Name: Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 filet mignon steaks, about 8 oz each; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, diced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, diced; 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced

If you’re craving a steak dinner that’s both quick and impressively delicious, you’ll want to try this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe. It’s all about tender, juicy steaks topped with rich garlic herb butter, ready in under 15 minutes!

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’ve made this air fryer filet mignon over and over because it’s just so easy yet incredibly flavorful—perfect for when you want a fancy meal without hours in the kitchen.

Speedy cooking: Ready in just 33 minutes including resting time, making it perfect for weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.
Perfectly tender: The air fryer locks in juices to deliver melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon every single time.
Flavor-packed butter: Garlic and fresh herbs elevate your steak to a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Simple ingredients: You likely have everything you need on hand, so no last-minute grocery runs!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen to maximize flavor and simplicity. When picking your filet mignon, look for steaks that are around 8 ounces and about 1.5 inches thick to nail the timing perfectly.

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, lean cuts that cook quickly and remain juicy—perfect for air frying.
Olive oil: Helps create a beautiful sear and keeps the meat moist without overpowering the flavor.
Fine sea salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the beef without being too harsh.
Ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and warmth, complementing the richness of the steak.
Unsalted butter: The base for our luscious herb butter, allowing precise control over salt levels.
Fresh parsley: Bright and slightly peppery, giving freshness to the butter.
Fresh thyme: Earthy and subtle, balancing the garlic’s punch.
Fresh rosemary: Adds fragrant, piney notes that pair beautifully with beef.
Garlic clove: Offers aromatic warmth that infuses the herb butter with rich flavor.

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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 things about this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to switch up the herbs or try a different seasoning blend, there’s plenty of room to make it your own while still enjoying that perfect juicy steak.

Variation: I love swapping out the fresh herbs in the garlic herb butter depending on the season. In the summer, fresh basil or chives add a bright, fresh flavor, while in the colder months, sage or tarragon can add a warm, earthy twist. This simple swap changes the whole vibe of the dish without any extra work.
Make it Keto or Low-Carb: This recipe is naturally low in carbs and fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle. Simply pair your filet mignon with a side of roasted veggies or a crisp green salad for a satisfying meal.
Make it Vegan-Friendly: While the filet mignon itself isn’t vegan, you can experiment by using plant-based steak alternatives and swapping the garlic herb butter for a vegan butter mixed with garlic and herbs to keep that delicious flavor combo.
Spice it Up: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the steak seasoning. It adds a subtle kick that complements the rich butter beautifully.

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 Your Steaks to Room Temperature

Start by removing your filet mignon steaks from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This simple step helps them cook more evenly and creates a better sear in your air fryer. You’ll notice the steaks lose their chill and feel slightly softer to the touch, which means they’re ready to go.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter with fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic. Stir until all those fragrant herbs are well incorporated. Pop the butter mixture into the fridge to firm up while you prepare your steaks — this herbaceous butter will melt beautifully over the hot filet mignon when served.

Step 3: Season Your Steaks

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture — this step is key for a crispy sear. Rub each steak all over with olive oil, which helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning. Then sprinkle both sides evenly with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy; seasoning brings out the natural flavors.

Step 4: Preheat and Cook in the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes to ensure it’s hot enough to sear the steaks properly. Place the filets in the basket, making sure they aren’t crowded to allow air circulation for perfect browning. Cook them for 10 to 11 minutes for a medium-rare finish, flipping the steaks halfway through to achieve an even crust. Use an instant-read thermometer—130°F is your target for medium-rare doneness.

Step 5: Rest and Serve with Herb Butter

Once cooked, immediately transfer the filets to a warm plate and place half of the garlic herb butter on top of each steak. Loosely tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, while the butter melts into the meat, delivering rich, garlicky goodness with every bite. Serve warm and enjoy!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect air fryer filet mignon with herb butter is all about the little details. These tips come from lots of hands-on cooking and help make sure your steaks come out juicy, tender, and beautifully flavored every time.

Bring Your Steaks to Room Temperature: Taking the steaks out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking helps them cook evenly, preventing cold centers and ensuring a better crust.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Cooking more than two steaks? Do it in batches! Overcrowding compromises air circulation, which means less browning and searing—two key to that delicious crust.
Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: This little tool is a game changer. Checking for 130°F for medium-rare ensures your filet mignon is perfectly cooked without guesswork or cutting into the meat prematurely.
Let the Steaks Rest: That 10-minute rest under foil lets juices redistribute, which is why your steak stays juicy and tender rather than losing precious moisture when sliced.

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 complement the gorgeous garlic herb butter, try garnishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper to give it a little extra pop. A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary placed on top can add a visual fresh touch. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese works beautifully too.

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Filet Mignon pairs wonderfully with classic sides that balance richness with freshness. Think creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic smashed potatoes, and for a veggie side, crisp air-fried asparagus or sautéed green beans with lemon zest. A simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice can add a refreshing bite to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover filet mignon in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying a delicious steak dinner the next day without extra effort.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap each steak tightly in plastic wrap and then place into a freezer-safe bag or container. For best quality, consume within 2-3 months. The garlic herb butter can also be frozen separately in small portions for later use.

Reheating

Reheat your filet mignon gently in the air fryer by preheating it to 350°F and cooking the steak for 3 to 4 minutes. This keeps the meat warm without overcooking and helps maintain that tender, juicy texture you love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I cook filet mignon in the air fryer if my steaks are different thicknesses?

It’s best to cook steaks that are similar in size and thickness together to ensure even cooking. If your steaks vary, consider adjusting cook times accordingly or cook them separately to prevent uneven doneness.

What if I prefer my steak more well done?

You can cook the filet mignon longer. For example, medium takes about 12 minutes, medium-well 13 minutes, and well done 14 minutes for 8-ounce steaks that are around 1.5 inches thick. Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature for the best results.

Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?

Yes! The garlic herb butter can be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This makes your cooking day even easier and more streamlined.

Is it necessary to rest the steaks after cooking?

Absolutely. Resting your filet mignon for 10 minutes under foil allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making for a juicier and more tender bite every time.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe has quickly become a favorite because it combines elegant flavors with a quick, fuss-free cooking method. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a weeknight steak feast, this recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and delicious herbaceous richness every single time. Happy cooking, and enjoy every juicy bite!