Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak
There are nights when I want a steakhouse-style dinner without pulling out a grill or spending half an hour standing over a hot skillet.
That’s when this Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak comes in.
The steak cooks beautifully in the air fryer with a deliciously browned outside and a juicy, tender center. Then comes the best part—a generous spoonful of homemade garlic butter melting over the hot steak.
I made this one weekend when I was craving a really good steak but wanted to keep dinner simple. I seasoned a couple of steaks, popped them into the air fryer, and while they cooked, I mixed softened butter with garlic and fresh herbs.
When that buttery mixture hit the hot steak, it melted into every little crack in the crust.
The smell was incredible.
My family loved it, and honestly, there wasn’t much conversation at the table because everyone was too busy eating.
Since then, this has become one of my favorite ways to make steak when I want something quick, satisfying, and wonderfully comforting.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–14 minutes
Total Time: About 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy air fryer method
- Juicy and tender steak
- Crispy, browned edges
- Rich garlic butter
- Ready in about 25 minutes
- No grill required
- Naturally low-carb
- Perfect for a quick dinner
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 ribeye, sirloin, strip, or New York strip steaks, about 1–1½ inches thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, optional
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs, optional
For the Garlic Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest, optional
How to Make Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak
Step 1: Bring the Steaks to Room Temperature
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking.
Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Dry steak browns much better than wet steak.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter
Add the softened butter to a small bowl.
Mix in the minced garlic, parsley, rosemary, thyme, black pepper, salt, and lemon zest if using.
Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Set aside.
For an even prettier presentation, roll the garlic butter into a small log using plastic wrap and refrigerate it until firm. Then slice it into rounds when serving.
Step 3: Season the Steaks
Brush both sides of the steaks lightly with olive oil.
Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Gently press the seasoning into the meat.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for approximately 3–5 minutes.
Preheating helps the steak develop better browning.
Step 5: Air Fry the Steak
Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook at 200°C (400°F), flipping halfway through.
Approximate cooking times for 1–1½-inch steaks:
- Rare: 7–9 minutes
- Medium-rare: 9–11 minutes
- Medium: 11–13 minutes
- Medium-well: 13–15 minutes
- Well-done: 15–17 minutes
Cooking times vary considerably between air fryers and steak thickness, so an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to determine doneness.
Step 6: Add the Garlic Butter
As soon as the steak comes out of the air fryer, place a generous spoonful of garlic butter on top.
Let it melt over the hot steak.
The butter will melt into the crust and create an incredible garlicky finish.
Step 7: Rest the Steak
Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for approximately 5–10 minutes before slicing.
This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat.
Serve with another little piece of garlic butter if you’re feeling generous.
Steak Temperature Guide
For the most accurate results, check the thickest part of the steak with an instant-read thermometer.
Approximate final temperatures:
- Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
- Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
- Medium-well: 150–155°F (66–68°C)
- Well-done: 160°F+ (71°C+)
The steak’s temperature can continue rising slightly while it rests, so keep carryover cooking in mind.
My Best Tips for Air Fryer Steak
Choose a Thick Steak
A steak around 1–1½ inches thick is ideal.
Very thin steaks can overcook before developing a nice crust.
Pat It Dry
This simple step makes a big difference.
Moisture on the surface creates steam instead of browning.
Don’t Crowd the Basket
Leave space around the steaks so the hot air can circulate properly.
Flip Halfway
Flipping helps the steak cook more evenly and brown on both sides.
Use a Thermometer
Air fryer models vary, so cooking time isn’t a perfect measurement.
A thermometer gives you much more control.
Rest Before Cutting
Don’t rush this step.
Resting helps keep the steak juicy.
What Is the Best Steak for the Air Fryer?
Several cuts work beautifully.
Ribeye
Rich, juicy, and marbled. My favorite for maximum flavor.
New York Strip
A great balance of tenderness and beefy flavor.
Sirloin
Lean, affordable, and excellent when cooked properly.
Tenderloin/Filet Mignon
Very tender and mild, although it has less fat than ribeye.
Top Sirloin
A great everyday option that works particularly well with garlic butter.
Can I Use Frozen Steak?
