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 fuss, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe will quickly become your go-to. It’s juicy, tender, and topped with a rich garlic herb butter—all ready in just 15 minutes!

A thick, juicy steak with a dark brown, slightly crispy outside topped with a small melting dollop of herb butter sits on the left side of a round white plate. Behind the steak, a neat bundle of bright green, grilled asparagus spears stretches diagonally from the right edge toward the center. A small sprig of fresh thyme peeks out from under the asparagus on the right edge of the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. 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 remember the first time I tried filet mignon in the air fryer—I couldn’t believe how simple and quick it was to get that perfect sear and juicy center without firing up the grill or a pan. Plus, that garlic herb butter just takes it over the top!

Super Fast: Ready from prep to plate in just 15 minutes, perfect for date night or a quick dinner.
Minimal Cleanup: Using the air fryer means less mess while still getting a seared, tender steak.
Flavor-Packed: The garlic herb butter adds an irresistible boost of freshness and richness.
Perfectly Cooked: Cook times and temperatures are spot on for your preferred steak doneness.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing quality ingredients really makes a difference here. I always pick center-cut filet mignon for its tenderness and flavor, and fresh herbs for that authentic, vibrant herb butter that melts beautifully over the hot steak.

Flat lay of two raw filet mignon steaks with deep red marbling, a small white ceramic bowl of softened pale yellow butter mixed with finely chopped fresh green rosemary and thyme, a small white ceramic bowl containing golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl holding whole black peppercorns, and a small white ceramic bowl with light beige garlic powder, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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 and lean with a buttery texture that’s perfect for quick cooking in an air fryer.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the steak and promotes a beautiful crust.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the steak’s natural flavor.
Butter (or vegan butter): The base for our garlic herb butter, adding richness and a creamy finish.
Fresh rosemary: Provides earthy, piney notes that brighten the butter.
Fresh thyme: Adds subtle floral and citrus undertones to complement the beef.
Garlic powder: Gives robust garlic flavor without overpowering the herbs.
Salt (for butter): Balances flavors and enhances the garlic herb butter’s savoriness.

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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 joys of the Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is how easily you can tailor it to your taste buds and dietary needs. Whether you want to add a spicy kick or keep it classic, there’s something here for everyone.

Herb Variations: Instead of rosemary and thyme, try swapping in fresh oregano or basil for a Mediterranean twist. I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the garlic herb butter.
Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan butter to keep the recipe dairy free without sacrificing that rich, buttery finish. I’ve done this many times and honestly can’t tell the difference—still incredibly satisfying!
Seasonal Flair: When summertime rolls around, a touch of fresh lemon zest mixed into the herb butter brightens up the steak perfectly. It adds a fresh dimension that makes the dish feel extra special.
Doneness Adjustments: Since air fryer times can vary by model, I always recommend using a meat thermometer. My favorite tip is to pull the steaks out when they’re a couple degrees shy of your target temperature—the residual heat finishes the cooking while resting.

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

The image shows three steps of preparing two steaks. In the first step, two raw red steaks are placed side by side on a white plate with some coarse black pepper and olive oil scattered around them. The second step shows the two steaks inside a black air fryer basket, still raw with pepper seasoning visible. In the final step, the cooked steaks are in the same black air fryer basket, now brown with a slightly rough texture from cooking and pepper seasoning still visible. The background and surface are white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring Everything to Room Temperature

Start by letting your 8 oz filet mignon steaks and butter sit out for about 30 minutes. This step might seem small, but it’s key for even cooking and the best texture. Cold butter can be tough to mix, and cold steaks can cook unevenly, so patience here pays off.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt. Mix it well with a fork until all the flavors meld together into a luscious spread. Then, place the butter on parchment paper, roll it into a neat log, and fold the paper tightly. Pop it into the fridge while you get the steaks ready—this makes slicing a breeze later on.

Step 3: Season Your Steaks Generously

Brush both sides of each filet with a tablespoon of olive oil. Don’t be shy here—this seals in flavor and locks moisture. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt and pepper on all sides. A good crust is essential for that restaurant-quality bite!

