Air Fryer Steaks with Garlic Butter (Juicy, Foolproof & Restaurant-Worthy)

Cooking steak at home can feel intimidating. Too raw? Too dry? Smoke filling the kitchen? That’s exactly why Air Fryer Steaks with Garlic Butter have become a modern kitchen favorite. This method delivers perfectly juicy steak with a beautifully seared exterior, all without a grill, cast-iron pan, or complicated techniques.

Using the air fryer allows precise temperature control and even heat circulation, which means consistent results every time. Add a rich, aromatic garlic butter on top, and you’ve got a steak dinner that tastes like it came straight from a steakhouse — but ready in under 20 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner, impressing guests, or simply craving a high-protein, low-effort meal, this recipe is a game-changer.

Why Make Steak in the Air Fryer?

Air frying steak isn’t just convenient — it’s incredibly effective.

Benefits of air fryer steak:

• Even cooking without constant flipping
• Minimal smoke and splatter
• Consistent doneness edge to edge
• Faster than oven or grill
• Perfect for small kitchens or apartments

The hot circulating air mimics the effect of a grill while locking in juices. When finished with garlic butter, the steak becomes tender, flavorful, and indulgent without extra effort.

Choosing the Best Steak for the Air Fryer

Not all steaks are created equal. The best cuts for air frying are tender, well-marbled, and at least 1 inch thick.

Top choices:

• Ribeye
• New York strip
• Sirloin
• Filet mignon

Avoid very thin cuts — they cook too quickly and can dry out. Thickness is your friend when it comes to juicy air fryer steak.

Ingredients

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

Garlic Butter

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Remove steaks from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
3. Pat steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
4. Rub steaks with olive oil on all sides.
5. Season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
6. Place steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them.
7. Cook for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
8. While steaks cook, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt in a small bowl.
9. Remove steaks from the air fryer and immediately top with garlic butter.
10. Let steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
11. Serve hot and enjoy.

Steak Doneness Guide (Air Fryer)

• Rare: 120–125°F (6–7 minutes)
• Medium-Rare: 130–135°F (7–8 minutes)
• Medium: 140–145°F (8–9 minutes)
• Medium-Well: 150–155°F (9–10 minutes)

Use a meat thermometer for best results.

Garlic Butter: The Secret Weapon

Garlic butter transforms a good steak into an unforgettable one. The heat from the steak melts the butter, releasing garlic aroma and coating every bite in rich flavor.

Flavor upgrades:

• Add rosemary or thyme
• Mix in a splash of lemon juice
• Use roasted garlic for sweetness

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak

• Always preheat the air fryer
• Don’t overcrowd the basket
• Let steak rest before slicing
• Use thick cuts for best texture
• Finish with butter or compound butter

Variations You’ll Love

Spicy Steak: Add cayenne or chili flakes
Herb Butter Steak: Use rosemary and thyme
Keto Steak: Skip paprika, add extra butter
Steak Bites: Cut into chunks and cook 6–7 minutes

What to Serve with Air Fryer Steaks

• Air fryer potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Simple green salad
• Garlic bread
• Creamy mashed potatoes

Fun Fact: Why Resting Steak Matters

Resting allows muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb juices. Cut too early, and you’ll lose moisture. Five minutes makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Steaks with Garlic Butter prove that incredible steak doesn’t require fancy equipment or hours of prep. This recipe delivers bold flavor, juicy texture, and steakhouse quality with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

Once you try steak in the air fryer, you’ll never look back.

Air Fryer Steaks with Garlic Butter

Juicy, perfectly cooked air fryer steaks finished with rich garlic butter for a quick and restaurant-quality meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 2 steaks

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients

  

Steak

• 2 ribeye or New York strip steaks 1–1½ inches thick
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Garlic Butter

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter softened
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Tongs
• Small bowl
• Meat thermometer

Method

 

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Pat steaks dry and rub with olive oil.
3. Season steaks evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Place steaks in air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway, until desired doneness.
6. Mix butter, garlic, parsley, and salt in a bowl.
7. Top hot steaks with garlic butter and rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness and let steaks rest before slicing.