- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Rest Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 beef steaks (ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, or filet mignon), about 8 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garlic Herb Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking. Bringing them closer to room temperature helps them cook more evenly.
Step 2
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps create a beautifully browned exterior.
Step 3
Brush both sides of the steaks with olive oil.
Step 4
Mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the steaks.
Step 5
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
Step 6
Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping.
Step 7
Cook according to your preferred doneness:
- Rare: 6–7 minutes (125°F / 52°C)
- Medium-Rare: 8–9 minutes (135°F / 57°C)
- Medium: 10–11 minutes (145°F / 63°C)
- Medium-Well: 11–12 minutes (150°F / 66°C)
- Well-Done: 13–14 minutes (160°F / 71°C)
Flip the steaks halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
Step 8
While the steaks cook, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and rosemary until smooth.
Step 9
Transfer the cooked steaks to a plate and immediately top each with a spoonful of garlic herb butter. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
Step 10
Garnish with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Use steaks that are about 1 inch thick for the most consistent cooking results.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket so hot air can circulate properly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness.
- Let the steak rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Adjust the cooking time for thicker or thinner cuts.
- Finish with compound butter for extra flavor.
- Pair with roasted potatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
This juicy air fryer steak pairs perfectly with garlic mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, grilled asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, mac and cheese, buttered green beans, Caesar salad, or crispy French fries. A simple herb butter or peppercorn sauce also complements the steak beautifully.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 470
- Protein: 42 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Calcium: 30 mg
- Iron: 3.8 mg
- Potassium: 620 mg