Name: Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 46 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 dreamed of cooking restaurant-quality steak at home without the hassle, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is going to change the game for you. It’s tender, packed with flavor, and comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for those special nights in.

On a white plate, there is a thick, cooked steak placed on the left side; it has a dark brown, slightly crispy outside with visible grill marks and seasoning, topped with a small dollop of melting herb butter giving a creamy, light yellow spot near the center. To the right of the steak, several green asparagus spears are laid parallel, showing a slightly shiny texture with some browned, cooked tips. A small sprig of green thyme is placed near the bottom right of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface in soft natural light, highlighting the juicy and fresh textures of the food. 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, this recipe quickly became one of my favorites. It’s the kind of steaks that impress your guests or feel snug for a cozy date night—without keeping you in the kitchen all evening.

Speedy and simple: Ready to serve in just 15 minutes, making dinner effortless yet elegant.
Perfectly tender steaks: The air fryer ensures your filet mignon comes out juicy and cooked just right every time.
Flavorful herb butter: Garlic, rosemary, and thyme elevate the steak to another level of deliciousness.
Minimal cleanup: Air frying your steak means less mess and more time enjoying your meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing quality ingredients is key for this recipe. You’ll want fresh herbs and a good cut of filet mignon to make sure every bite is as tender and flavorful as possible.

Flat lay of two fresh raw filet mignon steaks with deep red color and marbling, a small white ceramic bowl of soft vegan butter, a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, a small white ceramic bowl containing golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with white garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl with cracked black peppercorns, arranged in perfect symmetry, 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 perfect for quick, high-heat cooking in the air fryer and pair beautifully with herb butter.
Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick while crisping up the steak’s surface.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of the meat.
Butter: The base for our herb butter—softened for easy mixing and rich flavor.
Fresh rosemary: Adds a fragrant, woody note that complements steak perfectly.
Fresh thyme: Delivers subtle earthiness to the butter.
Garlic powder: Boosts the savoriness without overpowering the delicate beef.
Salt (for butter): Balances and enhances all the flavors in the 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

One of the best parts about this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to introduce some seasonal flair or make it fit your dietary needs, there’s plenty of room to get creative while keeping the steak tender and flavorful.

Herb Swaps: If fresh rosemary or thyme aren't on hand, feel free to try oregano, basil, or even tarragon. I recently swapped thyme for sage, and the earthy flavor paired beautifully with the garlic butter.
Dairy-Free Delight: Use vegan butter to keep things dairy free without sacrificing that rich, buttery finish. It’s a great option if you're cooking for someone with lactose sensitivity.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to the herb butter mix for a little smoky heat. It gave my steak a subtle kick that was absolutely delicious!
Accompaniments: Serve alongside roasted veggies or a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the plate. Sometimes I like topping the steak with sautéed mushrooms for added earthiness.

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

The image shows three stages of cooking two steaks. In the first stage, two raw steaks sit on a white plate, seasoned with coarse black pepper and salt, with a light layer of oil glistening beneath. The steaks are bright red and thick, with visible marbling. In the second stage, the steaks are placed inside a black air fryer basket, still raw but seasoned. The dark basket contrasts with the red steaks. In the third stage, the steaks remain in the air fryer basket but are now cooked, showing a brown, slightly charred surface with seasoning visible. The white marbled surface under the plate and air fryer gives a clean, bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring Your Ingredients to Room Temperature

Start by letting both the steaks and butter sit out for about 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking and makes the butter easier to mix for your herb blend. You’ll notice the steaks soften slightly and the butter becomes perfectly pliable—this little step makes a big difference in texture and flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Herb Butter

In a bowl, combine the softened butter with fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt. Use a fork to blend everything together until well mixed. Then, spread the mixture onto a piece of parchment paper and roll it up into a log shape. Tuck the edges in so the butter is nicely sealed, then pop it in the fridge to chill while you prep your steaks.

Step 3: Season Your Steaks Generously

Brush each filet mignon on both sides with olive oil. Then don’t be shy—season liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning step is key to enhancing the natural flavors of the steak and creating a delicious crust when cooked.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook at 400°F for 10 to 11 minutes for a perfect medium rare. For optimal results, use a meat thermometer—aim for 130°F for medium rare, or adjust to 120°F if you like it rare and up to 160°F for well done. The steam and heat inside the air fryer give you that beautiful sear and juicy center every time.

Step 5: Rest and Serve with Herb Butter

Once cooked, let your steaks rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, so every bite is tender and succulent. Before serving, slice a generous pat of your chilled garlic herb butter over the top—watch it melt luxuriously over the warm steak. That rich, fragrant finish is what takes this quick meal to the next level of indulgence!

Top Tip

Getting that perfectly tender and juicy filet mignon just right is what makes this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe so satisfying. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you nail it every time!

Bring Steaks and Butter to Room Temp: Patience pays off! Letting them sit for about 30 minutes ensures even cooking and a creamy garlic herb butter you can spread easily.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Don’t rely on guesswork. Checking internal temperature (130°F for medium rare is my sweet spot) guarantees your steak hits the perfect doneness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Air circulation is key for a nice crust. Cook the steaks side by side without overlapping for the best sear.
Let the Steaks Rest: Before slicing or serving, wait 3 to 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute—you’ll get that juicy, tender bite every time!

How to Serve Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe

The image shows a white plate with three main layers: on the left side, several grilled green asparagus spears with a slightly charred texture; in the center, a baked potato with a cracked light brown skin and white soft interior with melting butter on top; on the right, a thick cut of steak cooked medium rare with a deep pink center and dark brown seared edges, topped with a small dollop of melted herb butter and a sprig of thyme on the plate next to it. Toward the bottom of the steak, a smaller sliced piece shows the red inside and brown outside clearly. In the background, there is a blurred second white plate with similar food. The surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your plate beautifully. I love adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thyme sprigs for color and fresh aroma. A lemon wedge on the side adds a delicate brightness that complements the richness of the herb butter wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Pair this elegant steak with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted garlic asparagus, or a vibrant side salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. For an even more indulgent meal, truffle mac and cheese or grilled seasonal vegetables are fantastic choices that balance texture and flavor perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cooked filet mignon in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will remain delicious and safe to eat for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic herb butter separate in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked filets by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the herb butter separately in small portions, wrapped well to preserve freshness.

Reheating

Reheat leftover steaks gently in a low 250°F oven or air fryer for just a few minutes until warm but still tender. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking. Add a fresh slice of the garlic herb butter on top right before serving to revive that mouthwatering flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I cook more than two filet mignon steaks at once in the air fryer?

While you can cook more than two steaks, make sure they don’t overlap in the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation. If needed, cook in batches for the best results.

How do I know when my steak is done to my liking?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. For medium rare, remove the steak at 130°F. Remember, the steak will continue to cook a bit while resting.

Can I make the garlic herb butter vegan?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free vegan butter softened to room temperature and mix with the herbs and garlic powder as usual. This keeps the recipe dairy free while still packing in flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover filet mignon?

Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer at a low temperature (around 250°F) just until warmed through. This helps keep the steak tender without drying it out.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe has quickly become my go-to for impressing without stress. The tender, flavorful steaks combined with that rich, garlicky herb butter are simply irresistible. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this recipe hits all the right notes—quick prep, effortless cooking, and absolutely delicious results. Enjoy every sumptuous bite!