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GET IT NOWI Tried To Make Air Fryer Filet Mignon — Here’s What Happened
Filet mignon has always been my favorite cut of steak. My go-to cooking method has always been my stovetop-to-oven filet mignon recipe, but recently I tried cooking filet mignon in the air fryer, curious about what would happen. Let’s just say… I. Am. Sold.
It was one of the most tender steaks I’ve made (which is a lot of steaks 😉), it only took 10-15 minutes, and the best part is it was completely hands off. Let me show you how to a cook a perfect air fryer filet mignon — here’s why I think you’ll be convinced, too:
- Melt-in-your-mouth tender, juicy steak – If you’ve ever tried my air fryer sirloin steak and air fryer lobster tail, you know the air fryer is the real MVP of juicy, tender cooking. I was a little nervous to risk it with a filet, but I’m so glad I went for it because it was just perfect. I’d say this method is even more tender than the stovetop, grill, or oven!
- Completely hands off – No initial searing, no flipping, no babysitting of any kind. While I don’t get the same crust on air fryer filet mignon that I get from pan searing filet, the tenderness and ease more than make up for it.
- Steakhouse experience at home – It may be an expensive cut, but still much more reasonable than eating out. I do like restaurants for other types of meals, but once you realize how easy it is to cook steak at home (and my recipe here is even easier than most), it’s hard to justify the restaurant prices.
If you’re looking for an easy, foolproof way to enjoy this tender cut for date night or another special dinner, it doesn’t get any better than this air fryer filet mignon recipe. Make it with me — and don’t miss my top tips for restaurant-worthy results!
“I was skeptical of the method. Although I love my air fryer, I just can’t imagine that it would be tender. But, OMG! It is fantastic!! Tender, perfectly browned, absolutely delicious! This is a keeper for sure!”
-Krista
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here I explain the best ingredients for my air fryer filet mignon recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Filet Mignon Steaks – These can be labeled Prime, Choice, or Select, in descending order of quality, so choose the best you can afford. You can also slice a beef tenderloin yourself frt his recipe. The main thing to know is that the thickness of your steaks will impact the cook time. Mine were 8 ounces each and about 1.5 inches thick, so the cook times are based on that.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper – The only seasonings you really need! This cut of steak is so perfect that simple seasoning is best. For salt, my rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon per pound of meat. If you use kosher salt instead of sea salt, you may need an extra 1/4 teaspoon per pound.
- Compound Butter – A.k.a. Garlic herb butter! You don’t have to have it on your air fryer filet mignon, but I highly recommend it. It only takes a few minutes to make with unsalted butter, fresh herbs, garlic, and salt. It gives the steak incredible flavor along with a restaurant feel.
Other Seasoning Ideas:
I usually keep it simple with salt and pepper, but my Montreal steak seasoning is great for an upgrade. You can also add individual spices, like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or red pepper flakes.
Some people brush their steak with olive oil before air frying, but I don’t find it necessary.
How To Cook Filet Mignon In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Mix the garlic herb butter. In a small bowl, make my compound butter here. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Prep and season. Preheat your air fryer while you prep. (I have and love this one because it’s pretty compact with a roomy basket!) Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper generously on both sides of your steaks.
- Air fry. Place the filet mignon steaks in the air fryer basket, and air fry until they reach your desired doneness. (See my cook times below!)
- Rest. Top your air fried filet mignon with a tablespoon of garlic butter each — it will start to melt. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain. (You can cover with foil while resting to keep warm, if you like.)
Cook Time Chart
Air fryer filet mignon cook time will vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and the air fryer temperature. I always get 1.5-inch-thick steaks, so my time chart for different doneness levels is based on this thickness. For 1-inch steaks, subtract 2 minutes from these times!
| Desired Doneness | Cook To This Internal Temperature * | Cook Time In Air Fryer |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120 degrees F (52 degrees C) | 10-12 minutes |
| Medium Rare | 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) | 11-13 minutes |
| Medium | 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) | 12-14 minutes |
| Medium Well | 150 degrees F (66 degrees C) | 13-15 minutes |
| Well Done | 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) | 14-16 minutes |
For perfect filet every time, I recommend a probe thermometer like this. I set to the temperature I want, insert before cooking, and it beeps when the steaks are ready. If you don’t have one, you can use a regular instant-read thermometer and check on it.
*Note: These temperatures are when you’d stop cooking — the final steak temperature will rise by another 5 degrees F while resting.
My Recipe Tips
- Bring your steaks to room temperature before cooking. Take them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes in advance. I’ve skipped this step when I forgot, but the end result is so much better if you take the time.
- Preheating is important here. I actually skip this for some air fryer recipes, but it makes a big difference for air fryer filet mignon. Adding it to an already hot basket lets it sear a bit right away, so it’s key to get that golden crust. You won’t get a beautiful sear as dark as using the stovetop or grilling filet mignon, but I still preheat before I air fry.
