Cooking steak has never remained the same! Making my steak in the air fryer has been a game changer for the perfect juicy steak dinner.
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to cook steak that promises both juiciness and flavor, the air fryer might become your new favorite kitchen tool. This method offers a quick, mess-free alternative to traditional pan-searing or grilling, delivering a perfect steak every time with little effort.
PRO TIPS for the Perfect Air Fryer Steak:
Room Temperature: Always start with your steak at room temperature to ensure even cooking.
Meat Thermometer: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature for your preferred doneness.
Single Layer: Cook the steak in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure it cooks evenly.
Resting Time: Let the steak rest after cooking to redistribute the juices, making it even more tender and flavorful.
Other related air fryer recipes
Steak Bites
Juicy Air Fryer Steak Bites
- Yummy and Easy recipe.
- Ready in minutes.
Air Fryer Salmon Steak
It’s super easy to prepare.
- It gives the best result every time!
- Ready in just a few minutes.
Pork Roast Recipe
Less mess, easy, and quick!
- Enjoy the yummy pork roast in the comfort of your kitchen.
How to Store the Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Any leftover steak should be placed in an airtight container or ziploc and refrigerated for up to 3 days. It should be reheated gently in the air fryer to preserve the texture.
Ingredients:
Steaks: I love using either Sirloin, Ribeye, New York Strip, or Tri-tip, about 1 inch thick. The thickness ensures that the steak cooks juicy and tender.
Olive Oil helps the seasoning adhere to the steak and prevents sticking in the air fryer. Substitute avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a robust herb flavor. Feel free to add black pepper, garlic powder, and any other herbs if desired.
Onion Salt: Provides a subtle onion flavor that enhances the steak without overpowering it. When I use onion slat, I skip adding kosher salt. If using onion powder, add salt to taste.
Crushed Chili Pepper Adds a spicy kick, balancing the meat’s richness.
Garlic Herb Butter:
Butter: Forms the base of the compound butter, adding richness and moisture. You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative
Garlic: Minced – Infuses the butter with a sharp, aromatic flavor.
Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley): These herbs contribute freshness and depth to the garlic butter.
How to make the perfect Steak in the Air Fryer
Step one – Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F. This high heat mimics the intense environment of a convection oven, ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Step two – Season the Steak: Bring the steaks to room temperature. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then rub both sides with olive oil. Combine Italian seasoning, onion salt, and crushed chili pepper in a small bowl and rub the mixture onto the steaks. You can allow the steak to marinate for about 15 – 30 minutes for extra flavor.
Step three – Cook: Brush the air fryer basket with a little oil. Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, turning once halfway through, for a perfect medium steak. Adjust the time slightly for rarer or more well-done steaks. Place the meat thermometer on the thickest part of the steak to check for doneness. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak. Thinner steaks cook quickly; don’t burn them! Thicker steak requires additional time.
Step four – Make Garlic Herb Butter: While the steak cooks, mix softened butter with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley in a small bowl.
Step five – Rest and Serve: Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial for locking in the juices. Top each steak with a pat of the prepared garlic herb butter before serving.
Cooking temperature and time for your air fryer steak
- Cooking Time: The time it takes to cook your steak will depend on its thickness and your desired doneness:
- Rare: Cook for about 5-7 minutes.
- Medium Rare: Cook for about 7-10 minutes.
- Medium: Cook for about 10-14 minutes.
- Medium Well: Cook for about 12-16 minutes.
- Well Done: Cook for about 15-20 minutes.
- It’s important to flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure that it is even cooking on both sides.
- Using a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your steak is cooked to your liking, it’s advisable to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
- Rare: 125 degrees F (52 degrees C)
- Medium Rare: 135 degrees F (57 degrees C)
- Medium: 145 degrees F (63 degrees C)
- Medium Well: 150 degrees F (66 degrees C)
- Well Done: 160 degrees F (71 degrees C
Other cooking methods for Making Perfect Steak:
Besides air frying, steaks can be cooked using a grill for that classic charred flavor, seared in a cast iron skillet for a crispy crust, or even cooked sous vide for precise doneness.
An air fryer offers a quicker, cleaner, and more convenient cooking method for steak, requiring less oil and providing easier cleanup compared to traditional cast iron skillet methods. This is why it’s my new favorite way for tender steak!
FAQs:
What’s the best cut of steak for the air fryer?
Ribeye and New York strip are ideal due to their fat content, which renders beautifully in the high heat of the air fryer.
Can I cook frozen steak in the air fryer?
For best results, thaw steaks completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and optimal flavor.
The Best Steak in the Air Fryer
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 pcs Steaks: Cut into 1" tall
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbs Italian Seasoning
- ½ tbs Onion Salt
- 1 tbs Crushed Chili Pepper
- 1 tbs Garlic Herb Butter:
- ¼ cup Butter softened
- 1 Clove Garlic minced
- 1 tbs Fresh Herbs Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F.
- Season the Steak: Bring the steaks to room temperature. Pat them dry with a paper towel, then rub both sides with olive oil. Combine Italian seasoning, onion salt, and crushed chili pepper in a small bowl and rub the mixture onto the steaks. You can allow the steak to marinate for about 15 – 30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Cook: Brush the air fryer basket with little oil. Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, turning once halfway through, for a perfect medium steak.
- Make Garlic Herb Butter: While the steak cooks, mix softened butter with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and parsley in a small bowl.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial for locking in the juices. Top each steak with a pat of the prepared garlic herb butter before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your air fryer steak with classic potato sides, a fresh green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a touch of luxury, add a drizzle of homemade garlic butter sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce.
This air fryer steak recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create a delicious and easy meal that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s your first time using an air fryer or you’re looking to perfect your technique, this recipe guarantees a tender, juicy steak with minimal effort.
Enjoy your delicious steak!
About the Author
I am Seun, and I love to share my first-hand experience using multiple air fryers. Stick around for yummy delicacies made from the air fryer and many amazing tips on using your newfound Kitchen appliance – the air fryer!
