Air Fryer Steaks with Garlic Butter (Juicy, Tender & Ready in Minutes)

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If you’ve never made steak in the air fryer, prepare to be impressed.

These Air Fryer Steaks with Garlic Butter deliver a beautifully seared crust, tender juicy center, and rich buttery finish — all without firing up a grill or heating a cast-iron skillet.

Yes. You can get steakhouse results using your air fryer.

And the best part? It’s fast. From fridge to plate in under 20 minutes.

Let’s break down how to make the perfect juicy air fryer steak recipe every single time.

Why Cook Steak in the Air Fryer?

Cooking steak in the air fryer works surprisingly well because:

  • High circulating heat creates a caramelized crust.
  • It cooks evenly.
  • No smoke-filled kitchen.
  • Minimal cleanup.
  • Perfect for small kitchens or quick dinners.

Whether you’re making ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip, this method delivers reliable results.

Best Cuts for Air Fryer Steaks

You can use:

  • Ribeye (most flavorful, well-marbled)
  • New York strip
  • Sirloin
  • Filet mignon

For best results, choose steaks about 1 to 1½ inches thick.

Ingredients

For the Steaks

  • 2 ribeye or New York strip steaks (1–1½ inches thick)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Garlic Butter

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Bring Steak to Room Temperature

Remove steaks from refrigerator 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.

2. Season

Rub steaks lightly with olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

3. Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

4. Cook the Steaks

Place steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Cook times for 1-inch thick steak:

  • Rare: 7–8 minutes
  • Medium rare: 8–10 minutes
  • Medium: 10–12 minutes
  • Medium well: 12–13 minutes

Flip halfway through cooking.

5. Check Temperature

Use a meat thermometer:

  • Rare: 125°F
  • Medium rare: 130–135°F
  • Medium: 140–145°F
  • Medium well: 150°F

Remove steak 5 degrees before target temp — it will continue cooking while resting.

6. Make Garlic Butter

Mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt until smooth.

7. Rest & Finish

Let steak rest 5–10 minutes. Top with a generous slice of garlic butter and allow it to melt over the hot steak.

Slice and serve.

Air Fryer Steaks with Garlic Butter

Juicy air fryer steak topped with rich homemade garlic butter for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 steaks
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Steaks
  • 2 ribeye steaks 1-1.5 inches thick
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
Garlic Butter
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Bring steaks to room temperature and pat dry.
  2. Season with oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Air fry at 400°F for 8–12 minutes flipping halfway.
  4. Mix garlic butter ingredients.
  5. Rest steak and top with garlic butter before serving.

Notes

Adjust cooking time depending on thickness and preferred doneness.

Why Garlic Butter Makes It Next Level

Garlic butter melts into the crust and enhances every bite.

The richness balances the savory beef, while fresh parsley adds brightness. It turns a simple steak into something that tastes like it came from a steakhouse.

Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak

1. Pat Dry
Moisture prevents browning.

2. Don’t Overcrowd
Airflow is crucial.

3. Use a Thermometer
Guessing leads to overcooked steak.

4. Let It Rest
Resting keeps it juicy.

Flavor Variations

Herb Butter Upgrade

Add thyme and rosemary to butter.

Spicy Steak

Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or chili flakes.

Lemon Garlic Butter

Add ½ teaspoon lemon zest to butter.

Blue Cheese Finish

Top with crumbled blue cheese instead of garlic butter.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Steaks

These garlic butter steak in air fryer pairs perfectly with:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Roasted asparagus
  • Air fryer Brussels sprouts
  • Side salad
  • Baked sweet potatoes

Or slice thin and serve over rice bowls or salads.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Up to 3 days.
Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes.
Avoid microwave for best texture.

Is Air Fryer Steak Good?

Absolutely. It may not replace a charcoal grill for purists, but for convenience and consistent results, it’s unbeatable.

It’s one of the easiest ways to cook steak at home without stress.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Steaks with Garlic Butter prove that great steak doesn’t require fancy equipment.

You get:

  • Crispy crust
  • Tender interior
  • Rich buttery finish
  • Quick cook time
  • Minimal cleanup

It’s simple. It’s bold. It’s satisfying.

And once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this quick steak in air fryer method again and again.

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