- Don’t crowd the basket. Make sure there’s space between the pieces, or they won’t cook evenly. Cook in batches if you need to!
- Do you have to flip? No, I don’t find it necessary. You can if you want to, but my air fryer filet mignon always comes out perfect even without this step.
- Remember to let the steak rest. I know it’s tempting to cut into the steak right away, but let it rest for 5 minutes, so the juices have time to redistribute into the steak — instead of spilling out all over your plate.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon (Fast & Super Tender)
My air fryer filet mignon with garlic herb butter is melt-in-your-mouth tender and juicy! This method with time chart is perfect every time.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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Remove your filet mignon from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. (This will ensure even cooking.)
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Make compound butter according to the instructions here. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
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Trim any connective tissue around the edges of the steaks. Pat dry with paper towels. Season the filets liberally with sea salt and black pepper on both sides.
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Arrange the filet mignon steaks in the air fryer in a single layer, so the pieces are not touching or only minimally touching (cook in batches if needed; don’t crowd the basket). Air fry until the filets reach your desired doneness (use a probe thermometer for best results). For 1.5-inch thick steaks, that’s about 10-12 minutes for rare, 11-13 minutes for medium rare, 12-14 minutes for medium, 13-15 minutes for medium well, or 14-16 minutes for well done. Use a meat thermometer to check for the right temperature – 120 degrees F (52 degrees C) for rare, 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) for medium rare, 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) for medium, 150 degrees F (66 degrees C) for medium well, or 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) for well done. The temperature will rise by another 5 degrees F while resting (see next step).
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Remove the steaks from the air and transfer to a plate. Top each with 1 tablespoon (14g) of compound butter.
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Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 8-oz filet mignon with 1 tablespoon of compound butter
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get tender, juicy steaks with a crust on the outside.
- Time chart: See my cook time chart above for an easier-to-read version of the ideal cook times and temperatures.
- Store: Filet mignon is such a tender and expensive cut of meat that it’s really best to eat it fresh as much as possible. But if you need to keep leftovers, they’ll last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: I highly recommend reheating your filet mignon in the air fryer again. If it’s left whole, I find that popping it in there for just a minute gets it warm and keeps its pink center intact — pretty amazing!
- Freeze: If possible, freeze filet mignon raw, before air frying (or cooking in any other way). You can freeze cooked steaks for 3-4 months if you have to, but they won’t be as tender after thawing and reheating, so will be best used in soups or in a salad with dressing.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Serving Ideas
My favorite side for this air fryer filet mignon is mashed cauliflower (you’ll be surprised how much it tastes like potatoes), or roasted broccoli and cauliflower, which is pictured above.
It also goes well with other steakhouse sides, like roasted green beans, sauteed mushrooms, or creamed spinach.
To make your whole meal in the air fryer, try my air fried brussels sprouts!
More Air Fryer Dinner Recipes
If you like this recipe, check out the other juicy dinners I make in my air fryer:
51 Comments
Jill
1I could hardly believe this recipe could be true….but all the reviews convinced me to try it. I did 2 filet mignon steaks in the air fryer and 2 in the oven; seared for 2 min each side prior to cooking. Both delicious topped with the compound butter but the ones done in the air fryer had a nicer outside crisp. My husband loved them….and could not believe they had been cooked in the air fryer! Ha!
Patti
1Absolutely delicious. Tender and moist. I’d like to see a restaurant beat this. Wow.
Krista
1I was skeptical of the method. Although I love my air fryer, I just can’t imagine that it would be tender. But, OMG! It is fantastic!! Tender, perfectly browned, absolutely delicious! This is a keeper for sure!
Amy
1This recipe is absolutely delicious. My steak smelled and looked incredible. It had amazing flavor! I can’t wait to share this with others!
Thank you!
Ernie Cooper
0I prepared one 2 inch fillet. I cooked it at 400 for 12 minutes, flipped it over after 6 minutes, and it turned out great, medium rare. Thank you!
Wholesome Yum D
0Thanks for sharing, Ernie! Sounds like you nailed the timing — glad it turned out great!
JAY SELZER
0Great taste. Fine indoor option. Normaly grill all Steaks….
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0Thank you, Jay! I’m glad you liked these for those indoor days.
Jo Anne
0I was worried about cooking the steak in the airfryer but it was too cold for the grill. These were amazing, thank you so much!!
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so glad they turned out well for you, Jo Anne! Enjoy!
bevmoodie
0Perfect steak! Surprised since most online recipes never seem to be as good as advertised. It was so easy too.
Thank you.
Kelly
0The Best Steak Ever! My husband said I could give the restaurants a run for their money. Thanks Wholesome Yum for another home run that made me feel amazing?
Irina
0I did not believe this was going to come out decent but it came out perfect! Better than in a restaurant. What an easy recipe! No messing with a cast iron pan and tons of oil and cleaning it after. Came out perfect, I did 12 minutes. Making it again tonight. Thank you!!!
