This tender and juicy air fryer filet mignon with bacon is finished with garlic herb butter and ready in under 15 minutes. It delivers restaurant-quality results and is ideal for special occasions or a romantic dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Steak Recipe
- Bold flavor: Tender filet mignon wrapped in bacon for a rich, savory bite.
- Fast and simple: Minimal prep and quick cooking in the air fryer.
- Beautiful presentation: A show-stopping main that’s great for date nights and celebrations.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon Ingredients
Full ingredient amounts and the printable recipe card are below.
- Filet mignon steaks: Choose steaks 1–2 inches thick with good marbling for best results.
- Bacon: Regular-cut bacon works well to keep the steak moist and add flavor; secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Olive oil: Helps the rub adhere and keeps the exterior moist.
- Beef tenderloin rub: A mix of cracked peppercorns, kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, crushed rosemary, ground thyme, and dry mustard powder. Use any favorite steak seasoning if preferred.
- Garlic herb butter: Softened unsalted butter mixed with minced garlic and chopped parsley.
How to Make Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Bacon
Jump to the printable recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Make the dry rub: Combine cracked peppercorns, kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, crushed rosemary, ground thyme, and dry mustard powder in a small bowl.
- Prepare the steaks: Pat steaks dry and brush with olive oil.
- Season: Coat each steak evenly with the dry rub.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap each steak with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place steaks in a single layer and cook about 9 minutes for medium-rare, 12 minutes for medium, or 15 minutes for medium-well, flipping once halfway through. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm doneness.
- Make the garlic herb butter: While the steaks cook, mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped parsley until smooth.
- Rest: Let steaks rest 5–10 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
- Serve: Top with garlic herb butter and serve with your favorite sides.
Beef Temperature Guide
Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature for accuracy:
- Rare: 120–130°F
- Medium rare: 130–135°F
- Medium: 135–140°F
- Medium well: 145–155°F
- Well done: 155°F and above
Serving Suggestions
This steak pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted or air-fried vegetables, sweet potato wedges, green bean casserole, smoked baked beans, coleslaw, or smoked corn. Finish the meal with a simple dessert like fresh berries or chocolate-covered strawberries for a romantic touch.
Expert Tips
- Adjust cook time for steak thickness; thicker steaks need a bit more time.
- Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer for consistent results.
- Allow the steaks to rest before slicing to keep them juicy.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon FAQs
Times vary by thickness: about 9 minutes for medium-rare, 12 minutes for medium, and 15 minutes for medium-well at 400°F. Flip halfway through.
Yes — flipping once ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.
400°F is ideal for a good sear and a juicy interior.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the air fryer until hot.
More Steak Recipes
- Traeger Smoked Steak
- How To Cook Wagyu Steak Perfectly
- Ultimate Smoked Steak on Pellet Grill
- Smoked Tuna Steak
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
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Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast in Air Fryer
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Air Fryer Halibut with Panko Parmesan Crust
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Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops
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Easy Air Fryer Armadillo Eggs
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Printable Recipe
Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Bacon
Ingredients
- Two 4–6 oz filet mignon steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 slices regular-cut bacon
- 2 tablespoons beef tenderloin rub (see below)
Garlic Herb Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
Beef Tenderloin Rub
- 1/2 tbsp whole black peppercorns, cracked
- 1/2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
- 1/2 tsp ground thyme
- 1/3 tsp dry mustard powder
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Make the dry rub: Mix cracked peppercorns, kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, crushed rosemary, ground thyme, and dry mustard until combined.
- Prep the steaks: Pat the steaks dry and brush with olive oil.
- Season: Generously coat the steaks with the dry rub on all sides.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap each steak with a slice of bacon and secure with toothpicks.
- Air fry: Place steaks in a single layer in the preheated air fryer. Cook to desired doneness: about 9 minutes for medium-rare, 12 minutes for medium, 15 minutes for medium-well. Flip halfway through and use a thermometer to confirm internal temperature.
- Garlic herb butter: While steaks cook, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley.
- Rest and serve: Remove steaks from the air fryer and rest 5–10 minutes. Top with garlic herb butter and serve.
Notes
*The rub yields about 2 tablespoons — enough for two 6-oz steaks. Double for larger batches.
- Adjust cooking time for thicker or thinner steaks.
- Use a meat thermometer for reliable doneness.
- Let steaks rest before slicing for juicier results.
Beef Temperature Guide
- Rare: 120–130°F
- Medium rare: 130–135°F
- Medium: 135–140°F
- Medium well: 145–155°F
- Well done: 155°F+
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and not guaranteed.
**This post was originally published in February 2023 and has been updated with additional tips; the recipe remains the same.