Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe for Perfect Steaks Every Time

Perfectly seared, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and cooked to absolute perfection, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe is the ultimate steakhouse experience right in your own kitchen. This luxurious dish features premium filet mignon seasoned with garlic, herbs, and butter, then air-fried to create a beautiful crust on the outside while staying incredibly juicy inside. It’s the kind of dinner that turns any ordinary evening into a special occasion and has everyone gathering around the table in anticipation.

Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures—a perfectly caramelized exterior with a tender, pink center that practically melts on your tongue. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night or impressing dinner guests, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe is as simple to master as it is impressive. Pair it with your favorite sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, creamed spinach, or a crisp wedge salad for a colorful, restaurant-quality meal that feels like pure indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe

• Restaurant-quality at home: Achieve steakhouse perfection without leaving your kitchen or firing up the grill.
• Quick and foolproof: The air fryer ensures even cooking and perfect results every single time in just 15 minutes.
• Less mess, less fuss: No splattered oil or smoky kitchen—the air fryer keeps everything clean and contained.
• Customizable doneness: Easy to control cooking time for rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done preferences.
• Impressive but easy: Looks and tastes like you spent hours, but it’s actually one of the simplest steaks to prepare.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into this delicious Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to plating.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

Air Fryer (5-quart or larger)
This is the star of the recipe. It circulates hot air evenly around the steaks, creating that perfect crust while keeping the interior tender and juicy.

Meat Thermometer (Instant-Read)
Essential for checking internal temperature accurately. This ensures your filet mignon is cooked exactly to your preferred doneness without guessing.

Tongs
Perfect for flipping the steaks halfway through cooking without piercing them, which keeps all those precious juices locked inside.

Small Bowl for Seasoning
Use this for mixing your herbs, spices, and butter to create the perfect flavor coating for the steaks.

Cutting Board
For letting the steaks rest after cooking and for any prep work like mincing garlic or chopping herbs.

Basting Brush (Optional)
Helpful for brushing melted butter or oil onto the steaks before and after cooking for extra richness.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes the cooking process seamless and ensures perfect results.

Preparation Tips

• Bring steaks to room temperature 30-45 minutes before cooking—this ensures even cooking throughout and prevents a cold center.
• Pat the filets completely dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of a good crust, so dry surfaces are essential.
• Don’t skip the oil on the steaks before seasoning—it helps create that beautiful golden-brown crust in the air fryer.
• Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the steaks for best searing results.
• Use high-quality beef when possible—filet mignon is the star here, so invest in good quality meat for the best flavor.
• Rest the steaks: Let them rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum tenderness.

These small touches make a big difference in achieving steakhouse-quality results at home.

Ingredients for This Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this elegant, restaurant-worthy steak to life. The ingredient list is simple, allowing the quality of the beef to truly shine.

For the Filet Mignon:

• 2 filet mignon steaks (6-8 oz each, about 1½-2 inches thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

Optional Finishing Touches:

• Herb butter (compound butter with parsley, garlic, and thyme)
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• Flaky sea salt
• Garlic cloves (roasted alongside the steaks)
• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Balsamic glaze drizzle

Everything in this list enhances the natural flavor of the beef—the simple seasoning allows the quality of the filet mignon to shine through beautifully. The finishing touches are optional but add restaurant-level presentation.

Step 1: Prepare the Filet Mignon

Remove the filet mignon steaks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. This crucial step ensures even cooking from edge to center.

Pat the steaks completely dry with paper towels on all sides. Rub each steak with olive oil, coating all surfaces evenly.

Step 2: Season Generously

In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme. Mix well to create your seasoning blend.

Generously season both sides of each filet mignon with the spice mixture, pressing it gently into the meat so it adheres well. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it creates that delicious crust.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This step is important for achieving a proper sear on the outside of the steaks.

Step 4: Air Fry the Steaks

Place the seasoned filet mignon steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. This allows hot air to circulate evenly around each steak.

Cook for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway through, depending on your desired doneness:

• Rare: 10-11 minutes (internal temp 120-125°F)
• Medium-Rare: 12-13 minutes (internal temp 130-135°F)
• Medium: 13-14 minutes (internal temp 140-145°F)
• Medium-Well: 15-16 minutes (internal temp 150-155°F)

Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak to check for doneness. Remember that the temperature will rise about 5°F during resting.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the steaks from the air fryer and immediately top each one with a tablespoon of butter. Transfer to a cutting board or plate and tent loosely with aluminum foil.

Let the filet mignon rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.

