Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Ready in about 21 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Filet mignon is prized for its buttery tenderness, and the air fryer makes it foolproof. Even heat builds a lovely crust while keeping the lean centre blushing pink, so this restaurant cut becomes an easy midweek treat.
Written for 2. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 2 filet mignon steaks, about 200 g each
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp garlic herb butter
Method
- 1Bring the steaks to room temperature and pat dry with kitchen paper.
- 2Brush with oil and season generously with salt, pepper and paprika.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.
- 4Cook the fillets for 9-13 minutes, turning halfway through.
- 5Aim for an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for a rosy medium centre.
- 6Rest under foil for 5 minutes, then finish with a knob of garlic herb butter.
Tips for the best results
- Because fillet is lean, avoid overcooking; a probe thermometer is the surest guide.
- Wrapping a thin rasher of streaky bacon around each fillet adds fat and keeps it moist.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer filet mignon steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Filet Mignon is ready at 63°C / 145°F in the thickest part.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature and time for air fryer filet mignon?
A typical starting point is 200°C / 400°F for 9-13 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer filet mignon is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Filet Mignon should reach 63°C / 145°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer filet mignon serve?
This recipe is written for 2. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.