Air Fryer Filet Mignon with Rosemary-Thyme Butter
Juicy filet mignon cooks to a perfect medium-rare in the air fryer with a golden crust and rich herb compound butter. This weeknight-friendly method is fast, reliable, and delivers steakhouse flavor without a grill. A meat thermometer ensures foolproof doneness every time.
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.