If you’re craving a steakhouse-quality dinner without leaving your kitchen, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It’s tender, juicy, and topped with a rich garlic herb butter that elevates every bite.
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
Honestly, I’ve made this air fryer filet mignon more times than I can count. It’s foolproof and so satisfying that it quickly became my go-to for a special yet easy meal.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 50 minutes from start to finish, even including rest time.
- Perfectly Cooked: The air fryer gives you that beautiful sear and juicy inside every time.
- Rich Flavor: The garlic herb butter adds a savory, buttery punch that complements the steak perfectly.
- Minimal Cleanup: One basket, a bowl, and a couple utensils— that’s it!
Ingredients & Why They Work
To get that melt-in-your-mouth goodness, you want to focus on quality ingredients and simple seasonings that let the filet mignon shine. Here are the essentials:
- Filet Mignon Steaks: These steaks are incredibly tender and lean, making them perfect for quick air fryer cooking.
- Olive Oil: Helps create a nice crust and keeps the steak moist while seasoning.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential—season generously to enhance the natural beef flavor.
- Butter (or Vegan Butter): Softened for easy mixing; this forms the base for our flavorful garlic herb butter.
- Fresh Rosemary and Thyme: Aromatic herbs that bring a woodsy, fragrant note to the butter.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a gentle garlicky depth without overpowering the steak.
- Salt: Balances and intensifies the herb butter’s savory taste—adjust if your butter is unsalted.
Make It Your Way
The Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to tailor to your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a seasonal twist or make it completely dairy-free, it’s all about making this elegant dish your own.
- Herb Variations: I love swapping out fresh rosemary for tarragon or basil in the butter during summer months to brighten the flavors. It adds a fresh, aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the steak’s richness.
- Dairy-Free Option: For friends who avoid dairy, I use vegan butter and omit the garlic powder to keep the garlic herb butter creamy and flavorful without dairy. It’s a delicious twist that everyone can enjoy.
- Spicy Kick: Sometimes I like to mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the herb butter. It adds a subtle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering the tender filet.
- Serving Style: Instead of slicing the herb butter log, try melting a generous dollop over the steak right when it comes out of the air fryer. The heat will create a luscious sauce that’s perfect for dipping or drizzling.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Step 1: Bring Everything to Room Temperature
This is a little trick that makes a world of difference. Let your steaks and butter sit out for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the filet cook evenly throughout and makes the garlic herb butter soft enough to blend beautifully and spread easily after cooking.
Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Herb Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with freshly chopped rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt. Use a fork to combine everything until it’s smooth and well blended. Next, place the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and roll it up into a neat log, folding the paper securely around it. Pop this in the fridge while you cook the steaks—this gives it a chance to firm up and develop those rich herb flavors.
Step 3: Season the Steaks Generously
Brush both sides of your filet mignons with olive oil — this locks in moisture and helps the seasoning stick. Then, season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple step elevates the natural flavor of the meat and sets you up for that perfect crust in the air fryer.
Step 4: Air Fry to Your Desired Doneness
Place the filets in your air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Set the temperature to 400°F and air fry according to how you like your steak: 9-10 minutes for rare, 10-11 minutes for medium rare (my favorite!), 11-12 minutes for medium, 11.5-13 minutes for medium well, and 14 minutes for well done. To nail the perfect cook, I always use a meat thermometer so each steak hits the sweet spot: 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium well, and 160°F for well done.
Step 5: Let the Steaks Rest
After air frying, transfer your filets to a plate and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy—always worth the wait!
Step 6: Serve with a Slice of Garlic Herb Butter
Top each filet with a slice of the chilled garlic herb butter right before serving. As it melts over the warm steak, it creates a heavenly, buttery sauce that’s packed with fragrant herbs and garlic. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Top Tip
To get the most out of your Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe, these tips will help you cook perfectly tender and flavorful steaks every time. From timing to seasoning, a few small tweaks make a huge difference.
- Room Temperature Prep: Bringing both the steaks and the butter to room temperature before cooking ensures even doneness and that luscious herb butter melts beautifully over the meat.
- Season Generously: >Don’t be shy with salt and pepper — seasoning both sides well brings out the filet's natural, rich flavor without overpowering it.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a good instant-read meat thermometer to nail your preferred doneness, avoiding guesswork or unwanted overcooking.
- Rest the Steaks: Letting your filets rest 3-5 minutes after air frying helps redistribute juices for ultimate tenderness and juiciness.
How to Serve Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives brightens the look and adds a hint of fresh herbal aroma. You can also add a few roasted garlic cloves or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for a subtle tang that complements the herb butter beautifully.
Side Dishes
This steak pairs wonderfully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp arugula salad. For something a bit heartier, creamy risotto or sautéed mushrooms tossed with thyme echo the steak’s herb butter flavors nicely.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover filets in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay tasty for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or a speedy dinner reheated with care.
Freezing
If you want to save your garlic herb butter for longer, wrap it tightly in parchment and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. For leftover steak, wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat steak without drying it out, warm it gently in a low oven (about 250°F) until warmed through, or use your air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes. Add a slice of garlic herb butter on top after reheating for extra juicy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
While fresh filet mignon is best for even cooking and flavor, you can use frozen steaks if fully thawed in the refrigerator before cooking. Make sure they come to room temperature before air frying to ensure great results.
If fresh rosemary and thyme aren’t available, dried herbs can be substituted—use about one-third of the fresh herb amount. The garlic powder adds plenty of flavor, so your herb butter will still be delicious.
Cooking times will vary slightly with steak thickness. For thicker filets, add 1-2 minutes; for thinner ones, reduce the time accordingly. Always check doneness with a meat thermometer for best results.
Absolutely! The garlic herb butter can be prepared days in advance and kept refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. Just slice off a piece when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Cooking an elegant and tender steak at home doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. This Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe balances convenience with gourmet flavor perfectly—ideal for a cozy date night or to impress guests with minimal fuss. With a few simple tips and some easy prep, you’ll enjoy a juicy, beautifully seasoned steak that truly melts in your mouth. Happy cooking and bon appétit!
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Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Rest Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 49 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe delivers the best air fryer filet mignon, a tender and juicy steak cooked to perfection with a flavorful garlic herb butter. Perfect for a quick date night or special meal, it combines easy prep, precise air frying, and rich, buttery seasoning for melt-in-your-mouth results every time.
Ingredients
Steaks
- 2 8 oz filet mignon steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Garlic Herb Butter
- ¼ cup butter (softened to room temperature, use vegan butter for dairy free)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (add ½ teaspoon 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 better flavor absorption.
- Prepare Garlic Herb Butter: Combine softened butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Mix well using a fork. Transfer the butter mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and roll it into a log shape, folding the paper to cover it completely. Refrigerate while cooking steaks.
- 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 natural flavor of the meat.
- Air Fry the Steaks: Place the steaks in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the desired doneness: 10-11 minutes for medium rare (preferred), 9-10 minutes for rare, 11-12 minutes for medium, 11.5-13 minutes for medium well, or 14 minutes for well done. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature: 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium well, 160°F for well done.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve with Herb Butter: Serve each filet topped with a slice of the prepared garlic herb butter. Enjoy immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- This 15-minute air fryer filet mignon is ideal for a quick and elegant date night meal with minimal cleanup.
- Bringing steaks and butter to room temperature helps achieve consistent cooking and better butter spreadability.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Substitute vegan butter and skip garlic powder for a dairy-free variation.
- Leftover garlic herb butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
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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