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Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin (Filet Mignon)

Air Fryer Beef Tenderloin (Filet Mignon)

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Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings

Description

Juicy, restaurant-quality air fryer beef tenderloin with a perfect crust and a tender, pink center — ready in 15 minutes. The easiest way to make filet mignon at home, no cast iron or smoke alarms required.

Ingredients 

  • 2 filet mignon steaks, 6–8 oz each, 1.5 to 2 inches thick
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoons steak seasoning, or ½ tsp kosher salt + ¼ tsp black pepper per steak
  • 1 tablespoons compound butter, optional

Instructions

  • Temper the steaks. Remove the filets from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. This step is essential for even cooking.
  • Pat dry and season. Pat each steak completely dry with paper towels. Rub all surfaces with olive oil, then season generously on both sides and the edges with steak seasoning.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Air fry. Place the steaks in the basket with space between them. Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes, flip, then cook 5 more minutes for medium-rare (10 minutes total).
  • Check the temperature. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the thickest steak. Pull at 130°F for medium-rare — the temperature will rise 5°F as it rests.
  • Rest 5 minutes loosely tented with foil. Top with compound butter if using.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy.

Equipment

  • Air fryer (5-quart or larger recommended)
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs

Notes

Recipe notes

  • Doneness guide (pull temp / final temp): Rare 120°F / 125°F, Medium-rare 130°F / 135°F, Medium 135°F / 140°F, Medium-well 145°F / 150°F, Well 155°F / 160°F.
  • For 2-inch-thick filets, add about 2 minutes to the total cook time.
  • For bacon-wrapped filets, add 2 to 3 minutes total — the bacon insulates the meat.
  • No preheat button? Run the empty air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes before adding the steaks.
  • Resting is not optional — slicing immediately costs you juice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 89kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.2gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 9mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.03gVitamin A: 201IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.4mg