each bite taste absolutely incredible.

Ingredients

• 2 Filet Mignon steaks (6 oz each, about 1.5 inches thick)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Coarse Sea Salt
• 1 tsp Coarsely Cracked Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme
• 1 clove Garlic, smashed

How to Make

Step 1

Take the steaks out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Pat them very dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Rub each steak with olive oil and season generously on all sides with coarse sea salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.

Step 4

Place the steaks in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes for medium-rare (130°F internal temperature). Adjust time by 1 to 2 minutes for your preferred doneness.

Step 5

While the steaks rest, melt butter in a small saucepan with thyme and smashed garlic for 2 minutes over medium heat. Spoon the herb butter over the steaks.

Step 6

Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving. This is essential for a juicy result.

Tips

Pat the Steaks Really Dry

This might sound like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference. After you take the steaks out of the fridge and let them sit for 30 minutes, grab a few paper towels and press them firmly on every side of the steak to soak up all the surface moisture.

If the steaks are even a little wet on the outside, they won’t get that nice brown crust in the air fryer. Instead, the moisture turns to steam and you end up with a grayish surface that looks and tastes flat.

Don’t be shy about it. Use two or three paper towels per steak if you need to. You want the surface to feel almost tacky before you rub on the olive oil and seasoning.

Use an Instant-Read Meat Thermometer

Filet mignon is an expensive cut of meat, so you really don’t want to guess whether it’s done. An instant-read thermometer takes all the stress out of it. Just poke it into the thickest part of the steak and check the number.

For medium-rare, you want to pull the steaks out of the air fryer when they hit about 125-128°F, not 130°F. The temperature will climb another 3-5 degrees while the steak rests on the cutting board. This is called carryover cooking and it happens every time.

If you wait until the thermometer reads 130°F inside the air fryer, by the time you eat it the steak will be closer to medium. That small difference matters a lot with a tender cut like filet mignon.

Don’t Crowd the Air Fryer Basket

When you place the two steaks in the basket, make sure there’s at least an inch of space between them. Air fryers work by blowing super hot air all around the food, and if the steaks are touching or too close together, the air can’t circulate properly.

If the air gets blocked, you’ll end up with uneven cooking and you won’t get that seared look on the sides. If your air fryer is on the smaller side and two steaks feel like a tight fit, cook them one at a time instead. It only takes about 11-12 minutes per steak, so it’s worth the extra round.

Related Recipes

• Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak & Mushrooms
• Air Fryer Chimichurri Flank Steak
• Air Fryer Steak Bites with Garlic Butter
• Air Fryer Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Bundles

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I adjust the cooking time for medium or well-done?

For medium, add about 1-2 minutes to the second side, aiming for an internal temperature of 140-145°F. For medium-well, add 3-4 minutes total, targeting around 150-155°F.

Every air fryer runs a little differently, so the best thing you can do is use an instant-read meat thermometer. Check the temp right when you pull the steaks out, keeping in mind they’ll rise another 5 degrees or so while resting.