If you’ve ever wanted steakhouse-quality filet mignon but without the hassle, you’re in for a treat. This Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe guarantees tender, juicy steaks topped with a luscious garlic herb butter—all cooked quickly and easily in your air fryer.

Two thick, juicy brown steak pieces sit stacked on a wooden board, each topped with a creamy, herb-filled butter and a fresh, green rosemary sprig. The texture of the steak is slightly shiny with visible sear marks, and the butter on top shows small bits of green herbs mixed in, melting slowly over the warm meat. Behind the stack, a whole garlic bulb and more sprigs of rosemary rest on the wooden surface, all set against a dark, blurred background. 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’m so excited to share this recipe because it turns what feels like a fancy, complicated meal into a simple and dependable everyday delight. No more guessing when it’s done, and the herb butter really elevates the whole experience.

Quick and Easy: From prepping to resting, the whole process takes just about 33 minutes.
Perfectly Cooked: The air fryer sears the filet mignon beautifully, locking in juices for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Flavor-Packed: The garlic herb butter adds a fresh, savory lift that complements the tender steak perfectly.
Minimal Cleanup: Using the air fryer means less mess, more flavor, and you won’t be stuck slaving by the stove or grill.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk ingredients before you dive in. I recommend choosing fresh herbs and high-quality filet mignon steaks around 8 ounces each for the best balance of flavor and cook time. You don’t need anything fancy, but quality ingredients really shine here.

Flat lay of two thick raw filet mignon steaks with rich red marbling, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of fine sea salt crystals, a small white bowl of cracked black peppercorns, a small white bowl of softened pale yellow unsalted butter mixed with finely chopped fresh bright green parsley, fresh thyme sprigs, fresh rosemary sprigs, and a single peeled garlic clove placed beside the herb butter, 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: Tender cuts that cook quickly and evenly; choose steaks about 1.5 inches thick for ideal air frying.
Olive oil: Helps seasonings stick and promotes a beautiful crust on the steak.
Fine sea salt: Enhances natural flavors without overpowering the meat.
Ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and aroma.
Unsalted butter: The rich base for your herb butter, letting fresh flavors shine.
Fresh parsley: Bright and slightly peppery, it adds freshness to the butter.
Fresh thyme: Earthy and aromatic, perfect for elevating the steak’s flavor.
Fresh rosemary: Bold and piney, it complements the richness of the beef beautifully.
Garlic: Minced for that classic, irresistible punch that pairs perfectly with herb butter.

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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 you can tailor it to suit your taste buds or occasion. Whether you want to add a little extra flair or simplify things for a quick meal, the recipe welcomes your personal touch!

Herb Swaps: I sometimes swap fresh thyme for fresh basil or tarragon in the garlic herb butter for a slightly different aromatic profile that brightens the steak wonderfully.
Spicy Kick: If you like a touch of heat, sprinkle a little cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes on your steaks before air frying. It gives the filet a subtle spicy warmth that pairs beautifully with the rich butter.
Special Occasion Touch: For a festive twist, add a splash of balsamic glaze drizzle over the rested steaks and herb butter. It creates a lovely tangy contrast that feels extra luxurious.
Low-Sodium Option: If watching sodium intake, reduce or omit the fine sea salt and rely on fresh herbs and cracked black pepper. The garlic herb butter still delivers plenty of flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe

A juicy steak sliced into four thick pieces showing a pink, moist inside with a dark brown, grilled outer layer. On top of the slices is a spread of chopped garlic and herbs with a coarse texture, garnished with fresh green sprigs of rosemary. Next to the steak, a whole head of garlic adds a rustic touch, all placed on a wood cutting board with a few scattered salt grains around. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring Those Steaks to Room Temperature

This step is crucial for even cooking. Take your filet mignon out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to cook. You’ll notice the chill lifting, and the steaks relax, which helps them cook more evenly and stay tender. If you skip this, you might get uneven doneness—perfectly cooked on the outside but chilly or undercooked inside.

Step 2: Make That Garlic Herb Butter Magic

While your steaks are warming up, combine 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter with fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic in a small bowl. I like to mix it until everything is evenly distributed so every bite is infused with herbaceous, garlicky goodness. Pop this into the fridge to firm up—it’ll melt beautifully over your hot steak later.