Plate the steaks, spoon any melted butter over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs, flaky sea salt, or your choice of finishing touches. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Steak Thickness Matters: This Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe works best with steaks that are 1½-2 inches thick. Thinner steaks cook too quickly and may become overcooked.

Temperature Accuracy: Invest in a good instant-read thermometer. It’s the only way to guarantee perfect doneness every time.

Butter Variations: Try compound butter made with fresh herbs, blue cheese, or even truffle butter for an extra-luxurious touch.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Cooking steaks straight from the fridge: Cold steaks cook unevenly, resulting in a gray band around the edges. Always bring to room temperature first.
• Not preheating the air fryer: Skipping this step means no proper sear, resulting in steaks that are more steamed than seared.
• Overcrowding the basket: Steaks need space for air circulation. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming instead of air frying.
• Skipping the oil: Oil is essential for creating that golden-brown crust. Don’t try to make this recipe oil-free.
• Not using a thermometer: Guessing doneness by time alone is unreliable. Different air fryer models and steak sizes require temperature checking.
• Cutting into the steak immediately: This releases all the juices onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat. Patience during resting is crucial.
• Over-seasoning with delicate herbs: Fresh delicate herbs burn easily in the air fryer. Add them after cooking as a garnish instead.
• Not flipping the steaks: Flipping halfway ensures even browning and cooking on both sides for the best results.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe?

This elegant steak is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can create a complete steakhouse experience at home. Whether you’re going classic or creative, there’s a side dish for every preference.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with roasted garlic are the ultimate comfort side that pairs perfectly with tender steak.

Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
Crisp-tender asparagus spears with a bright citrus finish add color and freshness to the plate.

Creamed Spinach
Rich, velvety creamed spinach is a classic steakhouse side that complements the beef beautifully.

Loaded Baked Potato
Fluffy baked potato topped with butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives makes for an indulgent pairing.

Caesar Salad
Crisp romaine with tangy Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and croutons provides a refreshing contrast.

Sautéed Mushrooms
Buttery garlic mushrooms add earthy, umami-rich flavors that enhance the steak experience.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Caramelized Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon bits bring sweet, savory, and smoky notes to the table.

Red Wine Reduction Sauce (for topping)
A glossy, concentrated red wine sauce drizzled over the steak elevates it to fine-dining status.

These pairings help round out the meal and bring a complete, restaurant-quality dining experience to your table.

Storage Instructions

While filet mignon is best enjoyed fresh, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe can be stored and reheated if needed.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Let the steaks cool completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap cooled steaks tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that texture may change slightly upon reheating.

Reheating:

Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. This method maintains the crust best.

Oven: Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

Skillet: Warm in a buttered skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating for food safety.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 2 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	42g
Carbohydrates	2g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugar	0g
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	12g
Unsaturated Fat	16g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	145mg
Sodium	1180mg

This dish delivers an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients—perfect for a special occasion dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe with frozen steaks?
It’s not recommended. Frozen steaks won’t develop a proper crust and will cook unevenly. Always thaw completely and bring to room temperature first.

2. What’s the best internal temperature for filet mignon?
For filet mignon, most people prefer medium-rare (130-135°F) as it offers the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor without being too rare.

3. Do I need to flip the steaks in the air fryer?
Yes! Flipping halfway through ensures even browning and cooking on both sides for the best texture and appearance.

4. Can I cook multiple steaks at once?
Yes, as long as they fit in a single layer without touching. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and affects the results.

5. Why is my Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe not getting a good crust?
Make sure steaks are completely dry, well-oiled, and the air fryer is preheated. Also ensure you’re cooking at the right temperature (400°F).

6. Can I marinate filet mignon before air frying?
You can, but filet mignon is so tender and flavorful on its own that a simple seasoning is usually best. If marinating, keep it short (30 minutes max) and pat very dry before cooking.

7. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can achieve similar results by pan-searing in a cast iron skillet and finishing in a 400°F oven, though the air fryer method is easier and less messy.

8. How do I know when my steak is done without cutting into it?
Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak. This is the only reliable way to check doneness accurately.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe is the ultimate combination of elegance and simplicity—bringing steakhouse quality to your home kitchen with minimal effort. With its perfectly seared crust and tender, juicy center, it’s everything you love about fine dining, minus the hefty price tag and reservation wait time.

Perfect for special occasions, romantic dinners, or whenever you’re craving restaurant-quality steak, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon Recipe delivers impressive results every single time. Plus, with simple seasoning and foolproof cooking methods, anyone can master it. So grab your air fryer and make dinner something truly unforgettable.