Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Juicy and tender, the Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon is one of those dishes that can elevate a regular dinner into something extraordinary. When I first discovered how easy it could be to cook filet mignon in the air fryer, I was excited. Those perfectly seared edges and succulent interiors seemed like a dream, but this method made it not only achievable but also fun and straightforward. The magic of air frying retains the juiciness while giving it that gorgeous caramelized crust that makes every bite heavenly.
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Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or just looking to impress your guests, this recipe is bound to be a hit. The combination of simple seasonings paired with the natural flavors of the steak creates an amazing dish that mimics steakhouse quality without the hefty price tag or the mess. Plus, it’s quick enough to whip up on a weeknight. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it would be hard to resist making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prep and cook this meal in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The seasoning enhances the natural richness of the steak, making every bite delightful.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden-brown crust is not only tasty, but it also looks stunning on the plate.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a cozy dinner or dress it up for a special occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free, it’s a great protein-packed choice for various dietary plans.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 – 4 (5–6 oz) filet mignon steaks: The star of the dish, filet mignon is tender and buttery. Choose steaks that are fresh and have a nice marbling for optimal flavor.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, it enhances the natural taste of the meat without overpowering it. Feel free to adjust based on personal preference; sea salt is a suitable alternative.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: A classic complement to steak, it adds warmth and a slight bite. Freshly cracked provides the best flavor; pre-ground can be substituted, but less freshness may be evident.
- Avocado oil spray: This high-smoke-point oil is perfect for greasing the air fryer basket and helps create that beautifully browned crust. Olive oil can work as a substitute, though it may burn slightly at high temperatures.
How to Make Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Season the steaks: Start by patting the filet mignon steaks dry with paper towels. Generously season all sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–20 minutes, allowing the seasonings to penetrate the meat and ensuring they cook more evenly in the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer: While the steaks rest, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the basket with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking, ensuring an easy cleanup and that perfect sear.
Air fry: Place the filet mignon into the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–15 minutes, flipping them halfway through if desired. The internal temperature should reach 135°F for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak cooked more, simply add an extra minute or two, checking the temperature occasionally with a meat thermometer for best results.
Make optional garlic butter: While the steaks rest after cooking, take a moment to whip up some delicious garlic butter. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of softened butter, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder (or a small minced garlic clove), and a pinch of salt. Spoon this savory mixture over the steaks right after resting for a rich finish.
Rest + serve: Allow your perfectly cooked steaks to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing into them. This essential step lets the juices redistribute, keeping your steak tender and juicy. Share and enjoy your creation with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal!

Storing & Reheating
If you have any leftovers of your Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon, allow them to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for 3-4 days. If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option—just place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For reheating, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through, though the texture may vary slightly. A quick sauté in a pan with a bit of oil can also revive the flavors!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your filet mignon is at room temperature before cooking; this helps ensure even cooking.
- Don’t skip the resting period after cooking—this locks in the juices for a satisfying bite.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid guessing; it’s the best way to ensure your steak is perfectly done to your liking.
- For more flavor, try marinating the steaks in a mixture of herbs and oil for 30 minutes before seasoning.
- Stay nearby and check the steak a couple of minutes before the suggested time, especially if your air fryer is particularly powerful.
The beauty of this recipe is how it’s simple yet provides maximum flavor, making it a fantastic choice for a cozy evening or entertaining friends. I encourage you to try cooking your filet mignon in an air fryer—you might end up making it a staple in your meal rotation!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While filet mignon is incredibly tender, you can use other cuts like ribeye or sirloin. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different cuts may require longer or shorter cooking periods.
How do I know if my filet mignon is cooked to the right doneness?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check doneness. For medium-rare, look for an internal temperature of 135°F, for medium aim for 145°F, and 160°F for well done. Adjust your cooking times accordingly based on your preference.
Can I add different seasonings to the steak?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or even a bit of smoked paprika. The key is starting with a good-quality steak and allowing those flavors to shine through.
How do I make sure my air fryer cooks evenly?
To ensure even cooking, always preheat your air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket. If you are cooking more than two steaks, consider cooking them in batches to give them enough room for proper air circulation.
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📖 Recipe Card

Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: 103 | Air Fryer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Savor the rich flavors of Healthy Juicy Air Fryer Filet Mignon. This easy recipe brings you tender, flavorful filets seasoned to perfection, perfect for a quick meal.
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
- Pat the filet mignon steaks dry and season generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–20 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket with avocado oil spray.
- Place the seasoned filets in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare, or adjust for your preference.
- Optional: For garlic butter, mix 2 tablespoons softened butter, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Spoon over steaks after resting to melt.
- Allow the steaks to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain the juices.
Notes
Allowing the steaks to come to room temperature helps them cook evenly.
Adjust cooking time based on your desired doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filet mignon
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
