Steak lovers, rejoice! Cooking steak in an air fryer is a game-changer, delivering a perfectly juicy and tender steak with a beautifully seared crust—all in a fraction of the time it takes to grill or pan-sear. The magic of the air fryer ensures that your steak remains moist on the inside while achieving a golden, crispy exterior. To elevate this dish even further, we’ll top it with a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce that’s sure to impress!
This recipe will guide you step-by-step to achieve a restaurant-quality steak without needing to fire up the grill. Perfect for those busy weeknights, date nights, or any time you crave a delicious, savory steak with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
2 boneless ribeye steaks (1-inch thick, or your preferred cut like sirloin or New York strip)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for added flavor)
For the Garlic Butter:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Pinch of salt and black pepper (to taste)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Steak
To begin, remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them rest at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this step is crucial for getting a crispy crust on your steak.
Once the steaks are dry, drizzle olive oil on both sides, ensuring they are well-coated. This will help the seasoning adhere better and give the steak a nice crisp when cooked in the air fryer.
In a small bowl, combine:
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika (for extra flavor)
Salt and black pepper
Season both sides of the steak generously with this spice mixture. For an extra burst of flavor, you can also rub fresh rosemary or thyme onto the steak.
Step 2: Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the steak starts cooking immediately and helps achieve that perfect seared crust.
Step 3: Cooking the Steak
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If you’re cooking multiple steaks, work in batches to allow proper air circulation.
For medium-rare steak, cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
For medium steak, cook for about 12-14 minutes.
For well-done steak, cook for 15-18 minutes.
Tip: The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the air fryer model. To be precise, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness:
Medium-rare: 130°F (54°C)
Medium: 140°F (60°C)
Well-done: 160°F (71°C)
After cooking, let the steak rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Step 4: Preparing the Garlic Butter
While your steak is resting, prepare the garlic butter to pour over the top for extra flavor.
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir until the garlic becomes fragrant (about 1 minute). Then, remove the butter from the heat and stir in the fresh parsley, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
The garlic butter sauce adds richness to the steak and complements the savory flavors of the meat beautifully.
Step 5: Serving the Steak
Once the steak has rested and the garlic butter is ready, it’s time to serve. Drizzle the freshly made garlic butter over the top of each steak. The warm, aromatic butter will melt into the steak, enhancing its juiciness and flavor.
Garnish with extra fresh parsley or rosemary for a touch of color and a fresh herb aroma. Serve with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or even a side of garlic bread for a complete, restaurant-worthy meal.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Steak:
Choosing the Right Cut: The beauty of the air fryer steak recipe is that it works with a variety of cuts. While ribeye steaks are fantastic for their marbling and flavor, sirloin or New York strip steaks also work beautifully. Choose a cut that suits your taste and budget.
Allow the Steak to Rest: This is a key step for ensuring a juicy steak. After cooking, rest the steak for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute inside the steak, keeping it tender and flavorful.
Adjust Cooking Time for Thickness: The thickness of the steak will determine the cooking time. Thicker steaks may require an extra minute or two in the air fryer. If you have a thinner cut, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Check Internal Temperature: For precise results, invest in a good meat thermometer. This will help you achieve your desired level of doneness every time. Medium-rare steak should reach 130°F (54°C), while medium is 140°F (60°C). Well-done steak is 160°F (71°C).
Air Fryer Model Variations: Keep in mind that different air fryer models may cook differently. Some may cook faster or slower, so it’s always a good idea to check your steak a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overcooking.
Why Air Fryer Steak is a Game-Changer:
Quick & Easy: The air fryer cooks steak quickly, allowing you to enjoy a juicy, flavorful meal in under 20 minutes.
Healthier Option: The air fryer uses little to no oil, making it a healthier cooking method compared to traditional frying.
Even Cooking: The air fryer circulates hot air around the steak, ensuring it’s cooked evenly without flipping it multiple times.
Juicy & Tender: The air fryer locks in moisture while crisping up the exterior, giving you a perfectly tender and juicy steak.
Minimal Cleanup: Unlike grilling or pan-searing, the air fryer basket is easy to clean, making it a low-maintenance way to prepare steak.
Serving Suggestions:
Sides: Pair your steak with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or sauteed spinach for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Salads: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the steak, balancing the flavors.
Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Syrah, pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the steak.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
The air fryer steak recipe delivers everything you love about steak—tenderness, flavor, and juiciness—with the added bonus of being fast and easy. The garlic butter elevates the steak to new heights, adding richness and depth of flavor. Whether you’re making this for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.