How to Air Fry Steak: A Failproof Air Fryer Steak Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted restaurant-quality steak without the smoke, splatter, or stress, the air fryer might just be your new best friend. This method delivers a beautifully seared crust, a juicy center, and all the rich flavor of a steakhouse meal—without turning your kitchen into a mess. Paired with a garlicky herb butter that melts luxuriously over the top, this recipe guarantees success every single time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick & Convenient: From start to finish, your steak is ready in about 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- No Mess, No Fuss: Forget hot oil splatters or smoky stovetops. The air fryer does all the work in a clean, contained space.
- Consistent Results: As long as your steaks are cut evenly, you can expect reliable doneness and flavor every time.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steak
- Choose Thick Cuts: Steaks at least 1 inch thick yield the juiciest results. Thinner steaks cook too fast and can dry out.
- Pat Dry Before Seasoning: Always blot steaks with paper towels before seasoning to ensure the spices stick and the meat develops a flavorful crust.
- Cook in Batches: Never overcrowd the air fryer basket. Space allows air to circulate, ensuring even cooking.
How to Check Doneness
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to achieve your preferred steak doneness:
- Rare: 125°F–130°F
- Medium-Rare: 130°F–140°F
- Medium: 140°F–150°F
- Medium-Well: 150°F–155°F
- Well Done: 160°F+
For best flavor and tenderness, medium-rare to medium is the sweet spot.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Steak
A juicy steak shines brightest when paired with complementary sides. Classic pairings include:
- Creamy mashed or crispy roasted potatoes
- Grilled asparagus or seasonal vegetables
- Sautéed mushrooms in garlic butter
- A crisp green salad or Mexican-style corn salad
For an Asian-inspired twist, serve your steak over a bed of steamed jasmine rice to soak up the buttery juices.
Juicy and Flavorful Air Fryer Steak Recipe
Yield: 2 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 bone-in ribeye steaks (at least 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Compound Butter:
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter: In a small bowl, combine softened butter with garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until smooth. Set aside.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat while you prep the steaks.
- Season the Steaks: Pat the ribeyes dry with paper towels. Rub all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning—don’t forget the edges.
- Air Fry: Place steaks in the basket, leaving space around each cut. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 6-minute mark.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove from the air fryer and let them rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Finish with Butter: Place a spoonful of compound butter on each hot steak. The butter will melt into the surface, creating a silky sauce packed with flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~785
- Total Fat: 61g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 55g
- Iron: ~20% DV
- Potassium: ~960mg
The Bottom Line
Air fryer steak is a game changer—fast, flavorful, and foolproof. With minimal prep and no mess, you’ll enjoy tender, juicy ribeye topped with a rich garlic-herb butter that tastes like it came straight from a steakhouse kitchen. Once you try it, you may never cook steak another way again.
