Name: Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 8 oz Filet Mignon steaks; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup butter (softened to room temperature, use vegan butter for dairy free); 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary; 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt (add 1/2 tsp total if using unsalted butter)

If you're craving a restaurant-quality steak without the hassle, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s quick, super juicy, and topped with a homemade garlic herb butter that’ll knock your socks off.

On a white plate, a thick, round steak with a dark brown seared outside and visible grain sits in the front left. A melting dollop of herb butter with green specks rests on top of the steak, creating a glossy shine. To the right and slightly behind the steak, there is a bundle of bright green asparagus spears laid side by side with some light charring. A small sprig of fresh thyme lies beneath the asparagus, adding a touch of green detail. The plate rests on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made filet mignon plenty of ways, but cooking it in the air fryer has become my go-to for an easy, fuss-free steak that still feels special. This recipe shines for how beautifully tender and flavorful the steak turns out, every single time.

Speedy preparation: You’ll have dinner done in just 15 minutes total, including resting time.
Perfectly cooked steaks: Achieve your ideal doneness by adjusting the air-fry time with ease.
Easy herb butter: The garlic rosemary-thyme butter elevates the steak without extra effort.
Minimal cleanup: Air frying means no splatters on your stove, and buttery goodness in just one pan.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing quality ingredients makes all the difference here. Pick filets that are fresh and nicely marbled for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. For the herb butter, fresh rosemary and thyme bring a lovely fragrant punch that complements the steak perfectly.

Flat lay of two raw filet mignon steaks with deep red color and marbling, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of softened pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh chopped green rosemary, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh chopped thyme, a small white ceramic bowl containing fine white garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse sea salt crystals, and two whole brown eggs with clean shells arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Filet Mignon steaks: Tender, lean, and premium cut perfect for quick cooking in the air fryer.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and creates a nice crust while air frying.
Salt and pepper: Essential basics that enhance the natural flavor of the steak.
Butter (or vegan butter): Softened to room temp, it’s the rich base of our garlic herb butter that melts over the steak.
Fresh rosemary: Aromatic herb that adds piney, earthy notes.
Fresh thyme: Offers a subtle, slightly minty flavor that pairs beautifully with beef.
Garlic powder: For a gentle but noticeable garlic flavor without overpowering.
Salt: Balances flavors in the herb butter, especially important if using unsalted butter.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The wonderful thing about this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is how easily it adapts to your personal taste buds and lifestyle. Whether you want to switch up the herbs or cater to a dairy-free diet, this recipe welcomes your creativity with open arms!

Herb Variations: I love swapping fresh rosemary and thyme with basil and parsley in the summer for a lighter, fresher touch. It really brightens up the garlic herb butter without overpowering the steak's rich flavor.
Dairy-Free Version: Using vegan butter instead of regular butter makes this recipe completely dairy free without losing the luscious texture and deep herb flavor—perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.
Extra Flavor Boost: For a little smoky twist, try adding smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne to your garlic herb butter. It adds warmth and a subtle kick that pairs beautifully with the juicy filet.
Seasonal Touch: During colder months, a sprinkle of chopped sage instead of thyme can add a cozy, woodsy aroma to your herb butter, making it an especially comforting meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe

The image shows three stages of cooking two steaks. The first part shows two raw red steaks on a white plate, sprinkled with coarse black pepper and some oil droplets surrounding them on a white marbled surface. The second part shows the same two steaks inside a black air fryer basket with a ridged bottom, still raw but seasoned, sitting opposite each other with space between them. The third part shows the two steaks in the air fryer basket fully cooked to a brown color with a seared texture and sprinkled seasoning visible on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring Everything to Room Temperature

Start by letting your butter and the filet mignon steaks sit out for about 30 minutes. This little step makes a big difference! Bringing both the butter and steaks to room temperature ensures the butter mixes easily and the steaks cook evenly, giving you that perfect medium rare (or your preferred doneness) all the way through.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of softened butter with 1 teaspoon each of chopped fresh rosemary and thyme, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt (or ½ teaspoon total if using unsalted butter). Mix thoroughly with a fork until the herbs and seasoning are well blended. Then, transfer this flavorful butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper. Roll it up tightly into a log shape and pop it into the fridge while you prepare your steaks. This chilling step lets the butter firm up and intensifies those lovely herb flavors.

