This tender and juicy air fryer filet mignon cooks up in under 15 minutes and requires minimal prep! Serve it with your favorite sides for the perfect quick and easy meal.
Who knew you could make perfectly cooked filet mignon right in your air fryer? This recipe is a game-changer for steak night. With just a handful of seasonings and a quick cook time, you’ll have tender, juicy steaks that rival any fancy steakhouse. Plus, we’re topping them with a rich garlic butter that melts right into the meat, taking the flavor to the next level.
If you’re looking for more protein options to make in your air fryer you’ll also have to try my air fryer chicken thighs, air fryer salmon or air fryer chicken breast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Steakhouse-quality at home – Perfectly cooked filet mignon with minimal effort and no need for a grill or stovetop.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, including rest time.
- Customizable doneness – Whether you love medium-rare or well-done, it’s easy to cook the steak exactly how you like it.
- Garlic butter goodness – The optional garlic butter takes these steaks to another level with rich, savory flavor.
- Air fryer convenience – No grease splatters, no flipping on a grill; just perfectly cooked steak in a matter of minutes.
Ingredients Needed
- filet mignon steaks – two 6-8 oz cuts of filet mignon work perfectly for this recipe. This cut is known for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- salt and pepper – essential for seasoning the steak and bringing out its natural flavors.
- garlic powder and onion powder – these spices add depth and a savory kick to the steaks.
- thyme – a touch of dried thyme adds a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the beef.
Substitutions
- Filet mignon: If filet mignon isn’t available, you can use another tender cut like ribeye or sirloin. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
- Butter: If you need a dairy-free option, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or use olive oil for a lighter flavor.
- Thyme: No thyme? Italian seasoning or rosemary can be used for a similar earthy flavor.
- Parsley: Fresh chives or basil can work in place of parsley for the garlic butter.
- Garlic powder: You can use minced fresh garlic for an even bolder flavor, though it may brown quickly in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Step 1: Pat steaks dry with a paper towel. Allow steaks to sit out of the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to get to room temperature before cooking.
Step 2: Make garlic butter, if using, by combining softened butter with garlic, parsley and salt. Mash the mixture together until combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder and thyme in a small bowl.
Step 4: Rub seasonings on all sides of the steak.
Step 5: Spray air fryer basket with avocado oil and preheat to 400° F. Place steak into your air fryer basket and cook until the steaks have reached your desired level of doneness. See doneness guide below!
Step 6: After cooking, allow steak to rest before cutting, about 5 minutes. Top with a pat of garlic butter, if desired and enjoy.
Brittany’s Tips!
- Use a meat thermometer: Guesswork is overrated. Use a thermometer to hit the perfect doneness—125°F for rare, 140°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.
- Don’t skip the rest time: Letting the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite extra tender.
- Customize your garlic butter: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for an extra burst of flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd: Make sure there’s space around the steaks in the air fryer basket so they cook evenly.
How to Serve
This filet mignon is so flavorful it can stand on its own, but pairing it with the right sides takes your meal to the next level. Here are some ideas to round out your dinner:
How to Store Leftovers
Let the filet mignon cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat or pop it in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to warm it through without overcooking. Avoid the microwave — it can dry out the steak and ruin that tender texture!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking so it cooks evenly and stays tender.
You can sear the steak on the stovetop in a hot skillet and finish it in the oven at 400°F until it reaches your preferred doneness.
Yes, but don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If needed, cook the steaks in batches so they cook properly.
More Air Fryer Recipes
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Pat steaks dry with a paper towel.
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Allow steaks to sit out of the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to get to room temperature before cooking.
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Make garlic butter, if using, by combining softened butter with garlic, parsley and salt. Mash the mixture together until combined. Set aside.
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Combine salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder and thyme in a small bowl. Rub seasonings on all sides of the steak.
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Spray air fryer basket with avocado oil and preheat to 400° F.
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Place steak into your air fryer basket and cook until the steaks have reached your desired level of doneness. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the right temperature. We prefer medium steaks (with an internal temp of 140°F) and cook the steaks for 6 minutes, flip then cook for an additional 6 minutes. If you prefer medium-rare, cook the steaks for less time and for a more well done steam, add some additional time.
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After cooking, allow steak to rest before cutting, about 5 minutes. Top with a pat of garlic butter, if desired and enjoy.
- Rare
- Time: 6-8 minutes
- Internal Temp: 120°F – 125°F
- Medium Rare
- Time: 8-10 minutes
- Internal Temp: 130°F – 135°F
- Medium
- Time: 10-12 minutes
- Internal Temp: 140°F – 145°F
- Medium Well
- Time: 12-14 minutes
- Internal Temp: 150°F – 155°F
- Well Done
- Time: 14-16 minutes
- Internal Temp: 160°F and above
- These times are based on a 1.5-inch thick filet. If the steak is thicker or thinner, adjust by 1-2 minutes accordingly.
- Resting: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after air frying to allow juices to redistribute and for the temperature to rise slightly.
- Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for slightly under your target, as the steak will continue to cook slightly while resting.
Serving: 1 filet w/o garlic butter | Calories: 363kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 158mg | Sodium: 389mg | Potassium: 12mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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