There’s something about a thick, sizzling steak that just feels like a celebrationeven on a Tuesday. Air Fryer Steak delivers that same juicy, perfectly seared bite in half the time, with almost no cleanup.
I started testing this method back in 2019 when my youngest asked for “restaurant steak” on a weeknight and I didn’t want to heat up the whole kitchen. The first bite had that beautiful crust and blushing centershe looked up and said, “Wait, you made this here?” After tweaking temperatures and timing across dozens of cuts, I can tell you: the secret is a screaming-hot basket and a two-minute rest.
PrintAir Fryer Steak Recipe: Easy and Delicious in Minutes
This easy Air Fryer Steak recipe delivers a juicy and flavorful steak every time. With simple seasonings and optional garlic butter, it cooks quickly in just 17 minutes. Perfect for a satisfying American main course.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Air fryer Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 2 striploin steaks 1 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons salted butter room temperature
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Allow the steak to sit out of the fridge for about 10 to 15 minutes to reach room temperature.
- Heat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for several minutes.
- Coat the steaks with canola oil and generously season with salt and pepper.
- Place the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 to 14 minutes, depending on desired doneness.
- While steaks cook, mix together the butter, garlic, and parsley.
- Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then serve topped with the garlic butter.
Notes
- Bring the meat to room temp before cooking for even results Preheat the air fryer to ensure proper searing Remove the steak immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking Let the steak rest before slicing to retain juices Leftovers keep 3-4 days refrigerated or up to 3 months frozen
Nutrition
- Calories: 671cal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 218mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g + 22g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 47g
- Cholesterol: 211mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This method turns a weeknight dinner into something special without firing up the grill or waiting for a cast-iron skillet to heat. You get a gorgeous crust, a tender center, and almost zero splatter on your stovetop.
- Fast: From fridge to table in under 20 minutesperfect when you’re craving something hearty but don’t have an hour to spare.
- Foolproof: The circulating heat cooks evenly, so you won’t end up with a charred outside and raw middle.
- Minimal cleanup: No smoky kitchen, no greasy pans to scrubjust a quick basket rinse and you’re done.
- Restaurant-quality: That garlic butter? It’s the kind of finishing touch that makes everyone pause mid-bite and ask for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple items to pull this offmost of which you probably already have tucked in your pantry and fridge.
- Striploin steaks (1″ thick): The star of the show. Look for cuts with a little marblingthat’s where the flavor lives.
- Canola oil: Helps the seasoning stick and encourages that beautiful golden crust.
- Salt and pepper: The classic duo. Don’t be shysteak loves a generous sprinkle.
- Salted butter, garlic, and parsley: These three come together to make a simple garlic butter that melts into every bite.
Pro Tip: Let your butter come to room temperature before you mix it with the garlic and parsleyit’ll blend much more smoothly.
How to Make Air Fryer Steak
The process is short, sweet, and nearly hands-off. Here’s how it unfolds, step by simple step.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pull steaks from the fridge and let them sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes. Trim excess fat if you like. |
| 2 | Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5–10 minutes so it’s piping hot. |
| 3 | Rub both sides of each steak with canola oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. |
| 4 | Place steaks in the basket and cook for 10–14 minutes depending on your preferred doneness (see timing chart below). |
| 5 | While they cook, stir together butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl. |
| 6 | Remove steaks from the basket, let rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve with garlic butter. |
Cooking Time Guide
Everyone’s air fryer runs a little differently, so use these times as a starting point and adjust based on what you seeand what you love.
| Doneness | Cook Time | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Medium-Rare | 10 minutes | 130–135°F |
| Medium | 12 minutes | 135–145°F |
| Medium-Well | 14 minutes | 145–155°F |
Tips for the Best Results
A few small moves make a big difference when you’re working with a hot basket and a beautiful cut of meat.
- Don’t skip the preheat: A hot basket means the sear starts immediately, locking in all those juices.
- Let it rest: Those 5–10 minutes after cooking give the moisture time to redistribute. Slice too soon and you’ll lose all that tenderness to the cutting board.
- Remove right away: The basket stays hot even after you turn it off, so pull your steaks out as soon as the timer dings.
- Use a meat thermometer: If you’re new to this method, a quick temp check takes all the guesswork out of doneness.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftover steak (if there is any!) keeps beautifully and makes an incredible base for salads, sandwiches, or quick steak and eggs the next morning.
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts | Best Way to Reheat |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge (airtight container) | 3–4 days | Warm gently in a skillet, oven, or air fryer until heated through |
| Freezer (airtight container) | Up to 3 months | Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as above |
Note: Reheat low and slow to avoid drying it outsteak is always more forgiving when you treat it gently the second time around.
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FAQs ( Air Fryer Steak )
What temperature should I cook steak in the air fryer?
Set your air fryer to 400°F for the best results. This high heat creates a beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. I’ve found this temperature works perfectly for steaks up to 1.5 inches thick.
How long do you cook a 1-inch thick steak?
For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10-12 minutes total, flipping halfway through. This timing gives you a perfect medium-rare. Add 2-3 more minutes for medium doneness, always checking with a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Should I preheat my air fryer before cooking?
Yes, always preheat for 3-5 minutes before adding your steak. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown crust. I never skip this step as it makes a noticeable difference in the final result.
Do I need to oil the steak or basket?
Lightly brush the steak with oil or spray the basket to prevent sticking. You don’t need much – just a thin coating works perfectly. This also helps seasonings stick better and creates a more even browning.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results. Medium-rare reads 135°F, medium is 145°F. Let this dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking – the temperature will rise another 5 degrees during this time.
The Perfect Weeknight Win
Once you’ve made air fryer steak once, you’ll wonder why you ever waited for the grill to heat up. In just about fifteen minutes, you’re slicing into tender, juicy beef with a gorgeous golden crust and zero kitchen smoke. That garlic butter? It turns a simple Tuesday into something that feels specialthe kind of meal that makes everyone linger at the table just a little longer.
If you want to switch things up, try swapping the parsley for fresh thyme or a sprinkle of rosemaryboth are beautiful with steak. A squeeze of lemon over the top right before serving adds a bright, unexpected pop. And here’s a trick: if your steak is cold from the fridge, let it sit out for ten minutes before cooking so it heats more evenly. Leftovers make the best steak salad or next-morning scrambled eggsjust warm gently so they stay tender.
I’d love to see how yours turns out! Snap a photo and tag me, or tell me in the comments what you served alongside it. Did steak night feel like a celebration in your house growing up, too? Save this one for the next time you need something quick but memorableit’s the kind of recipe that belongs in your weeknight rotation and your heart.