Step 3: Season and Oil the Steaks

Patting the steaks dry with paper towels is key to getting a nice sear and crust. Once dry, rub both sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil. This helps your seasoning stick and promotes browning. Then sprinkle fine sea salt and ground black pepper evenly on both sides. Don’t be shy here—seasoning is flavor!

Step 4: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Crank your air fryer up to 400°F so it’s sizzling hot when the steaks go in. Preheating ensures that gorgeous crust forms as soon as the filet hits the basket, locking in those precious juices.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Place the steaks in the air fryer basket without crowding. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping, so keep some breathing room. Cook the steaks for 10 to 11 minutes, flipping halfway through around the 5-minute mark. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature aiming for 130°F for that perfect medium-rare. Remember, your filet will continue cooking slightly as it rests.

Step 6: Rest, Top, and Serve

Right after removing the steaks, transfer them to a plate and immediately top each with half of your garlic herb butter. Loosely cover with foil and let them rest for 10 minutes. This resting time lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat and allows that herb butter to melt into every tender nook and cranny—utterly divine!

Top Tip

Mastering the Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe can feel magical with a few helpful tips I’ve picked up along the way. These little nuggets of advice ensure you get that perfect, juicy, tender steak every time.

Patience with Room Temperature: Letting your filet mignon come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking really makes a difference. It helps the steak cook evenly, so no surprise cold centers here!
Butter Prep is Key: Mixing and chilling the garlic herb butter ahead of time not only locks in the fresh flavors but also lets it melt evenly over the steak during resting. I've learned this little step elevates the dish to restaurant-quality.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking more than two steaks means batches are your best friend. Crowding blocks airflow, which means no crispy, golden crust—something I once had to relearn the hard way!
Use a Meat Thermometer: This gadget is invaluable. Flipping steaks halfway and checking for that 130°F internal temp ensures that perfect medium-rare without guesswork or overcooking.

How to Serve Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe

A small clear glass bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, there is a creamy mixture that looks light beige with small green herb pieces evenly spread throughout. The mixture has a thick, slightly rough texture and some of it is spread on the inner sides of the bowl. The bowl is viewed from above, showing the mix in the center with speckled herbs visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To enhance the beauty and flavor of your filet mignon, try garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few extra sprigs of thyme or rosemary. A light drizzle of the melted garlic herb butter from the resting plate adds even more indulgence. For a touch of elegance, a few flaked sea salt crystals on top can bring out the steak’s savory notes beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic steakhouse sides. Creamy garlic mashed potatoes or buttery roasted asparagus are favorites. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness perfectly. For a cozy touch, consider sautéed mushrooms or crispy air-fried Brussels sprouts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover filet mignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and enjoy it within 3 days for the best quality. This keeps your air fryer steak juicy and safe to eat without losing much of that fresh-cooked flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save your delicious steak for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooked steak tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe airtight container. The garlic herb butter should be frozen separately in a small container or wrapped as well. Both will keep for up to 3 months frozen without losing much quality.

Reheating

To reheat, air fry the leftover filet mignon at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. This warms the steak without overcooking it or drying it out. Adding a small pat of that refrigerated garlic herb butter on top while reheating will help retain moisture and flavor beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I cook filet mignon in the air fryer without herb butter?

Absolutely! The herb butter adds wonderful flavor and richness, but the filet mignon will still turn out tender and juicy cooked in the air fryer with just salt and pepper seasoning.

What if I want a different doneness than medium rare?

You can adjust the cooking time based on your desired doneness. For medium rare, cook 10-11 minutes to an internal temperature of 130°F. Rare requires about 9-10 minutes (120°F), and medium around 11-12 minutes (140°F). Always use an instant-read thermometer for best results.

Can I cook more than two steaks at once?

You can, but it’s best to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and browning. Cook two steaks at a time for perfectly crisp and cooked filet mignon.

How do I know when the steak is done without a thermometer?

While a meat thermometer is the most accurate way, you can also use touch. A medium-rare steak feels soft with slight resistance. However, for consistent results, I highly recommend using a thermometer—it takes all the guesswork out!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about pulling off a perfect Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe in just a fraction of the time it takes traditionally. With its tender texture and rich flavors from that melting garlic herb butter, it’s impossible not to impress yourself and your guests. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weekend treat, this recipe makes gourmet dining approachable and cozy in your own kitchen. So go ahead, fire up that air fryer and savor every bite!