Air Fryer Steakwith Garlic Herb Butter

A Simple Steak Dinner Made in the Air Fryer

Air fryer steak Garlic Herb Butter is an easy way to prepare a flavorful steak at home without spending a lot of time standing over the stove or heating up the grill. The steak develops a nicely browned exterior while the inside stays tender and juicy. A simple garlic herb butter added at the end gives the steak a rich finish and makes the dish feel a little more special.

This recipe uses rib eye steaks, which are especially suitable for air frying because their marbling helps keep the meat moist as it cooks. Bone-in rib eye is preferred, but boneless rib eye can also be used. New York Strip is another option when a slightly leaner steak is preferred.

For the best results, choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Thicker steaks have enough time to develop a browned exterior without the inside becoming overcooked too quickly.

Ingredients You Need

The steak itself only needs a few basic ingredients. Rib eye steaks are seasoned with salt and pepper and lightly coated with olive oil before going into the air fryer.
The garlic herb butter is made with softened butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Thyme, parsley, or chives can be used, and they can also be combined. A little salt and pepper are added to the butter to balance the flavors.

Ingredient

2 rib eye steaks, bone-in preferred, 12–16 ounces each
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 tablespoons softened butter
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, or chives

Preparing the Steaks

Before cooking, remove the steaks from the refrigerator and leave them at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This takes some of the chill off the meat and helps it cook more evenly from the outside toward the center.
While the steaks are resting, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Let it preheat for at least 10 minutes. Starting with a fully heated air fryer is important because the hot basket and circulating air help the surface of the steak begin browning as soon as it is added.
Once the steaks have rested, lightly brush both sides with olive oil. The oil helps the salt and pepper adhere to the surface and also supports browning during cooking.
Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. There is no need for a complicated spice mixture because rib eye already has a rich beef flavor, especially when it contains plenty of marbling.

Getting the Air Fryer Ready

Preheating should not be skipped. A cold or partially heated air fryer can make the steak take longer to brown properly.
Set the air fryer to 400°F and allow it to heat for at least 10 minutes. Once it is hot, the steaks can go directly into the basket.
The basket should be large enough to hold the steaks without forcing them together. Good airflow is one of the main reasons an air fryer can brown food effectively, so the steaks need enough room around them.

Arranging the Steaks

Place the seasoned steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. They should not overlap or touch one another.
If two steaks cannot fit comfortably with enough space between them, cook them in separate batches. Overcrowding can interfere with the circulation of hot air and may prevent the steaks from browning evenly.
Once the steaks are arranged properly, they are ready to cook.

Cooking the Steaks

For medium-done rib eye steaks around 1 inch thick, cook them at 400°F for 6 minutes. Carefully turn each steak over and continue cooking for another 6 minutes.
The total cooking time in the main recipe is about 12 minutes, but steak thickness and the desired level of doneness can affect the final cooking time.
A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check the steak. Cooking time can vary between air fryers, so checking the internal temperature is more dependable than following the clock alone.

For different levels of doneness, use the following guide:

Rare: about 8 minutes, or 130°F
Medium Rare: about 9–10 minutes, or 135°F
Medium: about 11–12 minutes, or 145°F
Medium Well: about 12–14 minutes, or 150°F
Well Done: about 15–17 minutes, or 160°F

These times are guidelines rather than strict rules. The thickness of the steak and the performance of the particular air fryer can change how quickly the steak cooks.

Making the Garlic Herb Butter

The garlic herb butter can be prepared while the steaks are cooking.
Place the softened butter in a small bowl. Add the minced garlic and fresh herbs, then mix everything together until evenly combined.
Thyme, parsley, or chives can be used individually, or a combination of the three can be added. The fresh herbs provide a bright flavor that works especially well with the richness of the rib eye.
Season the butter lightly with salt and pepper. Once mixed, the butter is ready to spoon over the hot steaks.
The butter can also be prepared ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, which makes it convenient when preparing dinner in advance.

Letting the Steaks Rest

When the steaks reach the desired internal temperature, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate.
Let the steaks rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This short resting period allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
Cutting into the steak immediately after cooking can cause some of the juices to run out onto the plate or cutting board. Resting helps the steak retain more of its moisture when sliced.
There is no need to cover the steaks with anything during this short resting period.

