If you're craving a steak dinner that's both elegant and super easy, look no further than this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe. Tender, juicy filet mignon meets rich garlic herb butter in a straightforward meal you'll want to make again and again.
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 love how this recipe turns an impression-worthy steak dinner into a quick, hands-off affair using the air fryer. It’s my go-to when I want rich flavor with minimal fuss and cleanup.
- Perfectly tender steak: Filet mignon cooks beautifully in the air fryer, sealing in juicy flavor every time.
- Garlic herb butter upgrade: The homemade butter adds a luscious, aromatic finish that makes it feel extra special.
- Quick and easy prep: Just 5 minutes to prep, 10 minutes to cook — ideal for a fast, gourmet meal.
- Minimal cleanup: One cooking vessel means spending more time enjoying your meal and less on washing up.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Choosing quality ingredients is the key to this air fryer filet mignon’s success. I like to pick fresh herbs and the best steaks I can find to make that garlic herb butter really shine alongside the tender meat.
- Filet Mignon steaks: These steaks are incredibly tender, making them perfect for a quick-cook method like air frying.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and gives a nice sear when cooking in the air fryer.
- Salt and pepper: Simple yet essential seasonings to enhance the natural beef flavor.
- Butter (or vegan butter): Softened butter is the base for that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth garlic herb topping.
- Fresh rosemary: Adds a piney, fragrant punch that elevates the butter’s flavor.
- Fresh thyme: Offers an earthy herbaceous note that balances the richness of the butter.
- Garlic powder: Brings a mellow, savory depth without overpowering the steak.
- Salt: Used a touch in the butter to tie all those flavors together perfectly.
Make It Your Way
The beauty of this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is how easily it adapts to your taste buds and lifestyle. Whether you're looking to spice things up, keep it classic, or cater to dietary needs, there’s a way to make this steak uniquely yours.
- Herb Variations: I love swapping out rosemary and thyme for fresh tarragon or basil depending on the season. It gives the butter a slightly different, fresh twist that pairs beautifully with filet mignon.
- Garlic Lovers’ Version: Sometimes I add a pinch of minced fresh garlic or a dash of garlic salt instead of garlic powder for a bolder garlic punch. Just be mindful of the intensity so it doesn’t overpower the delicate filet.
- Dairy-Free Friendly: Using vegan butter instead of dairy butter works perfectly without losing that creamy herb flavor. I always recommend trying Earth Balance or Miyoko’s for a smooth texture.
- Spicy Kick: For those who like heat, mixing in a little cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the butter offers an exciting smoky-spicy kick that elevates the steak nicely.
- Serving Ideas: Pair your filet with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to keep things light, or go indulgent with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic pairing.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Step 1: Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature
Start by letting both your filet mignon steaks and the butter sit out for about 30 minutes. This little wait is key for even cooking and makes blending the herb butter so much easier. You’ll notice the butter softens just right, and the steaks lose their chill, helping them cook to juicy perfection in the air fryer.
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 of salt. Mix thoroughly using a fork until everything is beautifully blended. Then, transfer the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and roll it into a neat log, wrapping it securely. Pop it in the refrigerator to keep fresh and ready for serving.
Step 3: Season the Steaks
Brush each side of your filet mignon steaks generously with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then, sprinkle both sides liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy here — the seasoning locks in flavor and forms a beautiful crust as it cooks.
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Place your seasoned steaks into the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t crowded so the hot air can circulate nicely. Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes for a perfect medium rare finish. I highly recommend using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130°F. This ensures your filet is tender, juicy, and exactly how you like it. Adjust the time slightly if you prefer it rarer or more done.
Step 5: Rest and Serve with Herb Butter
Once your filet mignon is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Finally, top each steak with a generous slice of the chilled garlic herb butter and watch it melt into a savory, fragrant glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy your gourmet meal with minimal fuss!
Top Tip
Mastering the perfect Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter recipe is easier than you think! These tips will help you get that tender, juicy steak every time.
- Let Steaks Reach Room Temperature: Taking the steaks out 30 minutes before cooking really does make a difference in cooking them evenly and achieving that perfect medium rare.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I’ve found that relying on a thermometer rather than guesswork ensures your steak hits just the right internal temperature—130°F for medium rare is magic.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the filets to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking keeps all those flavorful juices locked in.
- Make Butter Ahead: Prepping your garlic herb butter ahead of time and keeping it chilled means you can simply slice and serve, making the whole dinner flow effortlessly.
How to Serve Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Garnishes
This filet mignon is beautiful on its own, but feel free to add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme on top for a touch of elegance and aroma. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a lovely crunch and flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Filet Mignon with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a fresh mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. For a low-carb option, steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice makes a great match too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover filet mignon tightly in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked filet mignon by wrapping each steak securely in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a low oven (around 250°F) wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes, or use a quick 2-3 minute blast in the air fryer at 350°F. Add a fresh slice of garlic herb butter on top to revive that delicious flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can cook more steaks as long as they fit comfortably in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and a nice crust.
Mix the softened butter with the herbs and spices until blended, then roll it into a log and chill. It’s ready to serve once firm but still easy to slice.
Adjust the air frying time slightly: 9-10 minutes for rare, up to 14 minutes for well done. Always use a meat thermometer to check your desired internal temperature for best results.
Absolutely! Just substitute the butter with your favorite vegan butter; the rest of the recipe stays the same and the flavor is just as wonderful.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter recipe brings a bit of gourmet magic to your kitchen with minimal fuss. Whether it’s a special date night or simply a dinner where you want to feel fancy and satisfied, this tender, flavorful steak has got you covered. Enjoy every juicy, buttery bite—you deserve it!
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Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Rest Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This best air fryer filet mignon recipe delivers perfectly cooked, tender steaks with a delicious garlic herb butter. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, it's perfect for a special date night or an impressive dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Steaks
- 2 8 oz Filet Mignon steaks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Herb Butter
- ¼ 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
- ¼ tsp salt (add ½ tsp total if using unsalted butter)
Instructions
- Bring to Room Temperature: Let the butter and steaks come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and easy mixing.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: In a bowl, combine softened butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well with a fork until fully blended. Transfer the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper, and roll it into a log shape, folding the paper to cover the butter completely. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Season the Steaks: Brush both sides of the filet mignon steaks with olive oil. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Air Fry the Filets: Place the steaks in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes for medium rare doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, targeting 130 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare. Adjust cooking times slightly if you prefer your steak rarer or more well done.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes to retain juices. Serve each filet with a slice of the garlic herb butter on top and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
Notes
- This air fryer filet mignon recipe is perfect for date night or a quick gourmet meal with easy prep and minimal cleanup.
- Letting the steaks rest after cooking ensures the juices redistribute for a tender bite.
- Adjust the butter seasoning to your taste by adding more or less garlic powder or fresh herbs.
- Use a meat thermometer for best results to achieve your preferred steak doneness.
- For dairy-free options, substitute the butter with vegan butter without changing other ingredients or steps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filet with 1 tablespoon herb butter
- Calories: 791 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 494 mg
- Fat: 68 g
- Saturated Fat: 29 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 189 mg
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