There are several ways to cook a filet mignon but one of the easiest and most foolproof is cooking it in the air fryer. Filet mignon cooked in the air fryer comes out crisp on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. Here's how to cook steak in an air fryer including tips for properly resting the meat before serving.

Air Fryer Filet Mignon Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you'll need to cook filet mignon in an air fryer including our recipe for a garlicky compound butter topping.

Filet Mignon

• Filet: This air fryer steak recipe calls for four 2-inch thick beef tenderloin steaks. Filet mignon steaks are cut from beef tenderloin.
• Oil: Our Test Kitchen used a brush to evenly spread olive oil on both sides of the steak.
• Seasonings: A sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you'll need to help the flavor of the steak shine.

Compound Butter for Steak

• Butter: Make sure your butter is completely softened before stirring in the rest of the ingredients.
• Garlic: Finely mince the garlic so it becomes evenly distributed when mixed. Our Test Kitchen recommends using a microplane.
• Rosemary: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh rosemary rather than dried.
• Lemon Zest: Just a teaspoon of lemon zest brightens up the entire dish and helps cut through the richness.

How to Cook Filet Mignon in the Air Fryer

A few simple steps will help your filet mignon come out flavorful and juicy. Here's a quick look at how to cook filet mignon in the air fryer.

1. Prep the compound butter first and allow it to chill while you prep and cook the steak. We like to make the butter ahead and keep it in the fridge.
2. Brush the steaks with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides. Allow the steak to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before adding to the air fryer.
3. Air-fry the steaks for 9 minutes and then turn and cook for 6 more.
4. Let the steaks rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute through the meat.

How to Serve Air Fryer Filet Mignon

Once your filet has rested, serve it topped with a slice of the compound butter. There are so many side dishes that work with steak. Keep it classic with steakhouse sides like baked potatoes, creamed spinach, and potato gratin. Or, try something fresh like steamed broccoli or a green salad.