If you're craving a steak dinner that's both elegant and easy, this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. It turns out perfectly tender, juicy, and is topped with a luscious garlic herb butter that melts right into every bite.

Two thick, juicy steak pieces sit stacked on a wooden board with a glossy, well-cooked brown surface. Each steak has a dollop of pale, herb-filled butter melting on top, mixed with bits of green herbs. Fresh sprigs of rosemary rest on the butter, adding a touch of green. The background shows another garlic bulb and a soft white cloth, all placed against a white marbled texture. The lighting makes the steaks look moist and tender. 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 can't get enough of how simple it is to get restaurant-quality filet mignon at home with just an air fryer and a little herb butter magic. It's become my go-to special occasion meal.

Quick & Convenient: Uses the air fryer for an easy, hands-off cooking process.
Perfectly Tender Steaks: The filet mignon cooks evenly and stays juicy every time.
Flavor-Packed: Herb garlic butter adds a rich, savory finish that's simply irresistible.
Minimal Ingredients: No complicated sauces or long prep—just fresh herbs, butter, and seasoning.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To make this dish stand out, I always choose quality ingredients that bring out the best in the filet mignon. Keep fresh herbs on hand and pick steaks that are thick-cut for a juicy, tender bite.

Flat lay of two raw filet mignon steaks with deep red color and marbling, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a few grains of coarse sea salt scattered beside, a small white bowl with ground black pepper, a small white bowl holding softened pale yellow unsalted butter, a small white bowl with finely chopped bright green fresh parsley, a small white bowl with finely chopped fresh thyme leaves, a small white bowl with diced fresh rosemary sprigs, and one whole uncracked garlic bulb with papery white skin placed nearby, all ingredients fresh and natural, arranged with perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, 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 steaks about 8 ounces each with good marbling for tenderness and flavor.
Olive Oil: Helps the steaks brown nicely and keeps them juicy during air frying.
Fine Sea Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the beef without overpowering it.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
Unsalted Butter: Forms the creamy base for the garlic herb butter topping.
Fresh Parsley: Gives a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness.
Fresh Thyme: Adds an earthy undertone that complements the beef beautifully.
Fresh Rosemary: Brings a piney herbal aroma that pairs perfectly with steak.
Garlic: Provides that classic savory punch in the herb butter mix.

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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 easy it is to customize. Whether you want to play with different herbs, add a hint of spice, or cater it for a special dietary preference, there are plenty of ways to make this dish uniquely yours.

Herb Variations: I love swapping out fresh herbs depending on the season or my mood. For a more robust flavor, rosemary and thyme are stunning, but in spring, adding fresh tarragon or basil can brighten things up wonderfully.
Garlic Butter Twists: Sometimes I like to add a dash of lemon zest or a pinch of smoked paprika to the herb butter. It adds a subtle zing or smokiness that pairs beautifully with the filet mignon’s rich flavor.
Diet-Friendly Options: To lighten things up, try replacing the butter with a dollop of mashed avocado mixed with herbs for a creamy, healthy alternative without sacrificing that lovely herbaceous kick.
Accompaniments: Serve your filet mignon with roasted asparagus for a classic touch, or get creative with sautéed mushrooms or a crisp arugula salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette.

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

The image shows one large piece of cooked steak sliced into four thick layers, each with a brown outer crust and a juicy pink center. Three slices are laid flat on a wooden board with a texture of small juices on the surface, and the top slice has a spoonful of chopped garlic and green herbs on it. Several green rosemary sprigs are placed over the steak and around it. To the upper right is a whole garlic bulb with a pale white color and dry skin, all set on a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Let Steaks Warm Up to Room Temperature

About 30 minutes before you start cooking, take your filet mignon steaks out of the fridge. This simple step is essential — it helps the steaks cook evenly so you get that perfect pink center and juicy texture every time. Trust me, skipping this step leads to a less even cook.

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 one minced garlic clove. Stir everything thoroughly until the flavors are fully combined. Pop it back in the fridge for now so it firms up while you prepare the steaks — this will create that dreamy melt-on-your-steak finish.

