If you love a tender, juicy steak but want to keep things quick and simple, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s my go-to for restaurant-quality steak that’s ready in a flash and bursts with fresh, buttery herbs.

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 filet mignon countless times, but cooking it in the air fryer? That was a game-changer. The texture, the herb butter, and how quickly it all comes together have me hooked. Seriously, once you try this method, you won’t want to go back.

Simplicity: Minimal prep and cleanup thanks to the air fryer doing most of the work.
Perfectly Cooked Steaks: Achieve medium-rare perfection without guessing.
Flavor Boost: Fresh garlic herb butter melts over the steak, adding richness and a fresh, vibrant taste.
Impressive Yet Easy: Great for date night or just treating yourself—no fancy skills required.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the magic behind these ingredients. To keep your filet mignon tender and flavorful, use fresh herbs and quality butter. And don’t skip the step of bringing your steaks to room temperature—it really makes a difference in cooking evenly.

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: Choose good-quality, about 8 ounces each, so you get that perfect thickness and tenderness.
Olive oil: Helps lock in moisture and crisps the steak’s exterior beautifully in the air fryer.
Fine sea salt: Enhances the natural beefy flavor without overpowering.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth.
Unsalted butter: The base for that luscious herb butter—softened for easy mixing.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the butter with a fresh, slightly peppery note.
Fresh thyme: Offers an earthy, subtle hint that complements beef perfectly.
Fresh rosemary: Adds piney, aromatic warmth to the butter.
Garlic: Gives the butter an irresistible savory kick.

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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 tweak according to your tastes or what you have on hand. Whether you want to enhance the herbs, dial up the garlicky goodness, or play with sides, this steak is a fantastic base for your culinary creativity.

Variation: I love swapping out the fresh herbs for whatever’s seasonal—sometimes fresh tarragon or basil adds a lovely twist that keeps the buttery topping vibrant and unique.
Dietary Adaptation: For a dairy-free option, try substituting the garlic herb butter with a drizzle of olive oil infused with fresh herbs and garlic—still deliciously fragrant and perfect for those avoiding dairy.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to keep things light and balanced, or pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, indulgent meal.

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 setting your filet mignon steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This little pause works wonders in helping the steaks cook evenly—no cold center and overdone edges here! You’ll notice the steaks lose their chill and start to soften slightly, which is exactly what you want for a tender, juicy result.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Herb Butter

While your steaks warm up, mix the softened butter with fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This aromatic butter is the soul of the dish—rich, fragrant, and oh-so-comforting. Once combined, pop it into the fridge to firm up a bit; this will help it hold its shape when you add it on top of the hot steaks later.

Step 3: Season and Prep the Steaks

Pat your steaks dry with paper towels — this step is crucial to get a nice sear and crust in the air fryer. Next, rub each steak all over with olive oil, then season generously on both sides with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simple seasoning lets the natural flavor of the filet shine, while the oil helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for the crispiest exterior and perfectly cooked interior. Place your steaks in the air fryer basket—give them space so the hot air can circulate and brown them evenly! Cook for 10 to 11 minutes, flipping halfway through. The magic number is an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare, so check with an instant-read thermometer. This step is where the air fryer shines—quick, hands-off, and consistently great results.

Step 5: Rest and Crown with Herb Butter

Once cooked, transfer steaks to a plate and top each with half of the garlic herb butter. Loosely cover with foil and let rest for 10 minutes. This resting time lets the butter melt into the meat, melding those herb flavors beautifully and allowing the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy—a true melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is all about attention to detail. These tips will help you get that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and flavorful finish every time.

Room Temperature Steaks: Always bring your filet mignon to room temperature before cooking. This little step ensures even cooking and a beautifully pink center without cold spots.
Season Generously: >Don’t be shy with salt and pepper. They’re your best friends in enhancing the steak’s natural flavor, especially when paired with the herb butter.
Butter Timing: Add the garlic herb butter right after cooking and let the steaks rest. This melts the butter perfectly over the meat, locking in flavor and juiciness.
Avoid Overcrowding: Cook only two steaks at a time in your air fryer. Overcrowding reduces airflow, leading to uneven browning and less flavorful results.

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 elevate your Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe even further, consider garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving. A few microgreens or a couple of roasted garlic cloves on the side add visual appeal and a subtle burst of earthy flavor.

Side Dishes

This steak pairs beautifully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans tossed with toasted almonds. For a lighter option, a crisp Caesar salad or arugula with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the herb butter wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover filet mignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Keep the garlic herb butter separate in a small airtight container to preserve its bright herbal aroma for up to 1 week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap the steaks tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. For best quality, enjoy them within 2 months. Freeze the herb butter separately in a small container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Reheating

Reheat your steak gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, just until warmed through. This method keeps the steak tender and prevents it from overcooking, preserving that perfect medium-rare finish with melted garlic herb butter.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I cook thicker or thinner filet mignon steaks in the air fryer?

Yes! Cooking times will vary depending on thickness. For example, an 8-ounce, 1.5-inch thick filet mignon takes about 10-11 minutes for medium-rare. Adjust accordingly—thicker steaks require more time, thinner steaks less. Always use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.

How do I know when my steak is medium-rare?

Medium-rare is achieved when the steak reaches an internal temperature of 130°F before resting and about 135°F after resting for 10 minutes. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your steak is cooked perfectly.

Can I prepare the garlic herb butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the garlic herb butter up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes whipping up the Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe quick and easy.

Is it necessary to let the steak rest after cooking?

Yes, resting is important. Letting the filet mignon rest for 10 minutes with the herb butter on top allows juices to redistribute and the butter to melt perfectly, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a perfectly cooked filet mignon topped with rich, fragrant herb butter — and doing it all effortlessly in the air fryer makes this dish a winner for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a celebration, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe lets you enjoy gourmet flavor without the fuss. I hope you love making and sharing this melt-in-your-mouth steak as much as I do!