You don’t need a grill or a cast iron skillet to get a perfectly seared, juicy steak anymore. Air Fryer Steak cooks up with a golden crust outside and tender pink center insidein less than 15 minutes.
I tested this back in January 2019, right after my neighbor swore her air fryer made better steaks than her husband’s grill. I didn’t believe her until I heard that first sizzle and smelled the buttery crust forming at 400°F. After tweaking temps and timing across eight different cuts in my test kitchen, I figured out the secret: high heat, a light oil coat, and flipping just once.
Olivia Farnsworth
Air Fryer Steak Recipe: The Best Way to Make Perfect Steak
This Air Fryer Steak recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful meal using just a few simple ingredients. Perfectly cooked in 17 minutes, it’s topped with a delicious garlic butter that enhances every bite. Enjoy a quick and easy way to make tender striploin steaks with crispy edges and rich flavor.
Take the steaks out of the fridge and let them warm to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, trimming excess fat if you like.
Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 5-10 minutes to get it hot.
Coat the steaks evenly with canola oil, then generously season with salt and pepper.
Place the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-14 minutes depending on your preferred doneness (10 minutes for medium-rare, 12 for medium, 14 for medium-well).
While the steaks cook, mix together the butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley until combined.
Once done, remove the steaks and allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to let the juices settle.
Serve the sliced steak topped with the garlic butter for a rich finishing touch.
Notes
Bring steaks to room temperature before cooking for more even results. Always preheat your air fryer to avoid burning the outside. Remove the steaks immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking. Let them rest to keep the meat juicy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the air fryer, oven, or on the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something so satisfying about making restaurant-quality steak at home without heating up your whole kitchen or standing over a smoky stove. This method gives you a beautifully seared crust and juicy center every single timeand it only takes 17 minutes from start to finish.
Ridiculously simple: Just five ingredients and two main steps
Foolproof results: The air fryer circulates heat so evenly, you don’t have to worry about hot spots or uneven cooking
No mess, no smoke: Perfect for apartment kitchens or busy weeknights when you don’t want to deal with cleanup
That garlic butter: Three ingredients mixed together while the steak cooks, and it melts into every slice like magic
What You’ll Need
The beauty of Air Fryer Steak is that you probably have everything already. I like striploin steaks about an inch thickthey fit perfectly in most air fryer baskets and cook through without drying out. The canola oil helps create that golden crust, and honestly, good salt and pepper are all the seasoning you need to let the beef shine.
The garlic butter is technically optional, but after years of testing steak recipes, I can tell you it’s what turns this from “pretty good” to “I’m making this every week.” Room temperature salted butter, one finely minced garlic clove, and a teaspoon of fresh chopped parsleythat’s it.
Ingredient
Why It Matters
Possible Swap
Striploin steaks (1″ thick)
Perfect thickness for even cooking
Ribeye or sirloin work great too
Canola oil
High smoke point for searing
Avocado or vegetable oil
Salt and pepper
Enhances natural beef flavor
Your favorite steak seasoning
Salted butter
Rich, creamy finish
Unsalted butter + pinch of salt
How to Make It
Start by letting your steaks sit on the counter for 10-15 minutesthis brings them to room temperature so they cook more evenly. Meanwhile, turn on your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for at least 5 minutes. Trust me, starting with a hot basket makes all the difference in getting that crust.
Rub both sides of each steak with canola oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the preheated basket (they can touch slightly but shouldn’t overlap), and cook for 10-14 minutes depending on how you like your steak done. While they’re cooking, stir together your butter, minced garlic, and parsley in a small bowl.
As soon as the timer goes off, pull the steaks out and let them rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This is when the juices redistributeskip this step and you’ll end up with dry meat. Slice against the grain and top with that gorgeous garlic butter.
Timing Guide
Doneness
Cook Time at 400°F
Internal Temp
Medium-rare
10 minutes
130-135°F
Medium
12 minutes
135-145°F
Medium-well
14 minutes
145-155°F
Tips for Perfect Results
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the resting time. I know it’s tempting to slice right into that steak, but those 5-10 minutes make the difference between juicy and disappointing. The muscle fibers need time to relax and reabsorb the juices.
If your steaks have a thick strip of fat around the edge, trim it before cookingit won’t render properly in the air fryer and can cause smoking. And always remove the steaks from the basket immediately after cooking so they don’t continue cooking from residual heat.
Serving and Storing
Serve these steaks with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. The garlic butter is rich enough that you don’t need much else on the plate. Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw frozen steak in the fridge overnight, then warm gently in the oven at 250°F, in a skillet over low heat, or back in the air fryer at 350°F just until heated through. Don’t overcook or it’ll get tough.
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FAQs (Air Fryer Steak)
What temperature should I cook steak in the air fryer?
Cook your steak at 400°F for best results. This high temperature creates a beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender. The hot circulating air mimics the effect of a cast iron skillet without needing oil.
How long does it take to cook steak in air fryer?
Cooking time depends on thickness and desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook 6-8 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. Thicker steaks need 2-3 additional minutes per side.
Should I flip the steak while cooking?
Yes, flip the steak once halfway through cooking for even browning on both sides. Use tongs to avoid piercing the meat and losing juices. This ensures consistent cooking and prevents one side from becoming overcooked.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Preheating for 3-5 minutes gives you a better sear and more predictable cooking times. While not absolutely necessary, it helps achieve that restaurant-quality crust that makes this recipe so delicious.
How do I know when my steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium. Let the steak rest 5 minutes after cooking – the internal temperature will rise slightly during this time.
You’ll love how this Air Fryer Steak turns outgolden crust, tender pink center, and that buttery garlic finish in just 17 minutes. It smells like a steakhouse and tastes even better, I promise.
Try swapping in fresh rosemary instead of parsley for an herby twist, or sprinkle a little smoked paprika over the butter for something different. Leftovers make incredible steak salads or sandwiches the next day. My grandmother always said the best meals are the ones you can enjoy twice.
If you make this tonight, snap a photo and tag meI love seeing your beautiful plates! Did you grow up thinking steak was fancy restaurant-only food? Save this recipe and show your family how easy homemade magic can be.
With a passion for wholesome cooking inspired by family traditions, I create healthy, simple recipes focused on sourdough, shrimp, chicken, and balanced meals for everyday wellness.
Every recipe here is tested in my kitchen using U.S. measurements and easy-to-find ingredients, so you can cook confidently.
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