Yes, although fresh or thawed steak generally gives you more control over seasoning and cooking.
If cooking from frozen, avoid leaving the steak at room temperature to thaw.
You can air fry it from frozen, then season once the outside has softened enough to hold the seasoning.
Expect the cooking time to be longer.
Always use an internal thermometer to determine doneness.
Can I Marinate the Steak?
Absolutely.
However, you don’t need a marinade for a good steak.
Salt, pepper, garlic, and a little oil are enough.
If you do marinate it, pat the steak dry before air frying so you still get good browning.
Can I Make the Garlic Butter Ahead?
Yes—and I highly recommend it.
Prepare the garlic butter up to 3–4 days ahead and keep it refrigerated.
Bring it to room temperature before serving, or simply place a cold slice directly on the hot steak and let it melt.
Delicious Garlic Butter Variations
Spicy Garlic Butter
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Lemon Herb Butter
Add extra lemon zest, parsley, and thyme.
Parmesan Garlic Butter
Mix in a little finely grated Parmesan.
Steakhouse Butter
Combine butter with garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
Blue Cheese Butter
Add crumbled blue cheese for a bold steakhouse-style topping.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Steak
This steak pairs with almost everything.
Low-Carb Sides
- Garlic butter asparagus
- Roasted broccoli
- Cauliflower mash
- Creamed spinach
- Green beans
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Zucchini
- Simple garden salad
Classic Steakhouse Sides
- Mashed potatoes
- Baked potato
- French fries
- Creamed spinach
- Roasted vegetables
- Mac and cheese
My favorite combination is steak, garlic butter, sautéed mushrooms, and roasted asparagus.
Can I Cook Vegetables at the Same Time?
Yes, depending on the size of your air fryer.
Asparagus, mushrooms, zucchini, and green beans are particularly easy to cook alongside steak.
Just make sure the basket isn’t overcrowded.
Is Air Fryer Steak Keto-Friendly?
Yes.
Steak, butter, olive oil, garlic, and herbs are naturally very low in carbohydrates.
For a keto meal, pair the steak with cauliflower, leafy greens, asparagus, mushrooms, or another low-carb vegetable.
Storage
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
For the best texture, reheat gently rather than cooking it again at high heat.
You can also slice cold leftover steak thinly and use it in salads, wraps, omelets, or bowls.
How to Reheat Steak in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to approximately 160°C (320°F).
Place the steak in the basket and heat for about 3–5 minutes, depending on thickness.
Don’t overheat it or the steak can become dry.
Can I Freeze Cooked Steak?
Yes.
Wrap the steak tightly and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
For best quality, use it within approximately 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving, including garlic butter:
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 48g
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fibre: 0g
- Net Carbohydrates: 2g
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the steak cut, size, butter, and seasonings used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my air fryer steak tough?
The most common reason is overcooking. Steak can also become tougher when it isn’t rested or when a very lean cut is cooked too far.
Should I put butter on the steak before air frying?
I prefer adding garlic butter after cooking. Butter can burn at the high temperature needed to brown the steak.
Do I need to flip the steak?
Flipping halfway through cooking generally helps it cook more evenly.
Should I preheat my air fryer?
Yes, preheating helps the steak begin cooking immediately and can improve browning.
How long should I cook a 1-inch steak?
Start checking the internal temperature around 7–8 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway. Exact time depends on the cut, starting temperature, and air fryer.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes. If using salted butter, reduce the additional salt in the garlic butter.
Can I make this without olive oil?
Yes. The steak can be seasoned directly without oil, although a small amount helps the seasoning adhere and encourages browning.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak has become one of my favorite ways to make steak when I want something delicious without a lot of fuss.
The outside gets beautifully browned, the center stays juicy, and that warm garlic herb butter melting over the top takes it to another level.
I love that I can make a steakhouse-style dinner in the air fryer while barely making a mess in the kitchen.
It’s perfect for a quiet weeknight, a relaxed weekend dinner, or one of those evenings when you simply decide you deserve a really good steak.
And when that garlic butter melts into the hot crust?
That’s the moment you know dinner is going to be very, very good. 🥩🧄🧈🌿