Jaime
0I made this last night and it was DELICIOUS! Thank you!
Holly
0I made these air fryer filets for our Valentine’s Day dinner and they were fantastic! I have no idea why I have not been making steaks like this all along! So easy, so perfect virtually, no cleanup! Recommend 10 out of 10!!
Suzi
0Every time I fix these they turn out amazing. I’m glad I found this recipe. I made compound butter with fresh thyme, rosemary and garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, Parmesan, olive oil. They taste amazing. Can’t go wrong! It’s totally worth a try!! Highly recommended and one of my favs!
Ida Bochner
0I have a toaster oven air fryer. Would your instructions be any differently for this type. Thank you.
Jaime
0That’s the type I used, and I did the same temperature and time mentioned in the recipe instructions. Turned out perfect!
Jodi
0Do you flip the steak at all? Thanks!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Jodi, No, I don’t flip the steak in this recipe.
Jodi
0Thanks for letting me know!
Becky
0I’m pretty bummed, because cooking my filet for 12 minutes gave me a very well-done steak that was 174 degrees internally! I’d suggest checking them much earlier.
Maya | Wholesome Yum
0I’m so sorry I missed this comment earlier, but wanted to address it in case someone else has this issue. Double check the thickness of your steaks! My timing is based on 1.5-inch-thick ones, so if yours are thinner, they will cook faster. And this is why I always recommend using a probe thermometer. 🙂
Ben
0Which “cook” setting should be used? Bake, Broil or Roast? Thanks, -Ben
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Ben, You want to set it to air fry.
Charley
0Tried this recipe tonight it turned out great.
My wife doesn’t like herbs so I just used garlic, onion powered and some salt free seasoning turned out great.
Linda
0I haven’t had my Flip Air Fryer for long. This is the first time fixing a steak. The Filet Mignon was cooked perfectly and so tender. Thanks for sharing your method.
Peggy Baker
0Very detailed recipe and cooking instructions with great explanation for doing each steps I can’t wait to try it!
Deni
0Gave times to cook for desired dinners I like rare. Thanks for the concise instructions. Just the info I wanted and not a lot I didn’t.
Sandi Glenn
0Fantastico!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chenée
0I love how easy it is to make filet mignon in the air fryer! Thank you for all these awesome tips!
Sandy Blair
1My second attempt at air frying something was a steak. It turned out marvelously. I am so glad to have had this recipe and at my expensive steak was delicious and tender and moist. Hallelujah!
Sil
0This is a gorgeous plate both in flavor and in looks. It’s very easy to prepare, my family licked the plate. Now is in my menu rotation to make again and again.
Moop Brown
0This steak looks super juicy and tasty and I love the way this recipe makes use of the air fryer.
Aya
0I never thought of cooking filet mignon in an air fryer before. I’m so glad I gave it a try! The steak came out tender and perfect!
Gwynn
0I’m always looking for new air fryer recipes and this recipe is a keeper! The filet was cooked to perfection and the compound butter was the perfect finishing touch!
Sara LaFountain
0What a great time saving recipe! The family loved it and thought I slaved over the stove all afternoon. Hahaha
Leslie
0Oh my goodness..you really outdid yourself here! This Filet Mignon recipe is pure perfection!
Liz
0I know you can make a lot of food in the air fryer, but I never thought about making filet mignon! The end result looks absolutely delicious! Thanks for the share!
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli
0So juicy and delicious! Fabulous use of the air fryer!
Amy L Huntley
0So tender and juicy! I love that this is made in the Air Fryer too! So simple and cooked to perfection.
Helene Bahnman
0You inspired me to order an Air Fryer. I look forward to trying these recipes soon.
Veena
0Thanks for such a flavorful and easy recipe. This looks mouth melting delicious.
Kathryn
0This Filet mignon was so tender, juicy and so flavorful in the air fryer! It made the best dinner and we will be adding this to our dinner rotation whenever we have a craving for filet Mignon- our favorite!
Kristyn
0Give me all the filet mignon!! This will be the perfect meal for a Valentine’s Day, date night in. It’d be great paired with anything!
Betsy
0So easy and so much incredible flavor! This would be the perfect dinner for an at-home date night!
Taylor
0I had never thought about making steak in the air fryer until I saw this recipe and WOW am I glad I tried it out! The steak was cooked perfectly and it was so easy. Definitely my favorite way to cook steak now!
Rebecca
0I would have never thought to use my air fryer to make filet mignon, but when I saw this recipe I decided to try it. It turned out amazing! This is how we are making steak in our house from now on!
Scarlet
0Mind blown. This was a great way to cook filet mignon and it made so much less smoke than in the cast iron.
Tracey Giordano
0Seriously the best way to cook filet mignon, it comes out perfectly every time!
Tiffany
0Heck Yes! I’m always looking for new ways to cook dinner in the air fryer! The steak turned out great and the timing chart was very helpful.