Perfect Air Fryer Steak

Enjoy a thick, juicy steak with perfectly seared edges made quickly and easily in your air fryer. Whether you don’t have access to a grill or prefer a simple method that guarantees great results every time, this recipe delivers a tender and flavorful steak in less than 20 minutes. The addition of garlic herb compound butter adds an extra layer of richness that elevates this dish to a restaurant-quality meal at home.

I was skeptical about cooking a thick steak in the air fryer at first but was amazed by how tender and flavorful it turned out. Now it’s my go-to way to cook steak when I want a fast, fuss-free dinner.

Ingredients

• Ribeye steaks about one inch thick: this thickness balances cooking time and juiciness, giving you tender but not overdone meat. Choose steaks with good marbling for more flavor.
• Olive oil: coats the steak to help the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
• Kosher salt: essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the meat without masking them.
• Black pepper: adds subtle heat freshly ground is best.
• Garlic powder: offers mild aromatic flavor that enhances the steak without overpowering.
• Water: added to the air fryer basket to reduce smoke and help steam the steak for extra juiciness.
• Garlic herb compound butter: optional but a delightful finishing touch that melts into the hot steak, adding richness and herbaceous notes.

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes. This step ensures the air fryer is hot enough to sear the steak and prevent gray coloring.

Pat and Season the Steaks:

Pat each ribeye steak dry on both sides with paper towels. Drying the meat helps create a better sear. Rub olive oil evenly over both sides of the steaks. Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder all over the steaks, pressing lightly so the seasoning sticks.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:

Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Pour two tablespoons of water into the bottom of the basket. This prevents excessive smoke by catching grease and adds steam to keep the steak moist.

Cook the Steaks:

Place one steak in the basket, making sure there is space around it for air circulation. Air fry for five minutes, then flip the steak over. Continue cooking for another six to eight minutes depending on desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check I pull steaks at 140 degrees for medium as they will continue cooking while resting.

Rest and Serve:

Let the steaks rest covered on a plate for five to ten minutes. This allows juices to redistribute resulting in a tender steak. Serve topped with a slice of garlic herb compound butter if using.

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I love how the simple seasoning lets the rich flavor of the ribeye shine. One memorable dinner was when I made this for my family on a weeknight and everyone was shocked it was air fryer steak. The compound butter melting over the hot steak made it feel like a special occasion without the fuss.

Storage Tips

Once cooled, store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze steak for up to three months wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil or in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to avoid overcooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

New York strip, filet mignon, Tbone, flat iron, or skirt steak all work well with this method. Adjust cooking times based on thickness and cut. For seasoning, you can swap garlic powder for onion powder or add smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this steak with mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a fresh summer corn salad. Compound butters like herb garlic or blue cheese add richness. Leftover steak slices are great in salads, sandwiches, or fajitas.

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Preheat your air fryer to ensure a good sear. Adding water to the basket reduces smoke and helps keep the steak juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Do I need to sear the steaks before air frying?

No, preheating the air fryer to the proper temperature ensures well-colored steaks without searing first.

→ Should I cook steaks in batches?

It's best to avoid overcrowding for even air circulation; cook in batches if your air fryer basket can't fit steaks comfortably.

→ When should I remove steaks from the air fryer?

Use a meat thermometer to check temperature; remove steaks slightly before your desired doneness to rest and finish cooking.

→ Why add water to the air fryer basket?

Water helps reduce smoke from melting fat and steams the steak, keeping it tender and juicy.

→ Can I use other steak cuts?

Yes, ribeye is preferred but New York strip, filet, T-bone, flat iron, or skirt steak work well; adjust cook times accordingly.

→ What seasonings work best?

Simple salt, black pepper, and garlic powder highlight steak flavor; optional spices like paprika or cayenne add variety.

→ How to store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled steak in airtight containers for up to 3 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen. Reheat gently in oven or air fryer to avoid overcooking.