Description

This air fryer filet mignon recipe delivers perfectly cooked steak every time—crispy and caramelized on the outside, buttery tender on the inside. Using just a few simple ingredients and your air fryer, you’ll get restaurant-quality results in under 15 minutes. Ideal for a romantic dinner, special occasion, or easy gourmet weeknight meal. No grill or cast iron skillet needed!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Garlic Butter

1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the Steak

1 to 1 1/2 pounds filet mignon
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste, be generous (I used 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt & 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper)

Instructions

Prepare the Garlic Butter:

Combine butter, salt, garlic, and parsley in a small bowl. Mix well.
Form the butter mixture into a log shape using a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate until the steak is ready.

For the Steak:

Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Coat the steak with the olive oil and sprinkle generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
Place the steak in the air fryer basket, leaving space between the pieces. You may need to work in batches.
Cook until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, flipping halfway through. (Rare 11-12 min, Med Rare 13-14 Min, Medium 14-15 min, Med Well 16 min, Well 17-18 min).
Once cooked, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Top with a slice of the garlic butter and serve with your choice of side dish.

Notes

Steak Thickness Matters: For best results, use filet mignon that is 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Thinner steaks cook faster and can dry out more easily in the air fryer.
Let It Rest: Always rest your steak for 5–10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Doneness is best determined by internal temperature. Medium-rare is 130–135°F.
Optional Garlic Herb Butter: For extra flavor, top hot steaks with a pat of garlic butter made from softened butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs.
Add Variety: Try wrapping the filet in bacon before cooking, or crusting it with crushed peppercorns for a steakhouse-style finish.
Reheating Leftovers: Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.