Easy Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter

Learn how to make a delicious and juicy steak in just minutes using an air fryer! This easy recipe will become a family favorite and is perfect for busy weeknights.

Cooking meat in the air fryer is my new favorite thing! It is quick and easy and turns out fabulous every time! Check out our other air fryer meat recipes: air fryer hot dogs, air fryer chicken wings, air fryer salmon, and air fryer whole chicken.

Since moving we’ve had to get rid of our grill, it’s a long story. But we’ve been craving a really delicious, perfectly grilled steak. So, I did a little research, played around with a few different temps and times and voila, New York City (or anyone else without a grill) you can officially have grill worthy steak right from your counter top!

Ingredients for Air Fryer Steak Recipe

This steak in the air fryer ends up seared on the outside and juicy on the inside and we use homemade garlic butter to add amazing flavor. Here is what you will need:

• Ribeye Steaks
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Olive Oil

Garlic Butter

• Butter
• Garlic
• Kosher Salt

The measurements and details for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Best Steak for the Air Fryer

You want cuts of steak that are at least 1-inch thick with good marbling. Our first choice is a ribeye, but porterhouse, sirloin steak, New York strip, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon would all work great too.

How to Air Fry Steak

This recipe is super easy, but it does take some planning ahead so be sure to start a day ahead. Here are the steps:

1. Prep: The night before you plan to eat the steaks, pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in the fridge uncovered.
2. Rub: Pull the steaks out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and rub olive oil all over both sides of the steaks.
3. Cook: Place them in the air fryer for 6 minutes then flip and cook another 6 minutes.
4. Rest: Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes and top with garlic butter (see instructions below) for serving.

For the Garlic Butter

1. Mix: Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and stir to combine completely.
2. Shape: Move the butter mixture to a piece of parchment paper and form it into a log shape. Twist the ends to close.
3. Refrigerate: Place in the fridge for at least an hour, up to 1 week.

All these instructions can be found in the recipe card where you can also save or print the recipe.

Recommended Equipment

Air Fryer: We love our Instant Pot Omni 10-in-1 Air Fryer. Not only does it air fry, but it also bakes, roasts, broils and even dehydrates. I’m sure any air fryer would do fine with this recipe, but this particular one is our favorite!

Meat Thermometer: The key to the perfect steak is to not overcook it! Using a meat thermometer will help you get the doneness you desire!

What to Eat with Steak

When it comes to having steak for dinner, just about any and all side dishes will go great with it! I’m going to give you a couple of ideas for salads, vegetables, bread and potatoes to eat with it.

Salads

Vegetables

Bread

Potatoes

How Long to Cook Steak in the Air Fryer

The air fryer takes all the guess work out of cooking the perfect steak! When you grill or cast iron a steak, you never quite know when it’s the doneness you desire. With the air fryer, you just set the time and flip once.

Medium: 12 minutes, flip at 6 minutes

Medium-rare: 10 minutes, flip at 5 minutes

Rare: 8 minutes, flip at 4 minutes.

If you want it more done than that, you shouldn’t be eating steak. Ok, that’s a bit harsh, but steak should never be cooked past medium. If you must, cook it for 14-16 minutes flipping halfway through.

What Temp Should I Cook Steak?

I prefer my steaks cooked medium or medium rare, but I know people have strong feelings about the doneness of their steak. Here are the temperatures to look for:

• Rare: 125°F
• Medium-Rare: 135°F
• Medium: 145°F
• Medium Well: 155°F
• Well: 160°F

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Stea

Make sure your steak isn’t too thin or it will cook inside too quickly before getting the outside nice and brown. You want it to be at least 1 inch thick.

Drying the steaks before air frying them is essential to getting that good sear on the outside. Pat them dry on all sides with a paper towel and let them sit uncovered in the refrigerator overnight.

Brushing oil on the outside will also help the steaks brown on the outside.

Make sure to give the steaks time to come to room temperature before cooking them. It will make all the difference for the best cook and flavor.

Give the steaks plenty of space in the air fryer basket. They shouldn’t be touching and should have plenty of room around them so the air fryer can work its magic!

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3-4 days. I recommend reheating it in the air fryer for the best results.

Do yourself a favor and make your next steak in the air fryer! It’s the perfect answer for the winter months when you don’t want to freeze your buns off outside at the grill! The outside is seared and flavorful and the inside just melts in your mouth!

More Steak Recipes for Steak Lovers:

Recommended Products