Perfect Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Air Fryer Steak is a game-changer for anyone seeking a perfectly cooked, incredibly tender, and remarkably juicy steak with a delightful, light crisp coating. Forget the guesswork and smoky kitchens; this method delivers an exquisite steak experience in just about 14 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet luxurious dinner. Once you try steak in the air fryer, you might find yourself saying goodbye to other cooking methods for good!

While your steak is effortlessly cooking to perfection in the air fryer, you’ll have ample time to prepare some fantastic side dishes. Consider pairing this magnificent steak with our Best Ever Baked Potatoes or a comforting Cheesy Corn Casserole. These combinations promise a truly hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will adore.

Close up photo of air fryer filet mignon on a black plate on a green napkin.

Embarking on my air frying journey, I was initially a skeptic, especially when it came to cooking something as revered as steak. However, from the very first attempt, this Air Fryer Steak recipe consistently exceeded all expectations. The results were so impressive – tender, flavorful, and cooked to an exact desired doneness – that it quickly became my go-to method. This wasn’t a fluke; it proved itself time and again, earning its spot as my new favorite way to prepare steak. The convenience combined with the impeccable quality is truly unmatched.

If you’re yet to join the ever-growing air fryer enthusiast community but are still craving a truly exceptional steak dinner, don’t worry! You can explore other fantastic recipes such as our Epic Rib Eye Steak or this classic Broiled Steak, both offering a wonderful experience for steak lovers.

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Air Fryer Steak: Your New Favorite Way to Cook Perfectly Juicy Steak

Discover the ultimate method for achieving a restaurant-quality steak right in your own kitchen with an air fryer. This revolutionary cooking technique locks in flavor, creates a mouth-watering crust, and guarantees a tender interior every single time. Say goodbye to excessive oil, uneven cooking, and lengthy cleanup, and hello to a simple, efficient, and incredibly delicious steak dinner that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Why This Air Fryer Steak Recipe Will Become Your Go-To

There are countless reasons to adore cooking steak in your air fryer. It’s more than just a convenient appliance; it’s a tool that consistently delivers superior results, making gourmet meals accessible to everyone. Here’s why this particular recipe stands out:

  • Unbelievably Quick! In today’s fast-paced world, time is precious. Depending on your preferred level of doneness, a magnificent steak can be ready and on your plate in as little as 14 minutes. This rapid cooking time makes it perfect for weeknight dinners, spontaneous celebrations, or simply when you’re craving a high-quality meal without the wait.
  • Consistently Foolproof! Unlike traditional grilling or pan-frying, where factors like pan temperature, grill hotspots, or variations in steak thickness can lead to inconsistent results, the air fryer offers a controlled cooking environment. This method ensures uniform heat distribution, leading to a perfectly cooked steak with a beautiful crust and juicy interior, every single time. It takes the guesswork out of cooking steak, allowing you to achieve culinary excellence with confidence.
  • Explosive Flavor & Texture! Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable experience. This air fryer steak boasts an irresistibly tender and juicy core, encased in a light, perfectly crisp coating. The precise seasoning penetrates the meat, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave your mouth watering from the first scent to the last bite. It’s a truly gourmet experience that highlights the natural richness of the beef.
  • A Refreshing Culinary Twist! While we all love the classic appeal of a perfectly grilled or pan-fried steak, sometimes it’s exciting to venture beyond the conventional. The air fryer offers a fresh, innovative approach to cooking our beloved foods. It’s not just different; it’s an enhancement, providing unique textures and a hassle-free process that will broaden your culinary horizons and add excitement to your meal rotations.
  • Minimal Cleanup: One of the often-overlooked benefits of air frying is the significantly reduced cleanup. Say goodbye to greasy stovetops and splattered counters. The air fryer basket contains most of the mess, making post-dinner tidying a breeze.
Close up photo of a piece of steak sliced showing a pink center with the rest of the steak behind it on the plate.

