Tender, perfectly cooked Filet Mignon, is made quickly in the air fryer and served with Blue Cheese Butter. This recipe is completely foolproof and comes out perfect every time!.
This Jalapeño Lime Air Fryer Steak is another great steak recipe you might like if you have an air fryer.
This post was developed in paid partnership with Aspen Ridge Natural Angus Beef. Thank you for being supportive of me working with brands I use and love!.
There have been several times over the last few months that I tested this recipe on my Instagram stories. Now it’s finally here on the blog!
Growing up, we lived across the street from one of the best steak houses in town. It was such a treat when my mom took me there for dinner.
I ALWAYS ordered the petite filet mignon, medium rare, with garlic mashed potatoes. It was served on a very hot plate, and I liked “cooking” my steak on the plate by cutting it up.
Air fryers have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance for their ability to make foods crispy and delicious using little to no oil. One of the most delightful things you can make in an air fryer is a juicy, tender beef tenderloin steak. With the right techniques, an air fryer can rival a grill or broiler for cooking up the perfect filet mignon.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make mouthwatering beef tenderloin steak in an air fryer, from buying the right cut to getting it seasoned and cooked just right. Let’s dive in!
Benefits of Cooking Tenderloin in an Air Fryer
Cooking tenderloin steak in an air fryer provides several advantages over other cooking methods
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Requires no oil for crisping and browning the exterior.
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Cooks food quickly with rapid airflow and high heat.
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Produces steak that is juicy inside with a crispy seared crust.
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Infuses seasoning and marinades into the meat.
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Allows you to easily monitor and control doneness.
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Provides convenience – cook steaks right on your countertop!
Choosing the Best Tenderloin for Air Frying
When selecting a tenderloin roast for air frying into steaks, opt for:
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Whole untrimmed tenderloin, ideally 2-3 lbs.
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Good marbling throughout for moisture and flavor.
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Tight, even shape to enable cutting uniform steaks.
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Bright red color with white fat cap on one side.
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Grass-fed or grain-fed based on your taste preference.
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Free of large sinewy pieces or silver skin.
Prepping Tenderloin for the Air Fryer
Proper prep ensures your steaks cook perfectly in the air fryer:
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Trim – Remove all fat, silver skin, and sinew with a sharp knife.
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Portion – Cut tenderloin into 1-2 inch thick steaks for even cooking.
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Pound – Use a meat mallet to gently pound steaks to an even thickness.
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Dry – Pat steaks very dry with paper towels before seasoning.
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Brush with Oil – Lightly coat steaks in avocado, olive or avocado oil to aid browning.
Seasoning Options for Maximum Flavor
Seasoning is key for flavorful air-fried steaks. Consider:
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Salt and Pepper – A simple but effective classic pairing. Use generous amounts.
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Steak Rub – Commercial rubs add flavors like garlic, onion and paprika.
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Fresh Herbs – Herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage add aromatic flavors.
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Spice Mixes – Blends with cayenne, chili powder or cumin pack a punch.
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Marinades – Soak steaks in marinades for added flavor. Balsamic, wine or soy marinades all work nicely.
Step-By-Step Method for Cooking Tenderloin
Follow these steps for perfect results:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
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Season steaks liberally on both sides with desired seasonings. Press in to adhere.
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Place steaks in air fryer single layer without overlapping.
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Air fry at 400°F for 4 minutes to sear exterior. Flip steaks.
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Cook 4-7 minutes more, until done as desired. (Time varies by thickness and doneness – see chart below).
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Check internal temp with a meat thermometer for desired doneness.
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Remove steaks from air fryer and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Steak Doneness Guide
Use these guidelines for your preferred level of doneness:
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Rare – 120-125°F – Fry 4 min per side
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Medium Rare – 130-135°F – Fry 5 min per side
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Medium – 140-145°F – Fry 6 min per side
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Medium Well – 150-155°F – Fry 7 min per side
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Well Done – 155-160°F – Fry 8 min per side
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness – air fryer times are estimates.
Serving Your Perfect Air Fryer Tenderloin
Serve your steaks with:
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Herb butter or chimichurri melted on top
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Sauteed mushrooms or caramelized onions
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Roasted potatoes, vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes
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A fresh green salad with vinaigrette
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Warm breadsticks or rolls
Questions You Might Have About Air Fryers
There is a lot less oil used in air-frying than in pan searing or deep-frying, so it is better for you. It can cut calories by 70%-80%.
Air fryer technology is similar to convection oven technology. Hot air circulates around the food to cook it quickly.
Some air fryers have baskets that look like deep fryer baskets, but food doesn’t get dipped in hot oil. It’s simply placed in the air fryer basket and baked by the heat flowing around it.
The air fryer can be used to cook almost anything, even desserts. Here are some of my favorite air fryer recipes:
How To Cook Filet Mignon
1. Marinate the steaks. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with Montreal seasoning. Place the steaks in a shallow dish with olive oil.
Allow them to marinate until they come to room temperature (about 10-15 minutes). This will ensure they cook evenly and also produces juicier, more tender meat.
2. Prepare the Blue Cheese Butter. While the steaks are marinating, combine the butter, blue cheese, parsley, and garlic in a small bowl. Place in the refrigerator for later.
I put the mixture into ice cube trays, freeze them the night before, and then leave them out on the counter to thaw while I cook the steaks.
3. Cook the steaks. Preheat the air fryer to 450° F. Put the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes. Then flip them over and cook for another 4 minutes.
Steaks should be about 135° F for medium-rare. Transfer the steaks to a foil covered plate to rest for 2 minutes. There’s something nice about letting the blue cheese butter melt on top of hot steaks.
Aspen Ridge Natural Angus Beef is my partner because their beef comes from family-owned farms and ranches in the US, is Certified Humane®, and doesn’t have any hormones or antibiotics added to it.
It’s now available at select Weis locations and comes in convenient portion sizes and packaging. Find a Weis location near you to try it for yourself.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know how important it is to me to find the best proteins. Not only are they better for you, but they taste better and cook better too!.
One 2.3-ounce cooked serving of Aspen Ridge beef provides important nutrients, including 205.1 percent of your daily value for protein (25 grams) and 204.1 percent of your daily value for vitamin B12.
AIR FRYER FILET MIGNON | Richard in the kitchen
FAQ
What cooking method is best for beef tenderloin?
What’s the best way to cook a filet mignon in an air fryer?
How to cook beef tenderloin in air fryer?
Pat beef tenderloin dry with paper towels, and then brush or drizzle oil on each tenderloin. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, and garlic. Rub spices on both sides of tenderloin. Place tenderloin into the Air Fryer basket. Cook steak in the Air Fryer at 400º degrees F for 13-15 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time.
Can one cook broccoli in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook broccoli in the air fryer like any other vegetable. You can add a little salt, garlic powder and pepper to enhance the flavor.
How to choose a beef tenderloin steak for air frying?
When selecting your beef tenderloin steak for air frying, consider your preference for tenderness and fat content. If you prefer a leaner cut with less fat, go for filet mignon. If you prefer a slightly fattier cut with more flavor, try a different cut of beef tenderloin such as chateaubriand or muscle on roast.
How do you cook steak in an air fryer?
Instructions: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of the steaks with olive oil. Season the steaks with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any additional seasonings or marinades you prefer. Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.