There’s something undeniably luxurious about a perfectly cooked filet mignon, and this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe is my go-to way to get that tender, juicy steak without firing up a grill or pan. You’ll love how quick and foolproof it is, combined with that rich garlic herb butter that melts right over the top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Gourmet: You get a steakhouse-quality filet mignon with minimal hands-on time using your air fryer.
- Perfect Juiciness: The resting period with herb butter ensures melt-in-your-mouth tenderness every single time.
- Customizable Doneness: Easily adjust cooking times to nail rare through well done exactly how you like it.
- Flavor Boost: The fresh garlic and herbs in the butter add a bright, savory kick that elevates the simple filet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a role that’s easy to overlook but brings this dish to life — from the quality of the filet mignon to the fresh herbs that make the butter sing. When shopping, I always pick the freshest herbs and top-shelf butter for the best results.
- Filet Mignon: Choose steaks about 1.5 inches thick for even cooking and tenderness.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for rubbing the steaks.
- Fine Sea Salt: It seasons without overpowering the beef’s natural flavor.
- Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground if possible for that aromatic peppery bite.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened for easy herb mixing.
- Fresh Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary: These herbs give the butter a bright and earthy flavor I adore.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for that punch of savory goodness.
Variations
This recipe is pretty classic, but I love mixing it up every now and then, especially with the herb butter. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or seasoning blends to suit your mood or what you have in your kitchen.
- Lemon Zest Herb Butter: Adding a pinch of lemon zest to the herb butter brightens the flavor wonderfully, and my family can’t get enough of it.
- Spicy Kick: I’ve added a little smoked paprika or cayenne to the butter on occasion for a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the tender steak.
- Garlic-Free Version: If you’re not a garlic fan, simply leave it out or swap in some shallots minced fine for gentler aromatics.
- Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based butter and jackfruit or mushroom steaks for an interesting twist, though it won’t replicate classic filet mignon.
How to Make Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Step 1: Bring Steaks to Room Temperature
This is a game-changer for even cooking. Remove your filet mignons from the fridge about 30 minutes before air frying. I learned this the hard way — cooking steaks cold right out of the fridge results in uneven doneness and a tough texture.
Step 2: Make the Herb Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic until fully combined. Pop this mixture in the fridge to firm up while you cook the steaks. This butter will melt beautifully over the hot filet later and add that incredible herbaceous richness.
Step 3: Season and Oil the Steaks
Pat your steaks dry with paper towels to ensure a nice crust. Rub them with olive oil all over, then sprinkle generously with sea salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning lets the filet’s natural flavor shine.
Step 4: Air Fry the Filets
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the steaks in the basket without crowding them — air circulation is key for even browning. Cook for about 10-11 minutes total, flipping halfway for medium-rare. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temp of 130°F before resting. Adjust time for your preferred doneness!
Step 5: Rest and Serve with Herb Butter
Once out of the air fryer, transfer the steaks to a plate, and top each one with a generous dollop of that herb garlic butter. Loosely cover with foil and let rest for 10 minutes. This step is pure magic — the butter melts in and the juices redistribute, resulting in that signature tender, juicy bite.
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
- Room Temperature Magic: Bringing your steak to room temp before cooking ensures the inside cooks evenly without the outside overcooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: I can’t stress this enough—checking the internal temperature is the only way to get perfect doneness every time.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Resting lets the juices redistribute, so your filet stays juicy rather than drying out the moment you cut into it.
- Air Fryer Space: Cook steaks in batches if needed; overcrowding blocks airflow and prevents that perfect crust.
How to Serve Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I like a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right on top after plating — it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness. Sometimes a few flaky sea salt crystals right before serving make all the difference for that gourmet touch.
Side Dishes
My favorite pairings are simple: garlic roasted asparagus or steamed green beans, plus creamy mashed potatoes or a light Caesar salad. These sides don’t overpower the steak, letting it be the star of the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I sometimes plate the filet atop a smear of roasted red pepper coulis or alongside a drizzle of balsamic reduction. It adds elegance and a restaurant-quality look without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover filet mignon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The steak holds moisture well, especially with some herb butter on top, so it stays delicious even after reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked filet mignon wrapped tightly in foil and placed inside a zip-lock bag. It usually lasts about a month frozen. When I do this, I also freeze the herb butter separately in small cubes for fresh flavor later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. This method keeps the steak juicy and prevents overcooking, which frequently happens with microwaving. You’ll get nearly as good results as fresh from the fryer.
FAQs
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Can I cook larger or smaller filet mignon steaks with this air fryer method?
Absolutely! For steaks around 7 ounces, reduce cooking time to about 9-10 minutes for medium-rare, and for 10-ounce filets, cook for 12-13 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm your preferred doneness because thickness varies.
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What if I don’t have fresh herbs — can I use dried instead?
Fresh herbs really elevate the butter, but if you must use dried, reduce the amount by about half and incorporate them into the softened butter well in advance to let the flavors meld. Dried herbs won’t be as vibrant but still tasty.
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Can I cook more than two filets at once?
Yes, but it’s best to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding restricts air circulation, so steaks won’t brown properly or cook evenly.
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Is the herb butter necessary?
The butter is the secret to a tender, flavorful steak. While you can skip it, the garlic and herbs melt into the warm steak during resting, adding rich flavor and moisture you don’t want to miss.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe turns out every time. It feels like treating yourself without the stress or mess of traditional pan-searing or grilling. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers that tender, juicy steakhouse experience in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this method for your filet fix!
Print
Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Herb Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for the best air fryer filet mignon delivers melt-in-your-mouth tender steaks with a flavorful garlic herb butter topping. Perfectly cooked to your desired doneness using an air fryer, it’s a quick yet gourmet way to enjoy a premium cut of beef.
Ingredients
Filet Mignon
- 2 filet mignon steaks, about 8 oz each
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Garlic Herb Butter
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, diced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare Steaks: Remove the filet mignon steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature for even cooking.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, diced parsley, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic. Mix well until fully blended, then place the butter mixture in the refrigerator to harden.
- Season Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season evenly with sea salt and ground black pepper.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure a hot cooking environment that will sear the steaks well.
- Cook Steaks: Place the steaks in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 10 to 11 minutes for medium-rare doneness, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Check for an internal temperature of 130°F using an instant-read meat thermometer.
- Rest and Finish: Remove steaks from the air fryer and transfer to a plate. Top each steak with half of the garlic herb butter. Loosely cover with aluminum foil and let rest for 10 minutes to allow the butter to melt and juices to redistribute.
Notes
- A 7-ounce filet mignon typically takes 9 to 10 minutes for medium-rare doneness, while a 10-ounce filet takes about 12 to 13 minutes.
- Cooking times vary by doneness for an 8-ounce, 1.5-inch thick steak: rare (9-10 minutes), medium-rare (10-11 minutes), medium (11-12 minutes), medium-well (12-13 minutes), well done (13-14 minutes).
- Use a meat thermometer to target these internal temperatures before resting: Rare: 120°F, Medium-Rare: 130°F, Medium: 140°F, Medium-Well: 150°F, Well Done: 160°F. After resting for 10 minutes, temperatures rise by about 5°F.
- Cook multiple steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, allowing proper air circulation to brown steaks evenly.
- Store leftover steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Store garlic herb butter separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- To reheat steaks, preheat air fryer to 350°F and warm steaks for 3-4 minutes, taking care not to overcook.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
