This air fryer filet mignon recipe is a reliable way to prepare tender, juicy steak in minutes. Finish each steak with a slice of homemade compound butter for a restaurant-style meal at home.
If you love easy beef recipes, try slow-cooker beef tips, Instant Pot short ribs, or air fryer steak bites for similar (mostly) hands-off preparations.
Filet mignon is a splurge, and the worry of overcooking can keep you from enjoying it at home. The air fryer removes much of that guesswork, producing an evenly cooked steak with a lovely sear and a tender interior. Compared with skillet methods, the air fryer delivers consistent results with less fuss.
Why This Air Fryer Filet Mignon Works
- Consistent results. The air fryer circulates hot air evenly so your filet cooks through without hot spots, delivering a tender, buttery texture every time.
- Steakhouse flavor at home. With simple seasoning and a pat of compound butter, you get the same savory finish you’d expect from a restaurant without the bill.
- Easy compound butter. A quick garlic-herb butter elevates the steak and requires just a few common ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps the ingredient list short so the quality of the beef can shine. Full, printable ingredient amounts and the compound-butter recipe are included below.
- Filet mignon – A tender cut from the beef tenderloin.
- Olive oil – Helps the exterior sear under high heat; avocado or canola oil also work.
- Salt and pepper – High-quality salt and freshly cracked pepper are all you need to season this mild, tender cut. Be generous for the best flavor.
Easy Homemade Compound Butter
Make the garlic-herb butter first so it can chill and develop flavor while you cook the steak. Bring the butter to room temperature before mixing.
- Combine the ingredients. Mash softened butter with salt, minced garlic, and chopped parsley (or thyme/rosemary) until evenly mixed.
- Chill. Shape into a log on plastic wrap or parchment, wrap tightly, and refrigerate until ready to use.
How to Cook Filet Mignon in the Air Fryer
Remove the steaks from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature for even cooking and a better sear.
When you’re ready, follow the steps below. A printable recipe card with measurements appears later in the post.
- Season the steaks. Rub each filet with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Air fry. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Cook the filets for about 13 minutes for medium-rare, flipping once halfway through. Adjust time for your preferred doneness.
- Rest. Let the steaks rest at least 5 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute.
- Serve. Top each steak with a slice of compound butter just before serving.
Timing and Doneness Guide
Cooking times vary by air fryer model and steak thickness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy or follow this time guide for approximate doneness:
- 11–12 minutes (about 125°F) — rare
- 13–14 minutes (about 135°F) — medium-rare
- 14–15 minutes (about 145°F) — medium
- 16–18 minutes (about 155°F+) — medium-well to well-done
Recipe Tips
- Simplify the seasoning. A good sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked pepper highlights the natural flavor of filet mignon. If you skip the compound butter, you can add fresh herbs and garlic to the steak seasoning.
- Preheat the air fryer. Make sure it reaches 400°F so the steak sizzles and sears properly.
- Give each steak space. Avoid overcrowding the basket; cook in batches if needed so hot air can circulate.
- Flipping is optional. Hot air circulates well, but flipping halfway gives a better, even crust.
- Let the steak rest. Wait 5–10 minutes before slicing to preserve juiciness.
Serving Suggestions
Filet mignon pairs beautifully with baked or mashed potatoes and a simple vegetable side like roasted carrots or air fryer asparagus. It’s also excellent over risotto or creamy polenta with warm dinner rolls. Finish the meal with a light dessert for a special occasion.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Thinly slice for sandwiches or salads.
- Reheat. Warm leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F until heated through, or reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
More Easy Beef Recipes
- Easy Salisbury Steak
- No Peek Beef Tips
- Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
- Instant Pot Cubed Beef
Air Fryer Filet Mignon
- Author: Shelly
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
Make juicy, restaurant-quality filet mignon in your air fryer and finish it with homemade garlic compound butter for an elevated steak dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
For the Steak
- 1 to 1 1/2 pounds filet mignon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste (about 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper suggested)
Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Butter:
- Combine butter, salt, garlic, and parsley in a small bowl and mix until smooth.
- Form the mixture into a tight log on plastic wrap or wax paper, wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
For the Steak:
- Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Brush the steaks with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the steaks in the air fryer basket with space between each piece; cook in batches if needed.
- Cook until the desired doneness, flipping halfway through (Rare 11–12 min, Medium-Rare 13–14 min, Medium 14–15 min, Medium-Well 16–18 min).
- Let the steaks rest at least 5 minutes after cooking.
- Top with a slice of garlic butter and serve with your favorite sides.