Name: Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 49 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 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.

A thick, round brown steak with grill marks is centered on a white plate. On top of the steak, there is a small dollop of light yellow herb butter melting and spreading slightly. Behind the steak, there is a bunch of bright green cooked asparagus spears arranged in a neat line that goes from the right side of the plate towards the center. Small sprigs of fresh green herbs rest next to the asparagus. The plate sits 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

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:

Flat lay of two raw filet mignon steaks with rich marbling, a small drizzle of golden olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, a few pinches of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper scattered on a white ceramic dish, a softened log of pale creamy butter mixed with finely chopped vibrant green rosemary leaves and thyme sprigs in a simple white bowl, and a small mound of light beige garlic powder on a white ceramic plate, all arranged symmetrically and naturally 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 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.

📝

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 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

The image shows three steps of cooking two steaks. In the first step, two raw, red steaks are placed on a white plate with seasoning and oil scattered around. In the second step, the two seasoned raw steaks are inside a black air fryer basket with its grooves visible beneath them. In the third step, the same two steaks are inside the air fryer, now cooked to a brown color with visible grilling marks and seasoning. The background throughout is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

On a white plate, there is a medium-thick steak with a dark brown grilled outside and a pink inside, topped with a small dollop of melting butter mixed with green herbs. Next to it are long, shiny green asparagus spears with grill marks. A round baked potato with a cracked open skin shows soft white inside with melted butter on top. There is a small sprig of fresh thyme placed beside the steak. In the background, another white plate holds more asparagus and potato. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I use frozen filet mignon for this recipe?

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.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs for the butter?

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.

Is the cooking time the same if my filets are thicker or thinner than 8 oz?

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.

Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?

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!