Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter

This Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter is the perfect quick and delicious dinner option. I get perfectly juicy and tender steak every time, with a beautifully seared crust and a rich, savory garlic butter sauce that melts right on top. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy a steakhouse-quality meal without firing up the grill or using a skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy it is to make this steak in the air fryer. It’s fast, mess-free, and incredibly flavorful. The garlic butter takes things to another level, adding richness and that restaurant-style finish. I don’t have to worry about flipping multiple times or standing over a hot stove. Plus, it’s ideal for weeknights or a date-night dinner at home.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip steak (about 1 inch thick)

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)

• Butter

• Fresh garlic, minced

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

1. I start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. While it heats, I pat the steak dry with paper towels and brush both sides with olive oil.

3. I season the steak generously with salt, black pepper, and a little garlic powder if I want an extra flavor kick.

4. I place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for medium-rare. I adjust the time depending on my preferred doneness.

5. While the steak cooks, I melt the butter in a small pan or microwave-safe bowl, stir in the minced garlic, and let it infuse for a few minutes.

6. Once the steak is done, I let it rest for 5 minutes. Then I top it with the garlic butter and sprinkle fresh parsley over it before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Resting time: 5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I use different seasonings like smoked paprika or a steak rub for a bolder flavor. If I want to add a touch of sweetness, I mix a little brown sugar into the seasoning. I also swap in rosemary or thyme instead of parsley for a different herb twist. For a spicier version, I add crushed red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.

storage/reheating

I store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I usually use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or until warmed through, which helps maintain the texture. I avoid microwaving because it can make the steak rubbery.

FAQs

How do I know when the steak is done?

I use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well. That way, I never overcook it.

Can I cook frozen steak in the air fryer?

Yes, I can cook it from frozen, but I add 5-7 minutes to the cooking time and season it once it’s thawed enough during cooking to hold spices.

What’s the best steak cut for the air fryer?

I like using ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip. They cook well in the air fryer and stay juicy without drying out.

Do I need to marinate the steak first?

No, but if I want extra flavor, I sometimes marinate it for 30 minutes to an hour. A simple garlic and herb marinade works great.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I just swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. It still gives me that rich flavor with the garlic and herbs.

Conclusion

Making steak in the air fryer with garlic butter is one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something quick yet satisfying. The steak comes out juicy and tender, and the garlic butter gives it that indulgent finish I crave. Whether I’m cooking for myself or trying to impress, this recipe always delivers.

Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter

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• Author: Evee
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Juicy air-fried steak topped with a melted garlic-herb butter for a quick, restaurant-quality meal with minimal fuss.

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Ingredients

2 steaks (ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip, about 8 oz each, 1″ thick)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400 °F (200 °C).
2. Pat steaks dry and brush both sides with olive oil. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook 8–10 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway; adjust time for desired doneness.
4. While steak cooks, melt butter in a small pan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in minced garlic and let rest 2–3 minutes to infuse.
5. When done, transfer steaks to a plate and let rest 5 minutes.
6. Top each steak with garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Swap fresh or dried rosemary or thyme for parsley to vary the herb flavor.

Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the seasoning for a smoky or spicy twist.

Use plant-based butter to make the garlic butter dairy-free.

Resting the steak ensures juiciness—don’t skip the 5-minute rest.

Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350 °F for 3–4 minutes to preserve texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 steak with butter
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg