Want a fantastic steak dinner without heating up the whole kitchen? Learning how to cook tenderloin filet in air fryer is a game-changer for a quick and juicy meal. This method is simpler than you think and delivers amazing results every single time.
Filet mignon, or beef tenderloin steak, is known for its tenderness. It has less fat than other cuts, which means it cooks fast. The air fryer’s intense, circulating heat is perfect for it. You get a beautiful sear on the outside while the inside stays wonderfully soft and moist.
Let’s get you set up to make the best air fryer filet mignon you’ve ever had.
How To Cook Tenderloin Filet In Air Fryer
This section is your complete, step-by-step guide. Follow these instructions for a perfectly cooked steak.
What You’ll Need
- Beef Tenderloin Filets: Aim for steaks that are 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This is the ideal thickness for air frying.
- Oil: A high-smoke point oil like avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or even olive oil is fine for the air fryer.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: The essential seasonings. Coarse salt is best.
- Optional Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, or thyme are all great additions.
- Your Air Fryer: Any model will work. No need to preheat for this recipe.
- Meat Thermometer: This is non-negotiable for perfect doneness. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Steaks
Take your filets out of the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before cooking. Letting them come closer to room temperature helps them cook more evenly. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear.
2. Season Generously
Drizzle a little oil over both sides of each steak. Then, rub it in. Season all over with a heavy hand of kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Add any other dry seasonings you like at this point. Don’t be shy with the salt—it brings out the beef’s flavor.
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the seasoned filets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching eachother. This allows the hot air to circulate freely around each steak, creating an even cook and crust. If your air fryer is small, cook in batches.
4. Cook to Your Desired Doneness
Here are the general guidelines for 1-inch thick filets. Always use your meat thermometer to check for sure.
- Rare: 8-9 minutes at 400°F. Internal temperature should be 120-125°F.
- Medium Rare: 9-10 minutes at 400°F. Internal temperature should be 130-135°F (this is the recommended doneness for best flavor and tenderness).
- Medium: 10-11 minutes at 400°F. Internal temperature should be 140-145°F.
- Medium Well: 11-12 minutes at 400°F. Internal temperature should be 150-155°F.
Note: For 1.5-inch steaks, add about 2-3 minutes to these times. Flip the steaks halfway through the cooking time for the most even result.
5. Rest the Steaks
This might be the most important step after using the thermometer. When the steaks are done, immediately remove them from the air fryer basket. Place them on a plate or cutting board and loosely tent with foil. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
Resting allows the juices, which have been driven to the center by the heat, to redistribute throughout the entire steak. If you cut into it right away, all those flavorful juices will end up on your plate, not in your meat.
6. Serve and Enjoy
After resting, your steaks are ready. Serve them as is, or top with a pat of compound butter or a simple pan sauce. They pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or mashed potatoes.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Dry Brine for Extra Flavor: For even better seasoning penetration and a drier surface for searing, salt your steaks heavily and leave them uncovered on a rack in the fridge for 1-24 hours before cooking. Pat dry before adding oil and pepper.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air needs space to move. Crowding leads to steaming, not searing.
- Thermometer Placement: Insert the instant-read thermometer into the side of the steak, pushing towards the center, to get the most accurate reading.
- Carryover Cooking: Remember that the steak’s temperature will rise by about 5 degrees Fahrenheit while it rests. Pull it out of the air fryer when it’s 5 degrees below your target temperature.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Frozen Steaks: Always thaw your filets completely in the fridge before air frying. Cooking from frozen will give you uneven results.
- Skipping the Drying Step: Moisture on the surface of the steak creates steam, which prevents browning. A dry steak equals a seared steak.
- Not Letting the Steak Rest: We mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. Cutting too soon means a less juicy steak.
- Guessing Doneness: Relying on time alone or the look of the steak is a recipe for over or undercooking. Trust the thermometer.
Variations and Toppings
The basic salt and pepper filet is classic, but you can easily change the flavor profile.
- Garlic Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with minced garlic, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Place a slice on the hot steak after it rests.
- Peppercorn Crust: Press crushed black peppercorns into the steak before cooking for a bold, spicy crust.
- Simple Pan Sauce: After removing the steaks, you can make a quick sauce in a skillet. Sauté shallots, add beef broth and a splash of red wine, reduce, and finish with a tablespoon of cold butter.
Serving Suggestions
A perfect steak deserves great sides. Here are some easy ideas that complement your air fryer filet.
- Air Fryer Asparagus or Brussels Sprouts (cook them before the steak and keep warm).
- Creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes.
- A fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Simple steamed green beans with almonds.
FAQ Section
Do I need to preheat my air fryer for filet mignon?
It’s not strictly necessary for this recipe. Starting with a cold air fryer gives the steak a gentle start, leading to a more even cook from edge to center. However, if you preheat, reduce the cooking time by about 1-2 minutes and watch the temperature closely.
How do I cook a frozen filet mignon in the air fryer?
It’s not recommended for best quality. For food safety and even cooking, always thaw your steak in the refrigerator first. Cooking a frozen steak will likely leave you with an overdone exterior and a cold center. Plan ahead and thaw it properly.
Why is my air fryer steak tough?
A tough filet usually means it’s overcooked. Filet mignon is very lean and can become dry and chewy if cooked past medium. Ensure you are using a meat thermometer and pulling the steak at the correct temperature. Also, make sure you are slicing against the grain when you serve it, even though the grain is less obvious in filet.
Can I cook more than one steak at a time?
Yes, you can cook multiple steaks as long as they are in a single layer with space between them. Do not stack or overlap the steaks. If your basket is too small to do this, cook in batches. Keep the first batch warm in a low oven while the second cooks.
What’s the best temperature for air fryer filet?
400°F (200°C) is the ideal temperature. It’s high enough to create a delicious browned crust quickly without overcooking the interior of the lean meat.
How do I store and reheat leftover filet mignon?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a gentle method to avoid further cooking. The air fryer at 275°F for 3-5 minutes until just warm works well. You can also use a skillet on low heat. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the steak rubbery.
Cleaning Your Air Fryer After Cooking Steak
After cooking steak, you might have some splatter. Always unplug your air fryer and let it cool completely. Remove the basket and pan. Wash them in warm, soapy water. For stuck-on bits, let them soak for 10 minutes. Wipe the inside of the air fryer unit with a damp cloth. Never submerge the main appliance in water. Keeping it clean ensures it works well for your next meal.
Conclusion
Cooking a tenderloin filet in the air fryer is a remarkably reliable and fast method. It turns an elegant cut of beef into an achievable weeknight dinner. The keys are simple: start with a dry steak, season it well, don’t overcrowd the basket, and most importantly, use a meat thermometer. Letting the steak rest finishes the job.
With this guide, you have everything you need to make a restaurant-quality filet mignon at home with minimal fuss. The air fryer’s efficiency and the filet’s natural tenderness are a perfect match. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your favorite way to prepare steak. The results speak for themselves: a juicy, flavorful center with a nicely seared exterior, ready in minutes.