Name: Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 45 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 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.

A white plate holds a thick, round cooked steak with a browned, slightly crispy outside and small cracks on top showing texture. A small pat of herb butter sits melting in the center of the steak, adding a creamy light yellow layer with green flecks. To the right of the steak, there is a bunch of bright green cooked asparagus spears, slightly shiny and laid out in a neat pile. Small sprigs of fresh thyme are placed under the asparagus on the white plate. The whole scene is set 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 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.

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 of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of cracked black pepper, and a few whole uncracked brown eggs arranged symmetrically, all 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: 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.

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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 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

The image shows three stages of preparing two steaks. The first stage has two raw red steaks on a white plate with oil and black pepper sprinkled around and on top, placed on a white marbled surface. The second stage shows the two raw steaks inside a black air fryer basket, still with pepper on them. The third stage shows the steaks cooked to a brown color with a seared texture in the same black air fryer basket, with the pepper still visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

On a white plate on a white marbled surface, there is one main thick piece of medium-rare steak with a small melting pat of herb butter on top. The steak has a rich brown crust with visible pepper and seasoning. In front of the steak, there is a sliced part showing the pink center inside. To the left of the steak, there is a baked potato with its skin showing and soft white inside bursting out. In front of the baked potato, several green asparagus spears with a slightly charred texture are placed, adding a fresh green color to the plate. A small sprig of fresh thyme is also on the plate next to the steak. In the background, there is another similar white plate also filled with asparagus, baked potato, and steak, slightly blurred. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I cook more than two filets at once in the air fryer?

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.

How do I know when the garlic herb butter is ready?

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.

What if I prefer my steak more or less done?

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.

Can I use this recipe if I’m dairy-free?

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!