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the seasoned filets in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 400°F and air fry for 10 minutes to reach medium rare. Want it rarer or more done? Here’s a quick guide:

Rare: 9–10 minutes (120°F internal)
Medium rare: 10–11 minutes (130°F internal)
Medium: 11–12 minutes (140°F internal)
Medium well: 11.5–13 minutes (150°F internal)
Well done: 14 minutes (160°F internal)

Always double-check with a meat thermometer to hit your perfect doneness.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Once done, let the steaks rest for 3–5 minutes—this is crucial for juicy, tender bites. Slice a round of that cold garlic herb butter and place it on top. Watch it melt luxuriously while you get ready to dive in. This last step turns a simple steak into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. Enjoy every bite!

Top Tip

Mastering the Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is all about a few simple but impactful tricks that transform your steak from good to unforgettable. These little tips come straight from my kitchen experiments and have made every cook feel like a steakhouse chef!

Bring to Room Temperature: Patience pays off! Letting both your steaks and herb butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes ensures even cooking and that buttery melt-on-your-tongue finish.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. I learned the hard way that under-seasoning makes this premium cut fall flat. A good coating on all sides really elevates flavor.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This simple tool guarantees perfect doneness every time. Checking internal temps means no guesswork—hit 130°F for that ideal medium rare melt.
Rest Before Serving: Resist the temptation to dive in immediately! Letting your filets rest for 3 to 5 minutes allows juices to redistribute, making every bite juicy and tender.

How to Serve Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe

A white plate holds a meal with three main parts: a thick piece of steak on the right side, cooked medium rare with a pink center and a small dollop of melting butter and herbs on top; a baked potato on the left side, with the skin broken open to reveal soft white inside; and a bunch of grilled asparagus spears placed along the left edge of the plate, showing charred marks and a green color. A small piece of steak lies near the asparagus, showing a brown outside and pink inside. A sprig of fresh thyme is placed next to the steak on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and another similar plate with the same food is blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple yet elegant by topping each filet with a luscious slice of the garlic herb butter right after resting. Fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary add a beautiful pop of green and a subtle aromatic hint. For a touch of brightness, I love a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a grind of fresh black pepper just before serving.

Side Dishes

This steak shines alongside classic sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes, buttery asparagus, or a crisp Caesar salad. For something heartier, sautéed mushrooms or a creamy risotto perfectly complement the rich herb butter. If you're keeping it light, a simple green bean almondine or steamed broccoli work beautifully too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover filet mignon in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, your steak will stay delicious and safe for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked filet mignon for longer storage. Wrap each steak tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat steak gently to keep it tender: set your oven to 250°F and warm the filet wrapped loosely in foil until it reaches your preferred temperature (usually 10–15 minutes). Alternatively, reheat briefly in an air fryer at 350°F for about 3–5 minutes. Top with a fresh slice of garlic herb butter for that fresh-off-the-grill feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of steak with this air fryer method?

Absolutely! While filet mignon is tender and thick, other cuts like ribeye or strip steak can also be air fried using similar temperatures and timing. Just adjust cooking times according to thickness and desired doneness.

How do I know my steak is medium rare without a thermometer?

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can use the finger test method to estimate doneness by feeling the steak's firmness. However, investing in a digital thermometer takes the guesswork out and ensures perfect results every time.

Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making the garlic herb butter ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. You can prepare it days in advance and keep it refrigerated, then slice off what you need when ready to serve.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

Definitely! Simply swap regular butter for your favorite vegan butter in the garlic herb butter to keep it dairy free without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Enjoying a perfectly cooked filet mignon at home has never been simpler or more satisfying than with this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe. It’s a quick, elegant, and delicious way to elevate your dinner, impress your date, or treat yourself to a steakhouse-worthy meal any night of the week. With its juicy tenderness and aromatic butter, every bite feels like a celebration. Happy cooking and bon appétit!