Step 3: Season Your Steaks Like a Pro

Pat those filets dry with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of a good sear! Next, rub each steak evenly with a tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. This straightforward seasoning lets the natural beef flavor shine, enhanced by that luscious herb butter later.

Step 4: Preheat Your Air Fryer to 400°F

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it fully preheat before cooking. This helps achieve the perfect crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy — the hallmark of a great filet mignon.

Step 5: Cook the Filet Mignon to Perfection

Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not packed too tightly — air needs to circulate freely for even browning. Cook for a total of 11 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through at around 5-6 minutes. To nail the doneness, use an instant-read thermometer aiming for an internal temp of 130°F. Adjust your time slightly if you prefer it more or less done.

Step 6: Rest, Top, and Serve

Right after cooking, transfer your filets to a plate and immediately place half of the garlic herb butter on each. Loosely cover with aluminum foil and let them rest for 10 minutes — this step lets the juices redistribute throughout the steak, and the butter slowly melts in, creating that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness we all crave.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe down to a science is all about these little tricks I’ve picked up along the way. They help you nail the tenderness and flavor every single time!

Bring Steaks to Room Temperature: Patience here really pays off. Letting your filet mignons sit out for 30 minutes before cooking ensures an even cook throughout, preventing those pesky cold centers.
Use Fresh Herbs for the Butter: I’ve learned that fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary make a world of difference. They infuse the butter with vibrant aromatics that elevate that melt-in-your-mouth butter topping.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Even if you’re cooking more than two steaks, do them in batches. Giving your steaks some breathing room lets the hot air circulate perfectly so you get a nice crust instead of steaming.
Rest is Essential: I always resist the urge to cut into the steak immediately! The 10-minute rest under foil lets the butter melt perfectly and the juices redistribute for the most tender, juicy bites.

How to Serve Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe

A small clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding a single layer of creamy herb butter mixed with small chopped green herbs. The butter looks soft with a slightly rough texture, and bits of herbs are spread evenly throughout. There are faint traces of the butter smeared around the inside of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To finish off your Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe, try garnishing with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or freshly cracked black pepper. Fresh herb sprigs like thyme or rosemary add a pretty, aromatic touch on the plate. For a touch of elegance, a drizzle of balsamic reduction can complement the garlic herb butter beautifully.

Side Dishes

This tender filet pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes tossed in olive oil and herbs. For something green, sautéed garlic spinach or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balance the richness of the butter. Don’t forget classic steamed asparagus or green beans for that touch of freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Air Fryer Filet Mignon in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It’s best to enjoy it within 3 days to keep that juicy texture and flavor intact.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap the cooled steaks tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. While freezing is possible, keep in mind the texture may be slightly affected. For best results, consume within 1 month.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Warm the steaks inside the basket for 3-4 minutes until heated through but be careful not to overcook. This keeps your filet tender and juicy without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What if I want my filet mignon more or less done?

Great question! Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred doneness. For an 8-ounce steak at 400°F, cook about 9-10 minutes for rare, 10-11 for medium-rare, and up to 13-14 minutes for well done. Use an instant-read thermometer to check: 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, and so on.

Can I prepare the garlic herb butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! The garlic herb butter can be mixed ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature or soften it slightly before topping your steaks.

Is the air fryer method healthier than pan-searing?

Using an air fryer can be a healthier alternative because it requires less added fat yet achieves a nicely browned crust. It’s also faster and cleaner, making it perfect for weeknights or when you want tender filet mignon without a lot of fuss.

Can I double this recipe for more servings?

Yes! Just cook the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket. Overcrowding prevents even cooking and browning, so it’s best to give them space for that perfect crust.

Final Thoughts

Making the Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is like bringing a restaurant-quality steak experience right into your kitchen without the hassle. With the juicy, tender meat topped off with that rich, garlicky herb butter, it’s hard not to feel a bit fancy even on an ordinary night. I hope these tips and ideas inspire you to try it soon—and trust me, once you do, it might just become your go-to way to impress guests or treat yourself. Happy cooking!