Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak

Juicy, tender, and packed with rich flavor, Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak delivers steakhouse-level results right in your kitchen—no grill required! With a sizzling garlic herb butter topping, this steak is perfect for busy weeknights, special dinners, or any time you’re craving bold, beefy comfort.

Ingredients

• 2 ribeye steaks (or sirloin, 1 to 1.25 inches thick)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

How To Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for 3 minutes.
2. Prepare the Steak: Pat steaks dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
3. Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, garlic, and herbs. Set aside.
4. Air Fry the Steak:
   • Place steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
   • Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust time based on thickness and desired doneness:
     • Rare: 120°F (about 7–8 min)
     • Medium: 135°F (9–10 min)
     • Well done: 150°F+ (11+ min)
5. Add Garlic Butter: Immediately after removing from the air fryer, top each steak with a dollop of garlic butter and let rest 5 minutes.
6. Serve: Slice against the grain, sprinkle with parsley, and enjoy!

You Must Know

• Air fryer cooking times vary — always use a meat thermometer for best results.
• Resting the steak is crucial for juiciness. Don’t skip it!
• Thicker steaks cook better in the air fryer. Avoid very thin cuts which may overcook easily.
• Do not overcrowd the basket — give each steak space to cook evenly.

Topping Variations

Customize your garlic butter steak with creative topping twists:

Make It A Meal

Pair your air fryer garlic butter steak with classic sides to complete the experience:

• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes
• Grilled asparagus, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts
• Side salad with vinaigrette or creamy dressing
• Creamed spinach or sautéed mushrooms
• Dinner rolls or garlic bread
• Glass of red wine (Cabernet, Syrah, or Malbec)

Pro Tips

• Use room temperature steak: It cooks more evenly and sears better.
• Pat dry before seasoning to get that irresistible crust.
• Flip halfway to ensure even browning on both sides.
• Use foil under the steak for easier cleanup and to hold juices.
• Make extra garlic butter and store it in the fridge for future meals!

Recipe FAQs

What’s the best steak cut for air frying?
Ribeye, sirloin, NY strip, and filet mignon work best. Avoid very thin cuts like flank or skirt unless cooking rare.

Can I cook frozen steak in the air fryer?
You can, but for best results, thaw first. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven doneness.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but butter adds better flavor and richness—especially when paired with garlic and herbs.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes or slice and use cold in steak salads or sandwiches.

What air fryer temperature for medium rare?
Air fry at 400°F until the internal temp reaches 130–135°F, then rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Print

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak

Print Recipe

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak with Crispy Potatoes – Zest Plate

• Author: Brandy
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 27 min
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
1x2x3x

For the Potatoes

1. 3 large potatoes, cut into small cubes
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. 1 teaspoon salt
4. 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
6. 1 teaspoon paprika
7. 1 teaspoon dried parsley

→ For the Steak Bites

1. 2 strip steaks (approximately 280 grams each), cut into 2.5 cm cubes
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1 teaspoon salt
4. 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
5. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
6. 1 tablespoon steak seasoning (such as Kinder’s Prime Steak Seasoning)
   

   → Garlic Butter

7. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
8. 1 teaspoon minced garlic
9. 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

1. Wash potatoes thoroughly and cut them into small, evenly-sized cubes.

2. Place potato cubes in a large bowl. Toss with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried parsley until evenly coated.

3. Transfer potatoes to the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 6–7 minutes to ensure even browning.

4. While potatoes cook, cut strip steaks into approximately 2.5 cm cubes.

5. Toss steak cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and steak seasoning until well coated.

6. Once potatoes are cooked, set them aside and add steak bites to the air fryer basket. Cook at 200°C for 7 minutes for medium doneness, shaking the basket halfway through.

7. While steak cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in minced garlic and dried parsley. Warm gently for 1 minute, then remove from heat.

8. Arrange potatoes on a serving platter, top with steak bites, and drizzle with garlic butter. Serve immediately.