Step 3: Season and Prep the Steaks

Brush both sides of each 8 oz filet mignon with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Don't be shy here—generously season the steaks with salt and pepper to taste. This seasoning crust forms a savory, slightly crispy exterior to perfectly complement the tender, juicy inside. Your air fryer basket is now ready to welcome the steaks.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Place your steaks carefully into the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer to 400°F. Cook for 10 minutes if you prefer medium rare – but feel free to adjust the timing slightly depending on your preference: 9-10 minutes for rare, 10-11 for medium rare, 11-12 for medium, 12-13 for medium well, and 14 minutes for well done. The golden tip here is to use a meat thermometer to nail the perfect internal temperature: 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium well, and 160°F for well done. Watching the thermometer inch closer to your target temp is oddly satisfying!

Step 5: Rest and Serve with Herb Butter

Once your steaks come out of the air fryer, let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your filet juicy and tender. Finally, place a generous slice of your chilled garlic herb butter on top of each filet. It will slowly melt, mingling its rich, fragrant notes with the steak's natural succulence—trust me, it’s pure magic on a plate!

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe every time, so your steak is juicy, flavorful, and restaurant-quality without any stress.

Bring Steaks to Room Temperature: Letting your filets sit out for about 30 minutes before cooking ensures they cook evenly and stay tender inside.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This little tool is a game changer! It guarantees you hit your desired doneness perfectly — whether rare or well done — without guessing or cutting into the steak prematurely.
Rest Your Steak: After air frying, give your filets a 3-5 minute rest. This lets the juices redistribute and keeps every bite juicy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Make Your Herb Butter Ahead: Prepare the garlic herb butter ahead of time and refrigerate it in a log. This makes slicing and serving effortless, and intensifies the flavors as it chills.

How to Serve Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe

The image shows a white plate with three main parts: a baked potato on the left, golden brown with a crack on top revealing soft, white mashed inside; next to it near the center is a piece of steak, medium-rare, cut to show a reddish-pink inside and a dark, seared outside topped with a small melting dollop of herb butter with specks of green; on the left of the steak, there is a bunch of cooked asparagus spears, green with slow charred marks, all placed on a white marbled surface. In the background is a second plate with a similar meal slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe, consider sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a touch of tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich herb butter. For an elegant touch, serve with a lemon wedge on the side to brighten each bite.

Side Dishes

This steak loves classic, hearty sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic green beans, or crispy air-fried asparagus make perfect companions. For a lighter option, a fresh arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up any leftover garlic herb butter — it’s heavenly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have some Air Fryer Filet Mignon leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. Keep any leftover garlic herb butter wrapped tightly in parchment or plastic wrap in the fridge, good for about a week.

Freezing

You can freeze the garlic herb butter separately by rolling it into a log wrapped in parchment paper, then into foil or a freezer bag. It keeps for up to 3 months — just thaw in the fridge before using. Freezing leftover cooked filet mignon isn’t recommended if you want to maintain that perfect texture, but if needed, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover steaks gently in a low oven (around 250°F) or wrapped in foil to avoid drying out. A quick sear in a hot pan for 30 seconds per side after reheating can help regain a nice crust. Always add a fresh slice of your garlic herb butter on top while warm for that extra flavor boost.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I cook the filet mignon from frozen in the air fryer?

While it’s possible, we strongly recommend bringing your steaks to room temperature first for even cooking and the best texture as outlined in the recipe. Cooking from frozen often results in uneven doneness.

What temperature should I aim for to get medium rare?

For medium rare, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to achieve this perfectly.

Can I use vegan butter for the herb butter?

Absolutely! The recipe works great with vegan butter, making it a delicious dairy-free option without sacrificing flavor.

How long should I let the filet mignon rest before serving?

Let the steaks rest for 3 to 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute inside the meat, keeping it tender and juicy.

Final Thoughts

Making restaurant-quality filet mignon at home has never been easier or more rewarding than with this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe. It’s a quick, fuss-free way to enjoy an elegant and mouthwatering steak dinner any night of the week. With those perfectly cooked filets topped with luscious garlic herb butter, you’ll impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this meal with you. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every juicy bite!