Essential Ingredients for Air Fryer Steak

Crafting a truly spectacular air fryer steak requires only a handful of high-quality ingredients. The simplicity of this recipe allows the natural flavors of the steak to shine through, enhanced by a classic, aromatic seasoning blend. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Your Favorite Inch-Thick Steak: The cut of steak is crucial. We recommend a quality cut like filet mignon, ribeye, or New York strip, ideally about 1 inch thick. This thickness ensures a good sear on the outside while maintaining a tender, juicy interior in the air fryer. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before cooking promotes more even cooking.
  • Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil acts as a binder for the seasonings and helps achieve that desirable crisp exterior. It also contributes to the rich flavor profile of the steak.
  • Coarse Salt: Coarse salt, such as kosher or sea salt, is preferred over fine salt. Its larger crystals adhere better to the steak, forming a beautiful crust and drawing out the meat’s natural moisture for intensified flavor.
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For the best flavor, always opt for freshly ground black pepper. Its pungent, aromatic notes complement the beef perfectly, adding a subtle kick.
  • Garlic Powder: A foundational seasoning for steak, garlic powder provides a savory depth without the risk of fresh garlic burning during the high-heat air frying process.

Flavor Boosters: Elevate Your Air Fryer Steak

To take your air fryer steak to an even higher level of deliciousness, consider topping it with a dollop of herb butter or garlic butter. These flavorful additions melt beautifully over the hot steak, infusing it with extra richness and aromatic notes. Making your own flavored butter is surprisingly simple, and you likely have most of the ingredients already:

To make Herb Butter: Combine softened unsalted butter with a pinch of salt, pepper, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and finely chopped fresh parsley and chives. Mix until well incorporated.

To make Garlic Butter: Mix softened unsalted butter with minced fresh garlic (or a touch more garlic powder), a pinch of salt, and finely chopped fresh parsley. This classic combination is always a winner.

Raw filet mignon on a white cutting board seasoned with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking steak in the air fryer is incredibly straightforward, promising succulent results with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to achieve your ideal steak:

  1. Bring to Room Temperature: For the most even cooking, remove your steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before you begin. This helps the steak cook more uniformly from edge to center.
  2. Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (185°C). While it’s preheating, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or coconut oil to prevent sticking. A preheated air fryer is essential for achieving a good sear.
  3. Season the Steak: Rub the entire surface of the steak generously with olive oil. Then, season all sides with coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it forms that delicious crust.
  4. Air Fry Initial Cook: Carefully place the seasoned steak(s) in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring there’s enough space between them for air to circulate. Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook for 8 minutes.
  5. Flip and Finish: After 8 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip the steaks over. Continue cooking for an additional 3 to 6 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature accurately.
  6. Rest and Serve: Once the steaks reach your desired internal temperature (remembering they will continue to cook slightly while resting), remove them from the air fryer. Transfer them to a cutting board and let them rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Pro Tip: Air fryer models can vary. I use a Cosori 5.8qt Air Fryer, and cooking times may need slight adjustments for other brands or sizes. Always monitor your steak closely.

Steaks in air fryer ready to be cooked.

Cooking steak in the air fryer might initially feel like uncharted territory, or you might worry about losing control over the cooking process. However, I assure you, once you experience the consistent, delicious results, you’ll be a true convert! Here are a few more tips to help you master the art of air-fried steak and achieve perfection every time.

Mastering Steak Doneness: Your Guide to Perfect Internal Temperatures

Achieving your preferred steak doneness is key to an enjoyable meal. The most accurate way to measure this is with an instant-read meat thermometer. Remember that your steak’s internal temperature will rise by approximately 5 degrees Fahrenheit during the resting period after it’s removed from the air fryer, so factor this into your cooking time.

  • Rare: 125 degrees F (52°C) – Very red, cool center.
  • Medium Rare: 135 degrees F (57°C) – Red, warm center. This is often considered the ideal doneness for many steak cuts.
  • Medium: 145 degrees F (63°C) – Pink, warm center.
  • Medium Well: 155 degrees F (68°C) – Slightly pink center.
  • Well Done: 160 degrees F (71°C) – Little to no pink.

Can I Use Frozen Steak for This Recipe?

Yes, you absolutely can! Air frying frozen steak is a fantastic option for a last-minute meal. Just be aware that using a frozen steak will naturally extend your cooking time and may require a slightly higher cooking temperature to achieve the desired crust. Place the frozen steak directly into a preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C). Make sure to flip the steak about halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking on both sides. Depending on thickness, it could take anywhere from 18-25 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches your desired internal temperature.

Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Steak Leftovers

Should you be lucky enough to have any leftover air fryer steak, proper storage and reheating can ensure it remains delicious. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, avoid the microwave, which can make steak rubbery. Instead, place the steak back into your air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for just 3 to 4 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps retain its tender texture and slightly crisp exterior, almost like it was freshly cooked.

A fork with a piece of steak on it being held towards the camera.

Explore More Amazing Air Fryer Recipes

My air fryer has quickly become an indispensable kitchen appliance, consistently turning out incredibly delicious dishes. If you’ve enjoyed the ease and perfection of this Air Fryer Steak, you’ll be thrilled to discover the versatility of this machine. I’m constantly experimenting and finding new favorites, and I think you’ll love these other fantastic Air Fryer Recipes just as much as I do:

  • Delicious Air Fryer Chocolate Cake – Experience the magic of baking a rich, dense, and moist chocolate cake, generously covered in an indulgent Chocolate Ganache, all ready in under 30 minutes!
  • Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings – Get ready for lip-smacking honey sriracha chicken wings that are bursting with flavor and boast an irresistible crispiness without deep frying!
  • Quick Air Fryer Biscuit Donuts – A super easy and fast way to satisfy your donut cravings, made in just 20 minutes using convenient canned biscuits!
  • Fun Air Fryer Pizzas – Create personalized, delicious mini pizzas effortlessly using refrigerated biscuits as the base, topped with all your family’s favorite ingredients!
  • Air Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken – Enjoy the iconic fiery flavor and satisfying crunch of Nashville Hot Chicken, featuring juicy and tender chicken with a perfectly seasoned, spicy coating.

Let’s Connect and Share Your Culinary Creations!

If you’ve tried this fantastic Air Fryer Steak recipe, please take a moment to let me know how you liked it in the comments below. Your feedback and reviews are invaluable to me and help others discover great recipes!

Don’t forget to tag me – @sugarandsoulco on Instagram and Pinterest with your beautiful photos, or join our Sugar & Soul Show-offs Community on Facebook to share your culinary triumphs and participate in our exciting recipe challenges!

Two steaks on a black plate on a green napkin.

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Steak

Author
Rebecca Hubbell
Course
Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine
American
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
14 minutes
Initial Resting Time
35 minutes
Total Time
54 minutes
Servings
2 people
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Air Fryer Steak is incredibly tender and juicy with a light crisp coating that cooks in just 14 minutes, making for a quick yet tasty dinner! You may never want to cook a steak any other way again!

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces steak (e.g., filet mignon, ribeye), about 1-inch thick, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional for serving: Herb butter or garlic butter

Instructions

  1. Let the steak sit out at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes for best results.
  2. Preheat air fryer to 370°F (185°C) and spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or coconut oil.
  3. Rub the steak(s) all over with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder and place them in the air fryer, making sure they aren’t touching.
  4. Cook for 8 minutes, then use tongs to flip the steaks and cook for an additional 3 to 6 minutes depending on desired doneness.
  5. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  • I typically choose two 6-8 oz. filets for this recipe, but you can cook any kind of steak with this method. Just be aware that thicker or thinner cuts will require adjustments to the cooking time. Always monitor closely.
  • I only recommend air frying steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. Thinner steaks tend to overcook very quickly and may not achieve the desired internal juiciness.
  • Always use an instant-read thermometer to accurately check the steak’s internal temperature. Remember, the steak will continue to rise in temperature by about 5°F during the crucial resting period after being removed from the air fryer. Therefore, remove your steak when it is 5°F below your desired final temperature.
    • Rare: 125°F (52°C)
    • Medium Rare: 135°F (57°C)
    • Medium: 145°F (63°C)
    • Medium Well: 155°F (68°C)
    • Well: 160°F (71°C)
  • For my personal preference, I aim for my filets to be between 145°F and 150°F (medium). To achieve this, I typically stop cooking when they reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F, allowing the carryover cooking to do the rest.

Nutrition

Calories: 537kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 1281mg | Potassium: 624mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 37IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 4mg

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