Adding the Garlic Herb Butter

After the steaks have rested, place a generous spoonful of garlic herb butter on top of each one.
The warmth of the steak will soften and melt the butter, allowing the garlic and fresh herbs to spread across the surface. The butter adds richness without requiring a complicated sauce.
If desired, add a little extra fresh herb garnish before serving.
The steaks can be served whole or sliced, depending on how they are being presented.

Tips for Better Air Fryer Steak

Choosing the right steak makes a noticeable difference. Rib eye is particularly well suited to this recipe because its marbling adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy during cooking.
Steaks that are at least 1 inch thick are also easier to cook successfully. Very thin steaks can cook quickly before they have enough time to develop the desired browned exterior.
Preheating the air fryer is another important step. A properly heated air fryer starts cooking the surface immediately and helps encourage browning.
Avoid placing too many steaks in the basket at once. Each steak needs enough space for the hot air to circulate around it.
A meat thermometer is useful when preparing steak because it removes much of the guesswork. Since cooking times can vary, the internal temperature provides a more dependable indication of doneness.
Flipping the steak halfway through cooking also helps both sides cook and brown more evenly.
Finally, allow the steak to rest before slicing. Even a few minutes can make a difference in the texture and juiciness of the finished meat.

Preparing the Recipe Ahead

The garlic herb butter can be mixed up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated until needed.
The steaks should be removed from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking rather than being left at room temperature for an extended period.
With the butter already prepared, the cooking process is quick. Once the air fryer has preheated, the steaks only need to be seasoned, cooked, rested, and finished with the butter.

Storing Leftover Steak

If there is leftover steak, allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, use gentle heat to help prevent the steak from becoming dry. Leftover steak can also be sliced thinly and used in sandwiches, wraps, salads, or grain bowls.
The garlic herb butter can also be used with other parts of the meal. Any remaining butter works well with potatoes or vegetables.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Steak

This steak works well with simple side dishes because the garlic herb butter already adds plenty of richness.
Suitable sides include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, steamed green beans, grilled asparagus, and a crisp garden salad.
Potatoes and vegetables are particularly good choices because the extra garlic herb butter can be used over them as we
The finished steak should have a browned outside and a tender interior, with the exact doneness determined by the cooking time and internal temperature.
After the five-minute resting period, add the garlic herb butter while the steak is still warm. The butter will melt over the surface and create a rich garlic-and-herb finish.
With a few basic ingredients, a properly preheated air fryer, and a meat thermometer, this recipe provides a straightforward way to prepare rib eye steak at home. The process is simple enough for an ordinary dinner but can also be served as a more special meal.

Recipe Card

Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Herb Butter

Description

This air fryer steak is made with well-seasoned rib eye steaks cooked until browned on the outside and tender inside. The steaks are finished with homemade garlic herb butter for a rich, flavorful finish. It is a simple main course that works well for both weeknight dinners and special meals.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Resting Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 rib eye steaks, bone-in preferred, 12–16 ounces each
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 tablespoons softened butter
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh herbs, such as thyme, parsley, or chives, plus extra for garnish if desired

Instructions

Prepare the steaks: Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for at least 10 minutes.
Season: Lightly brush both sides of the steaks with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Air fry: Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 6 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for another 6 minutes for medium doneness.
Make the garlic herb butter: While the steaks cook, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs in a small bowl. Mix well and season lightly with salt and pepper.
Rest: Transfer the cooked steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes.
Finish: Place a generous spoonful of garlic herb butter over each warm steak. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Steak Doneness Guide

Rare: About 8 minutes — 130°F
Medium Rare: About 9–10 minutes — 135°F
Medium: About 11–12 minutes — 145°F
Medium Well: About 12–14 minutes — 150°F
Well Done: About 15–17 minutes — 160°F

Notes

Use steaks that are at least 1 inch thick for better results.
Preheat the air fryer for at least 10 minutes before cooking.
Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary.
Use an instant-read meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness.
The garlic herb butter can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated.
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.