Cooking steak in an air fryer is a game-changer! This Perfect Air Fryer Steak recipe delivers a tender, juicy interior and a golden-brown sear on the outside. Whether you’re new to air frying or already love it, this recipe guarantees satisfaction for everyone at the table. Pair it with a Caesar Salad, Garlic Butter Green Beans, or Homemade Sweet Potato Fries for an irresistible meal.
Why Cook Steak in an Air Fryer?
An air fryer simplifies steak night, making it possible to achieve restaurant-quality results without the hassle of grilling or stovetop cooking. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Consistent Results: Get that perfect crust with a juicy interior every time.
Effortless Cooking: Skip the smoke from stovetop cooking or braving the cold to grill.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a time-saver for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Air Fryer Steak, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients:
Steak: Ribeye, New York strip, or Tri-Tip (1-inch thick works best).
Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and aids in browning.
Italian Seasoning: Adds a savory depth.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential for enhancing flavor.
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
Butter: Softened for easy mixing.
Garlic: Minced for a bold kick.
Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, and parsley for aromatic goodness.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 400°F for even cooking.
Season the Steak: Rub both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Steak: Place the steak in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even searing.
Rest the Steak: Let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
Top with Garlic Butter: Mix softened butter with minced garlic and fresh herbs, then spread it over the steak for a rich finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Steak
Bring to Room Temperature: Let your steak sit out for 30 minutes before cooking for even doneness.
Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space around each steak for proper air circulation.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For precision, check the internal temperature (details below).
Experiment with Seasonings: Try smoked paprika, Cajun spice, or even a coffee rub for variety.
Try These Other Steak Recipes
Chicken Fried Steak: A crispy, southern classic.
Grilled Steak Fajitas: Perfect for Taco Tuesday.
Chipotle Steak Rice Bowls: Great for meal prep.
Philly Cheese Steak Sloppy Joes: A kid-friendly dinner option.
Creamy Garlic Steak Bites with Mushrooms: A rich, indulgent twist.
FAQs
Steaks like Ribeye, New York strip, or Tri-Tip work wonderfully. Opt for cuts that are approximately 1-inch thick for the best results.
Rub each side with olive oil and season generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This helps create a delicious crust and locks in the flavors.
Set the air fryer to 400°F. This high heat ensures a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the inside tender.
For medium doneness, cook for 12 minutes, flipping at the 6-minute mark. Adjust the time for your preferred level of doneness.
Absolutely! Resting for 10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak tender and flavorful.
Combine 1/4 cup of softened butter, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon each of fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Spread it on the steak after it rests for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Healthier Cooking: Reduce fat without compromising flavor.
Faster Prep: Cook frozen steaks by adjusting the cooking time.
Easy Cleanup: Say goodbye to stovetop splatters.
More Soups You’ll Love
Elevate your steak dinner with these perfect sides:
Steak Marinade Recipe
Is a Tomahawk Steak Tender or Tough?
How to Cook a Tomahawk Steak
Pin This Recipe for Later
Loved this recipe? Share it with friends and family, or pin it on Pinterest for easy access. Let me know in the comments how your air fryer steak turned out I’d love to hear about your variations and sides.
Perfect Air Fryer Steak
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 Steaks 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Perfect Air Fryer Steak recipe delivers a juicy interior and golden, crispy crust every time. It’s a quick, easy, and family-friendly meal option that takes the guesswork out of steak night. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this recipe ensures your steak is always cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1–2 Steaks: Ribeye, New York Strip, or Tri-Tip (1-inch thick)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper to taste
For Garlic Herb Butter:
- 1/4 cup Butter, softened
- 1 Garlic Clove, minced
- 1 tsp Fresh Rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme, chopped
- 1 tsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Rub both sides of the steak with olive oil. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust cooking time for preferred doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 10 minutes to retain juices.
- Mix the garlic herb butter ingredients and spread over the rested steak before serving.
Notes
- For medium-rare, cook the steak for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure the steak is at room temperature before cooking for even results.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness (see temperatures in the blog post).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Steak
- Calories: 506 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 262 mg
- Fat: 46 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: Best air fryer for steak, steak recipe, air fryer steak 2-inch thick, air fryer