Spread the love

Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter

A juicy, flavorful steak with a beautifully browned outside can be easier to make than you think. This Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter is seasoned simply, cooked at high heat, and finished with rich melted butter for a delicious meal.

Making an Air Fryer Steak is a convenient option when you want a satisfying dinner without using a grill. The hot circulating air cooks the steak quickly while helping the outside develop a flavorful browned crust.

With a few simple ingredients and the right cooking time, you can prepare a tender steak for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. Finish it with garlic butter and let it rest before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8–10 minutes

Rest Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 23–25 minutes

Servings: 2

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy and tender: The steak cooks quickly at high heat while staying tender inside when cooked to your preferred doneness.
Simple ingredients: You only need steak, olive oil, basic seasonings, and butter.
Quick to prepare: This recipe takes very little preparation and can be ready in about 30 minutes, including resting time.
Perfect for an easy dinner: Serve this Air Fryer Steak with potatoes, vegetables, salad, or your favorite side dishes.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 ribeye or sirloin steaks, about 1 inch thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
Salt, generously applied
Freshly cracked black pepper, generously applied

Butter Finish

1 to 2 tablespoons butter
Fresh herbs or garlic butter, optional, for serving

Method

Bring to room temperature: Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to help the surface brown.
Season: Rub both steaks lightly with olive oil. Season generously on all sides with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and garlic powder if using.
Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, if recommended by your air fryer model.
Air fry: Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through. For approximately 1-inch-thick steaks, cook for about:
- Medium-rare: 8 minutes
- Medium: 9 minutes
- Medium-well: 10 minutes

Cooking times may vary depending on steak thickness and your air fryer model. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results.

Butter and rest: Transfer the hot steaks to a warm plate or cutting board. Top each steak with a pat of butter and allow it to melt over the surface. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Slice and serve: Slice the steak against the grain and serve hot with your favorite vegetables, potatoes, or salad.

Serving Suggestions

This Air Fryer Steak is delicious with crispy potato wedges, roasted potatoes, or mashed potatoes. Add roasted broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a simple steakhouse-style dinner at home.

For a lighter meal, serve the steak with a fresh green salad, Caesar-style salad, or a simple tomato and cucumber salad. The rich garlic butter pairs nicely with fresh vegetables and bright flavors.

You can also serve the steak with rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or sautéed mushrooms. A small bowl of garlic butter or a simple herb sauce on the side can add even more flavor.

Recipe Tips

Choose evenly sized steaks. Steaks with a similar thickness will cook at the same rate.
Pat the steaks dry. A dry surface helps create better browning.
Do not overcrowd the basket. Leave space around each steak for proper airflow.
Flip halfway through cooking. This helps both sides cook more evenly.
Use a meat thermometer. Cooking times are only a guide because air fryer models and steak thickness vary.
Remember carryover cooking. The internal temperature may rise slightly while the steak rests.
Let the steak rest. Resting for about 5 minutes helps keep the meat juicy when sliced.
Slice against the grain. This can make each bite easier to chew.

Variations and Substitutions

Garlic Herb Butter

Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a little rosemary or thyme. Place it on the hot steak immediately after cooking.

Spicy Steak

Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for extra heat.

Smoky Flavor

Add smoked paprika along with the garlic powder for a warm, smoky flavor.

Steak Seasoning Blend

Use your favorite salt-free or low-sodium steak seasoning in place of some of the salt and pepper.

Different Cuts of Steak

Strip steak or other suitable cuts can also be used. Keep in mind that cooking time may change depending on thickness and fat content.

Dairy-Free Option

Skip the butter and finish the steak with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

For the best results, reheat steak gently to avoid overcooking it. Place it in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes, checking frequently until warmed through.

The exact reheating time depends on the thickness of the steak and how well it was originally cooked.

Freezing cooked steak is possible, although the texture may change after reheating. If freezing leftovers, wrap them well and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does steak take in an air fryer?

A 1-inch-thick steak usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on the desired doneness. Thicker steaks may require more time.

Do I need to flip Air Fryer Steak?

Yes, flipping the steak halfway through cooking helps both sides cook and brown more evenly.

What temperature should I cook steak in an air fryer?

A temperature of 400°F (200°C) works well for cooking a 1-inch-thick steak. Always adjust the cooking time based on steak thickness and your desired doneness.

How do I know when my steak is done?

The most accurate method is using a meat thermometer. Check the thickest part of the steak and remove it based on your preferred doneness, keeping in mind that the temperature can rise slightly while resting.

Can I cook frozen steak in an air fryer?

It is possible, but this recipe is designed for thawed steaks. Thawed steak cooks more evenly and is easier to season properly.

Why is my Air Fryer Steak tough?

A steak can become tough if it is overcooked or sliced incorrectly. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking, allow the steak to rest, and slice against the grain.

Nutrition

Estimated nutrition per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Carbohydrates	1g
Protein	43g
Fat	38g
Saturated Fat	15g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	0g
Sodium	420mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the type and size of steak, butter, and other ingredients used.