Air Fryer Steak Garlic Butter

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Prepare succulent steak in minutes using an air fryer for effortless results. Coat ribeye or sirloin with olive oil and bold seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. After a brief preheat, add fresh herbs and air fry until perfectly seared, flipping halfway for even cooking. Rest the steak to lock in juices, then top with rich garlic butter before serving. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this method ensures a tender texture and crisp crust, all without firing up the grill. For ideal doneness, use a thermometer and adjust cooking based on steak thickness.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Wed, 28 May 2025 13:01:38 GMT
A piece of meat with butter on top. Save
A piece of meat with butter on top. | sarahmeal.com

Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter brings juicy steakhouse flavor to your kitchen fast. You get a seared crust and tender middle without standing over a stove or firing up the grill. This recipe is my secret weapon for a quick yet impressive dinner when I am short on time and everyone is hungry for something special.

The first time I cooked steak this way my husband could not believe it was not from a restaurant. Now it is our go-to for a fuss-free steak night.

Ingredients

  • Ribeye or sirloin steaks: juicy with nice marbling for flavor choose steaks at least one inch thick for best results
  • Olive oil: helps the seasoning stick and promotes a golden exterior
  • Garlic powder: infuses savory aroma without burning like fresh garlic
  • Onion powder: brings roundness and subtle sweetness
  • Smoked paprika: adds subtle smoke that mimics grilled steak
  • Salt: enhances meatiness use coarse kosher or sea salt for best texture
  • Black pepper: gives gentle heat crack it fresh if possible
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme: classic steak herbs for aroma pick firm bright sprigs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pat the Steaks Dry
Blot steaks on both sides with paper towels to remove surface moisture. Removing excess moisture ensures a good sear and minimizes steaming.
Season the Steaks
Rub both sides of steak with olive oil then sprinkle equally with garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt and pepper. Massage seasonings into the meat for a flavorful crust.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit two hundred degrees Celsius and let it preheat for five minutes. A hot basket start helps form that crave-worthy crust.
Arrange and Add Herbs
Lay the steaks flat in the fryer basket ensuring they do not overlap. This allows hot air to circulate. Lay rosemary or thyme sprigs on top for herby aroma.
Cook the Steak
Air fry steaks for eight to ten minutes flipping once halfway through. The cook time depends on thickness and your desired doneness. For medium-rare shoot for that golden crust with a slightly springy feel.
Rest the Steak
Once cooked let steaks rest at least five minutes before slicing. This redistributes juices so each piece is tender and succulent.
A container of meat and cheese. Save
A container of meat and cheese. | sarahmeal.com

I am always amazed by how the smoked paprika makes the steak taste charred even when cooked indoors. One night my daughter asked if we grilled outside after a rainstorm because it smelled so good at the table.

Storage Tips

Keep leftover steak in a sealed container in the fridge and enjoy within three days. Cold steak slices are perfect for steak salads or sandwiches the next day. I sometimes prep extra on purpose just for lunchbox salads.

Ingredient Substitutions

Cannot find ribeye or sirloin Use strip steak or filet for an equally delicious result. No fresh herbs Try dried Italian seasoning for a similar kick. Out of smoked paprika Sweet paprika or chili powder step in just fine.

A piece of meat with butter on top. Save
A piece of meat with butter on top. | sarahmeal.com

Serving Suggestions

Slice the steak and top with homemade garlic butter for that steakhouse finish. Serve next to roasted veggies crusty bread or classic baked potatoes. For a pop of freshness I like scattering chopped parsley or chives just before serving.

Cultural Note

Cooking steak indoors with an air fryer is a modern twist on classic American steakhouse tradition. While open-fire grilling goes back centuries families now get steak night at home with much less fuss. I love how this shows new tools can keep old traditions alive.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What cut of steak works best in the air fryer?

Ribeye and sirloin are both excellent choices due to their marbling and tenderness. Choose cuts about 1 inch thick for optimal results in the air fryer.

→ How long should steak rest after air frying?

Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and create a more flavorful bite.

→ Can I use bone-in steaks in this method?

Yes, bone-in steaks are suitable, but they may require an extra minute or two of cooking depending on thickness and desired doneness.

→ What seasonings enhance the flavor best?

Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme bring out the steak’s natural flavor and aroma.

→ Is it necessary to flip the steak during cooking?

Flipping the steak halfway through ensures even browning and consistent texture on both sides, contributing to a better overall result.

Air Fryer Steak Garlic Butter

Quickly prepare juicy, tender steak with garlic butter in the air fryer for perfectly crisp results every time.

Preparation Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Duration
15 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size

Diet Preferences: Low-Carb Option, Gluten-Free Option, Dairy-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Steak Preparation

Ingredient 01 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks
Ingredient 02 15 ml olive oil
Ingredient 03 5 g garlic powder
Ingredient 04 5 g onion powder
Ingredient 05 5 g smoked paprika
Ingredient 06 5 g salt
Ingredient 07 2.5 g ground black pepper
Ingredient 08 Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Pat steaks dry with a paper towel and rub both sides with olive oil.

Instruction 02

Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides.

Instruction 03

Set the air fryer to 200°C and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes.

Instruction 04

Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Add rosemary or thyme sprigs if desired. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping once halfway, until preferred doneness is reached.

Instruction 05

Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices before slicing and serving.

Additional Tips

  1. Allow the meat to rest before slicing to ensure optimal juiciness.
  2. Cooking times may need adjustment depending on steak thickness and desired doneness.
  3. For enhanced flavor, pair with garlic butter or chimichurri sauce.
  4. Bone-in steaks may require additional air frying time.
  5. Utilize a meat thermometer: 54°C for medium-rare, 60°C for medium.

Essential Tools

  • Air fryer
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Sharp knife

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 312
  • Fat Content: 23 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 1 grams
  • Protein Content: 25 grams