Name: Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 filet mignon steaks, about 8 oz each; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, diced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, diced; 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality steak right at home, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is calling your name. Juicy, tender, and topped with a fragrant garlic herb butter, it’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel special.

Two thick, juicy steak pieces sit stacked on a wooden board with a glossy, well-cooked brown surface. Each steak has a dollop of pale, herb-filled butter melting on top, mixed with bits of green herbs. Fresh sprigs of rosemary rest on the butter, adding a touch of green. The background shows another garlic bulb and a soft white cloth, all placed against a white marbled texture. The lighting makes the steaks look moist and tender. 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 still remember the first time I tried cooking filet mignon in my air fryer—talk about impressing myself (and my dinner guests)! It’s surprisingly simple and delivers such amazing flavor and tenderness every single time.

Quick & Easy: From prep to plating in just over half an hour—ideal for when time’s tight but you want a high-end meal.
Perfectly Tender Steaks: The air fryer locks in juices so you get melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
Flavor-Packed Herb Butter: Fresh garlic and herbs melt over the hot steak for an irresistible finish.
Minimal Cleanup: No messy pans or stovetops, just your trusty air fryer basket.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Here’s a quick rundown of the stars of this dish. When shopping, pick fresh herbs and good-quality filet mignon—trust me, those details shine through in the final bite.

Flat lay of two raw filet mignon steaks with deep red color and marbling, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a few grains of coarse sea salt scattered beside, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, a small white bowl holding softened pale yellow unsalted butter, a small white bowl with finely chopped bright green fresh parsley, a small white bowl with finely chopped fresh thyme leaves, a small white bowl with diced fresh rosemary sprigs, and one whole uncracked garlic bulb with papery white skin placed nearby, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, 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: Choose steaks about 8 ounces each with good marbling for juicy tenderness.
Olive oil: Helps create a nice crust when air frying without overpowering the steak’s natural flavors.
Fine sea salt: Enhances the steak’s natural savory taste perfectly.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complements the garlic herb butter beautifully.
Unsalted butter: The creamy base for our garlic herb topping—softened for easy mixing.
Fresh parsley: Bright and slightly peppery, it adds freshness to the herb butter.
Fresh thyme: Earthy with lemony notes, thyme deepens the herb flavor.
Fresh rosemary: Piney and fragrant, rosemary gives the butter an aromatic kick.
Garlic: Minced fresh for that classic punch of savory flavor in the herb 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

One of the best parts about the Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to switch up the herbs or add a twist to the butter, the flexibility of this dish lets you tailor it perfectly to your taste buds and occasion.

Herb Swap: I love trying different herbs depending on the season. In the spring, fresh basil or tarragon adds a lovely sweetness, while a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes can give it a subtle kick for those who like a touch of heat.
Garlic Herb Butter Alternative: Instead of traditional butter, try mixing in some whipped goat cheese or a dollop of cream cheese for a tangy, creamy twist. It melts beautifully over the hot filet mignon and adds another layer of richness.
Additional Toppings: Mushrooms sautéed in garlic and thyme or caramelized onions make stunning accompaniments. Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a splash of red wine sauce to elevate the presentation and flavor.
Dietary Variation: For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a high-quality olive oil herb blend. It won’t melt in quite the same way, but you still get that vibrant herbaceous flavor.

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

The image shows one large piece of cooked steak sliced into four thick layers, each with a brown outer crust and a juicy pink center. Three slices are laid flat on a wooden board with a texture of small juices on the surface, and the top slice has a spoonful of chopped garlic and green herbs on it. Several green rosemary sprigs are placed over the steak and around it. To the upper right is a whole garlic bulb with a pale white color and dry skin, all set on a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Let the Steaks Warm Up

First things first: take your filet mignon steaks out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. Bringing them to room temperature ensures they cook evenly, helping prevent that overdone exterior with a cool, undercooked center. I pat them dry with paper towels, which helps get a nice sear in the air fryer.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Herb Butter

While the steaks are warming, I combine softened unsalted butter with freshly chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, and a good pinch of minced garlic. Stir it all until smooth and vibrant, then pop it in the fridge to firm up. This way, it melts just right when dolloped on the hot steaks at the end.

Step 3: Season and Oil the Steaks

Next, I rub the steaks all over with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and promote that perfect browning. Then, I evenly sprinkle fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning combo lets the beef's natural flavor shine through while complementing the herb butter beautifully.

Step 4: Preheat and Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer to 400°F is a crucial step — it mimics a hot pan and helps develop that mouthwatering crust. I place the steaks inside, making sure they don’t crowd the basket for proper air flow. Cook them for 10 to 11 minutes, flipping halfway through, to achieve a beautiful medium-rare. An instant-read thermometer is my best friend here; I aim for 130°F internal temperature before resting.

Step 5: Rest and Top with Herb Butter

Once done, I immediately transfer the steaks to a plate and top each with half of the chilled garlic herb butter. Loosely covering with foil, I let them rest for 10 minutes. This step is crucial — resting lets the juices redistribute and the butter melt into every tender bite, resulting in that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is all about the small details that bring out the best flavors and textures. These tips come from hands-on experience and will help you avoid common pitfalls while elevating your steak game.

Bring Steaks to Room Temperature: I always take the steaks out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents a cold center that can ruin the tender texture.
Pat Dry Thoroughly: I learned that drying the steak well before seasoning and air frying gets you that coveted crispy sear outside. Moisture is the enemy of a great crust!
Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the steaks at the halfway mark—around 5 to 6 minutes—not only promotes even cooking but also allows both sides to develop a beautiful golden color in the air fryer.
Don’t Overcrowd: When I made the rookie mistake of crowding the air fryer basket, the steaks steamed instead of browning. Cooking no more than two steaks at a time ensures proper air circulation and a perfect crust.

How to Serve Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe

A small clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding a single layer of creamy herb butter mixed with small chopped green herbs. The butter looks soft with a slightly rough texture, and bits of herbs are spread evenly throughout. There are faint traces of the butter smeared around the inside of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a small sprig of fresh thyme on top of the melted garlic herb butter adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. For a touch of elegance, a light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few flakes of flaky sea salt enhances flavor and presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This steak pairs wonderfully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto. Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans with almonds, or a crisp Caesar salad add a fresh and vibrant balance. For something heartier, try oven-roasted root vegetables or a buttery mushroom sauté to complement the richness of the herb butter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe, store any leftover cooked steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick meals later in the week without sacrificing quality.

Freezing

While the recipe notes don't cover freezing cooked steak specifically, you can freeze leftover filet mignon by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag or airtight container. For best quality, use within 2-3 months. Remember to freeze the garlic herb butter separately in a small container or wrapped tightly in parchment to preserve its flavor.

Reheating

To gently reheat without drying out your steak, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the steak inside and warm for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this recipe’s beauty lies in that melt-in-your-mouth medium-rare tenderness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I cook filet mignon in the air fryer if my steak is thicker or thinner than 1.5 inches?

Yes! Thicker steaks will require a longer cook time, while thinner ones will cook faster. For example, an 8-ounce steak about 1.5" thick needs 10-11 minutes for medium rare. Adjust by a couple of minutes per half-inch thickness and always check internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

What if I prefer my steak more rare or well done?

No problem. Here’s a quick guide for 8-ounce steaks at 1.5" thickness: Rare cooks 9-10 minutes (120°F before resting), Medium Rare 10-11 minutes (130°F), Medium 11-12 minutes (140°F), Medium Well 12-13 minutes (150°F), Well Done 13-14 minutes (160°F). Always rest 10 minutes to let juices redistribute.

How do I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?

Simply mix softened unsalted butter with fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic. Shape into a small log or dollops, then refrigerate until firm. You can prepare it a few days in advance and keep it covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Can I cook more than two steaks at once in my air fryer?

To ensure even cooking and a nice sear, it’s best to cook no more than two steaks at a time. Overcrowding restricts airflow and leads to uneven cooking. If you have more steaks, cook them in batches for best results.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so satisfying about a perfectly cooked filet mignon, especially when it’s made effortlessly in your air fryer and topped with rich garlic herb butter. This Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe strikes that wonderful balance between impressively elegant and wonderfully simple. Whether you're feeding just yourself or sharing a special meal, these steaks melt in your mouth and bring the kind of comfort and celebration we all crave. Treat yourself to this classic done right—you deserve it!