This air fryer filet mignon is my go-to when I want a high-protein dinner that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. It cooks at 400°F and comes out tender and juicy in under 15 minutes — no grill, no skillet, and no mess. Just simple ingredients and reliable, restaurant-quality results at home!
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ✅ Recipe Name: Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon (Easy Recipe!)
- 🕒 Ready In: 15 minutes
- 👪 Serves: 1 - 4
- 🍽 Calories: ~290–400 per serving (varies by steak size & toppings)
- 💪 Protein: ~30g protein per serving
- 🥣 Main Ingredients: Filet mignon steaks, kosher salt, black pepper, avocado oil spray
- 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, high-protein, low-carb, dairy-free
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: Perfectly cooked filet mignon with minimal prep, quick air fryer cook time, and optional garlic butter or chimichurri for extra flavor.
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
I’ve cooked steak a lot over the years, and filet mignon is one of those cuts that doesn’t need much — it just needs the right heat. After cooking filet mignon on the grill and in cast iron many times, I was surprised by how consistently the air fryer cooks a lean cut like filet mignon. It cooks evenly and keeps the steak tender without much effort.
I usually serve it with my Crispiest Oven Roasted Potatoes and my Honey Sriracha Brussel Sprouts. If you’re an air fryer fan, you’ll also love my Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan and Air Fryer Turkey Burgers.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look At The Recipe
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Easy Substitutions & Variations
- How to Make Air Fryer Filet Mignon (Step-by-Step)
- Filet Mignon Doneness Guide (Time & Temperature)
- Expert Recipe Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Storage Instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- High-protein and filling: satisfying without feeling heavy, ideal for balanced weeknight dinners.
- Reliable air fryer method: consistent heat helps cook filet mignon evenly without drying out a lean cut.
- Minimal ingredients: simple seasoning lets the steak flavor shine.
- Easy to customize: finish with garlic butter or fresh chimichurri, if desired.
- Scales easily: Use this recipe to make one filet mignon or cook several at once, as long as they’re not overlapping.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Filet mignon steaks (5–6 oz each): Look for steaks that are evenly thick for the most even cooking. Filet is a lean cut, so starting with good-quality meat makes a big difference in tenderness.
- Kosher salt: Simple seasoning is all the filet really needs. Generous salting brings out the natural flavor without masking it.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds just enough bite while still letting the steak shine.
- Avocado oil spray: My go-to for air frying because it handles high heat well and helps prevent sticking without adding excess oil.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations
- Different steak cuts: Beef tenderloin steaks work well since they’re cut from the same area. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.
- Butter alternative: Skip the butter or finish with steak sauce or chimichurri to keep it dairy-free.
- Chimichurri swap: No chimichurri? A simple parsley-lemon drizzle or a light balsamic finish works nicely with steak.
How to Make Air Fryer Filet Mignon (Step-by-Step)
All of the photos show three filets because that’s what fits in my air fryer basket. You can easily scale this recipe up or down — just make sure the steaks aren’t overlapping so they cook evenly.
- Step 1: Pat the filets dry and season generously with salt and black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 10–20 minutes so they cook evenly.
- Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket with avocado oil spray. Add the seasoned steaks.
- Step 3: Air fry for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway if desired, until the steaks reach your preferred doneness.
- Step 4: Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep them tender and juicy.
Filet Mignon Doneness Guide (Time & Temperature)
| Doneness | Internal Temp | Cook Time (5–6 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120°F | 9–10 minutes |
| Medium-Rare | 130–135°F | 10–11 minutes |
| Medium | 140°F | 11–12 minutes |
| Medium-Well | 150°F | 12–14 minutes |
| Well Done | 160°F | 14–15 minutes |
Expert Recipe Tips
- Start with room-temperature steaks: Take the filets out of the fridge 10–20 minutes before cooking to cook more evenly and prevent overcooked edges.
- Pat the steaks dry before seasoning: Removing surface moisture helps the exterior encourage better browning in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs to circulate around the steaks for even cooking. If needed, cook in batches.
- Use a thermometer, not just time: Filet mignon cooks quickly, and checking the internal temperature is the best way to avoid overcooking a lean cut.
- Let the steak rest before slicing: A short rest allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak tender and juicy.
- Avoid cooking filet mignon straight from frozen: The steaks will cook unevenly and make it harder to get a tender center.
Serving Suggestions
This air fryer filet mignon is easy to build into a full meal, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Here are a few simple ways I like to serve it:
- Potatoes: I love serving this with crispy oven-roasted potatoes for a classic, satisfying combo. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside pairs perfectly with tender filet.
- Simple veggies: Air fryer green beans, broccolini, or balsamic maple Brussels sprouts keep the meal balanced and easy.
- Fresh salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette or my classic kale pomegranate salad lightens things up.
- Pasta: For a more filling dinner, try it alongside my healthy alfredo pasta or healthy mac and cheese recipe.
- Sauce on the side: Finish with garlic butter for a richer feel or chimichurri for something fresh and herby.
Storage Instructions
- Storing: Store leftover filet mignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the steak whole and slice after reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently so the steak stays tender. Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, or in a skillet over low heat until just heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can, since it can dry the steak out.
- Freezing: Freezing cooked filet mignon isn’t ideal, and I don’t recommend it. While you can freeze raw filet mignon, cooked steak tends to lose its texture once frozen and reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most 5–6 oz filet mignon steaks take about 10–12 minutes in a preheated air fryer, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Thicker steaks may need an extra minute or two.
For best results, cook filet mignon to 130–135°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium, measured with an instant-read thermometer after resting.
Flipping halfway through is optional. It can help with more even browning, but the steak will still cook through without flipping if your air fryer circulates heat well.
Yes! Letting the steak rest for about 5 minutes helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy when you slice into it.
It’s best to cook filet mignon from thawed for the most even results. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven doneness and a less tender texture.
Filets that are 5–6 ounces and about 1–1½ inches thick cook most evenly. If your steaks are thicker, plan to add a bit more time and rely on a thermometer.
More Air Fryer Recipes You'll Love
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Did you make this recipe?
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📖 Recipe
Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Ingredients
- 1 - 4 (5–6 oz) filet mignon steaks
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Avocado oil spray, or another high-smoke-point oil for greasing the air fryer basket
Instructions
- Season the steaks. Pat the filets dry, then generously season all sides with salt and black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–20 minutes so they aren’t ice-cold going into the air fryer — this helps them cook more evenly.
- Preheat the air fryer. Heat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket with avocado oil spray.
- Air fry. Place the filets in the basket and cook for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway if you want, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare (or cook longer to your liking).
- Make (optional) Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons softened butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small minced clove), and a pinch of salt. Spoon over the steaks right after resting so it melts on top.
- Rest + serve. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing so all the juices stay in.
Tati Chermayeff says
This is a weekly staple in my kitchen. The steak is juicy and cooked perfectly medium, sometime I do it medium-rare! YUM!