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've ever wanted to make a restaurant-quality steak at home without the fuss, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is definitely for you. It’s quick, simple, and produces unbelievably tender results with that rich, garlicky herb butter melting right on top.

Two thick, round pieces of cooked steak, dark brown with visible grill marks and specks of black pepper on top. On top of the steak is a small dollop of melting butter mixed with green herbs. Behind the steaks, there is a bunch of bright green asparagus spears, laid flat and slightly overlapping each other. The food is arranged on a clean, white plate, which is placed on a white marbled surface. A small sprig of green herbs is placed next to the asparagus for garnish. 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 honestly can’t get over how easy and delicious this air fryer filet mignon is. It’s become my go-to when I want something special but don’t want to deal with complicated techniques or loads of cleanup.

Super quick prep: You’re ready to eat in just 15 minutes total, perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute date night.
Perfectly tender every time: The air fryer cooks the steaks evenly, locking in the juices for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Herb butter magic: The garlic, rosemary, and thyme butter adds a depth of flavor that makes these filets unforgettable.
Minimal cleanup: No need for messy pans or grill setups—your air fryer does all the work.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, I always pick the freshest herbs and high-quality filet mignon steaks. Trust me, a great steak makes all the difference, and fresh herbs bring that bright, fragrant punch to the butter.

Flat lay of two raw filet mignon steaks with deep red marbling, a small white ceramic bowl of soft pale yellow butter mixed with visible chopped fresh green rosemary and thyme, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a scattering of coarse black peppercorns and white salt crystals evenly arranged, 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 tender cuts are lean, soft, and perfect for quick cooking in the air fryer.
Olive Oil: Helps seasonings stick and promotes a nice crust on the steak's exterior.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential to enhance the natural beef flavors.
Butter: Softened to room temperature so it’s easy to mix and melts beautifully on top of the steak.
Fresh Rosemary: Adds a woodsy, aromatic note that pairs perfectly with beef.
Fresh Thyme: Brings a subtle earthiness and pairs wonderfully with the rosemary and garlic.
Garlic Powder: Gives a rich, savory depth without overpowering the herb flavors.
Salt: Balances the butter flavors and enhances the herbs (adjust if using salted butter).

📝

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 best parts about this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes. Whether you want to add a twist with different herbs or adjust the seasoning, making it your own is half the fun!

Herb Variations: I sometimes swap out rosemary and thyme for fresh parsley and chives to give the butter a bright, fresh flavor. It’s amazing how a small change in herbs can subtly shift the whole dish!
Dairy-Free Twist: Using vegan butter still gives you that luscious, savory finish without dairy. This makes the recipe accessible for anyone avoiding animal products, and it’s just as indulgent.
Spice It Up: For a little extra kick, try mixing in a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper into the herb butter. It adds a subtle warmth that complements the steak beautifully.
Seasonal Touches: In colder months, swapping fresh herbs for dried ones works well too—just reduce the garlic powder slightly to keep the butter balanced and flavorful.

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 seasoned with pepper and some oil are placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. In the second step, the steaks are inside a black air fryer basket, still red and seasoned with pepper, ready to cook. In the third step, the cooked steaks are brown with some pepper visible, sitting inside the black air fryer basket on the same white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Let Everything Come to Room Temperature

Before cooking, I like to set my steaks and butter out for about 30 minutes. This helps the meat cook more evenly and allows the butter to soften just right for mixing. You’ll notice the butter becomes easy to blend with the herbs, and the steaks won’t seize up when they hit the hot air fryer.

Step 2: Mix Up the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt. I use a fork to mix it up thoroughly, making sure the herbs are evenly distributed. Then, I scoop the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and roll it into a neat log shape. Folding the paper around it helps keep the butter fresh while it chills in the fridge during cooking.

Step 3: Season Your Steaks

Brush both sides of your filet mignon generously with olive oil. Then don’t be shy—sprinkle on ample salt and freshly ground black pepper. This seasoning step really brings out the steak’s natural flavors and creates that beautiful, savory crust once air fried.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the filets in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Set the temperature to 400°F, then cook according to your preferred doneness: 10 minutes for rare, 11 minutes for medium-rare, 12 minutes for medium, 13 minutes for medium-well, or 14 minutes for well-done. I always keep a meat thermometer handy—check for 120°F (rare), 130°F (medium-rare), 140°F (medium), 150°F (medium-well), or 160°F (well-done) to nail the perfect steak every time.

Step 5: Rest and Serve with Herb Butter

Once cooked, let your filets rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This step is crucial—it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the steak juicy and tender. Top each steak with a generous slice of the garlic herb butter and watch it melt into a delicious finishing touch.

Top Tip

Mastering the art of the perfect air fryer filet mignon comes down to a few simple but essential tips that really elevate the dish from good to unforgettable.

Bring to Room Temperature: Never skip letting the steaks and herb butter come to room temperature first. It ensures even cooking and helps the flavors penetrate beautifully.
Use a Meat Thermometer: I learned the hard way that eyeballing steak doneness is risky. A quick temperature check guarantees your filet is cooked exactly how you like it.
Herb Butter Roll: Rolling the garlic herb butter into a log on parchment paper makes slicing and serving neat and elegant — plus it chills perfectly in the fridge while you cook.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Resting your fillets for a few minutes after air frying lets the juices redistribute, giving you that tender, juicy bite every time.

How to Serve Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe

A white plate holds a meal with three main parts: on the left, there are many long, green grilled asparagus stalks with slight char marks; next to them is a baked potato with a rough brown skin, split open and filled with white melted butter inside; on the right, a thick piece of steak shows a dark brown grilled outside and a center that is bright pink and juicy, with a small dollop of melting butter on top and a sprig of green herb; a small piece of the steak is sliced and placed in front of it. A sprig of thyme lies near the steak, and the plate rests on a white marbled surface. In the background, another white plate with a similar arrangement is slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep your garnishes simple and fresh to complement the rich herb butter. A sprinkle of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme adds a lovely touch. A few cracklings of fresh black pepper or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also brighten the plate.

Side Dishes

This elegant filet pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a silky cauliflower purée to soak up that garlic herb butter. For some greens, I love roasted asparagus, sautéed garlic spinach, or a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, wrap any leftover filet mignon tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll keep well for up to 3 days without losing much flavor or moisture.

Freezing

If you want to save your filet mignon longer, wrap each steak individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they remain good for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To gently reheat without overcooking, warm your leftover filet in a low oven (about 250°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Adding a fresh slice of garlic herb butter on top right before serving refreshes the flavor and juiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen filet mignon for this recipe?

It's best to use fresh or fully thawed filet mignon for even cooking. If using frozen steaks, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking in the air fryer.

How do I know when the steak is cooked to medium rare?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium rare. This ensures perfect doneness without guesswork.

Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing the garlic herb butter ahead and refrigerating it makes the cooking process quicker and adds extra flavor as the butter melds together.

What if I want a dairy-free version?

Simply substitute the softened butter with a vegan butter alternative when making the herb butter. It still tastes delicious and keeps it dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

Cooking filet mignon in the air fryer has truly changed the way I approach special meals at home. It’s so fast, fuss-free, and yields a tender steak every time — finished perfectly with that dreamy garlic herb butter. Whether it’s date night or a cozy dinner for two, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe brings elegance and ease to your plate with just a handful of ingredients and simple steps. Give it a try, and savor the deliciousness!