Air Fryer Filet Mignon Benefits
Rosemary butter makes it taste expensive. Jessica requests this version every weekend now.
Took three tries to nail the timing. At 400°F with a 5-minute rest, internal temp hits 130°F medium-rare every time.
✅ Ready in 12 minutes flat
✅ Restaurant crust without a grill
✅ Costs half of takeout prices
✅ Meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness
Let’s talk ingredients you need quality beef and compound butter
What You Need for Perfect Steaks
Two 8-ounce filet mignon steaks work best in most air fryer baskets. Choose USDA Choice beef tenderloin for consistent results without breaking the budget.
✔ Filet mignon steaks : 8-ounce cuts, room temperature before cooking
✔ Softened butter : compound butter base, swap vegan butter if needed
✔ Fresh rosemary : finely minced for even distribution
✔ Fresh thyme : chopped, pairs perfectly with beef
✔ Olive oil : coating the steaks before seasoning
Prep takes 5 minutes if your butter’s already soft.
How to Cook Filet Mignon in Air Fryer
Preheat to 400°F while you prep the compound butter. Air fryer basket spacing matters don’t crowd the steaks.
- Mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and salt until combined
- Rub olive oil on both sides of steaks
- Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper
- Set air fryer to 400°F, place steaks in basket with space between them
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping at the 6-minute mark
- Check internal temp with meat thermometer probe 130°F for medium-rare
- Rest 5 minutes before serving, top with compound butter
Carryover cooking brings it up another 5 degrees during rest.
Tried-and-Tested Steak Variations
Medium doneness version
Cook to 140°F internal temp instead of 130°F. Add 2 minutes to total time. Still comes out tender with a slight pink center.
Garlic herb crust option
Double the garlic powder in the compound butter. Mix in some minced fresh garlic too. More pungent but Lily surprisingly approved this one.
Peppercorn-crusted style
Press crushed black peppercorns into both sides before cooking. Creates a steakhouse-style crust. Bump temp to 380°F so the pepper doesn’t burn.
The compound butter really makes the difference here.
Air Fryer Temperature and Doneness
Set it to 400°F for best results. Internal temp should hit 125-130°F for medium-rare before resting.
Watch for a golden-brown crust forming around the edges. That’s your visual cue it’s working. If your air fryer runs hot, drop to 380°F.
Flip at the halfway point essential for even cooking. Use tongs, not a fork. Meat thermometer probe is non-negotiable for filet mignon.
Rest time matters. Those 5 minutes let the juices redistribute. Skip it and you’ll lose all that moisture on the cutting board.
What to Serve with Filet Mignon
Garlic mashed potatoes Jessica makes these every time I cook steaks. The creamy texture balances the crispy crust perfectly. Use Yukon Golds from Hornbacher’s they’re always good.
Roasted asparagus
Toss with olive oil, salt, and lemon zest. Roast at 425°F for 12 minutes while the steaks rest. Simple but it works.
Caesar salad
Keeps things light. The anchovy dressing cuts through the richness of the butter. I grab the romaine hearts pre-washed to save time on weeknights.
Creamed spinach
Classic steakhouse side. Lily won’t touch it but Jessica and I split it. Add nutmeg trust me on this one.
These sides turn it into a full meal without much extra work.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Air fryer filet mignon keeps well if you store it right. We usually finish both steaks but leftovers happen during meal prep sessions.
Storage
At room temperature: Not recommended beef sits out max 2 hours In the fridge: 3-4 days in an airtight container, wrap tightly In the freezer: Up to 3 months, double-wrap to prevent freezer burn
Reheating
Air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes brings back some texture. Don’t overcook or it’ll dry out. Microwave works in a pinch but loses the crust 30 seconds max.
Single layer in the basket. Add a tiny bit of water to the bottom tray if your model allows it.
Anti-waste tip
Slice leftover steak thin for steak sandwiches. Add caramelized onions and provolone on a toasted baguette. Better than the original meal sometimes.
Check the FAQ below for common questions about cook times.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Full Recipe
This Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Sandwich delivers a crunchy, golden coating with bold buffalo flavor, all without deep frying. The chicken cooks fast yet stays tender, and the air fryer gives the breading that perfect crisp. It’s an easy go-to for busy nights and just as good for making a batch ahead for lunches or tailgate weekends.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Rosemary-Thyme Butter
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 steaks filet mignon 8 oz each; bring to room temperature before cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for coating steaks
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste, for seasoning steaks
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened; use vegan butter for dairy-free
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt increase to 1/2 teaspoon if butter is unsalted and you prefer more seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F while you prepare the compound butter.
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until fully combined.
- Pat filet mignon dry with paper towels, then rub olive oil on all sides.
- Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Place steaks in the air fryer basket with space between them for proper air circulation.
- Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping at the 6-minute mark using tongs.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part and remove steaks when internal temp reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
- Transfer steaks to a plate and rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Top each steak with a dollop of the herb compound butter and serve immediately.
Notes
- For medium doneness, cook to 140°F internal temperature and add about 2 minutes.
- Carryover cooking adds ~5°F while resting; pull at 125–130°F for perfect medium-rare.
- For peppercorn crust, press crushed black peppercorns on both sides and cook at 380°F to prevent burning.
- Room-temperature steaks sear and cook more evenly; let sit out for ~20 minutes before seasoning.
- Do not crowd the basket; space ensures better air circulation and crust.
- Always flip halfway and use tongs, not a fork, to keep juices in.
Common Filet Mignon Questions
Tested this recipe three times before posting these questions came up during testing and from Jessica’s feedback.
How long to cook filet mignon in air fryer for medium rare?
Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Pull at 130°F internal temp and rest 5 minutes.
Should you sear filet mignon after air frying?
No need the air fryer creates a perfect crust at 400°F. Searing afterward dries it out.
Why is my air fryer steak tough?
Overcooked past 145°F or skipped the rest time. Use a meat thermometer and always rest 5 minutes.
Can you cook frozen filet mignon in air fryer?
Yes, but add 5 minutes and check temp carefully. Thawed steaks cook more evenly though.
Try This Recipe and Share
This air fryer filet mignon saves $40 compared to ordering steaks at restaurants. Tested the timing three times to get it right.
Rate this recipe if you try it helps other people find it. Drop a comment if you adjusted the temp or tried a variation. I’m always testing new compound butter flavors.
Snap a photo and tag #AirFryerPlates or @AirFryerPlates on Instagram. Jessica loves seeing how everyone plates theirs differently.
