Air Fryer Steak

The easy way to cook a steak: In the air fryer! This Air Fryer Steak always comes out cooked perfectly and is so hands-off.

Serve the steak with a homemade garlic herb butter – the ultimate entrée for a special dinner!

Cooking things like steak have always been intimidating to me. I just don’t like searing very much, it’s so unpredictable and messy.

But with the air fryer? You’ll be cooking that steak to perfection, no mess, no oily smell (just a very pleasant one!), hands-off and super juicy!

Ingredients you’ll need

Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!

Ingredient notes

• Steak: I used a 2 pound rib-eye steak on the bone that was about 1 ¼ inches thick. You can also use Sirloin or T-Bone, but cooking times may vary.
• Fresh herbs: Use any kind of soft herbs you enjoy! Tarragon is a classic. But parsley, chives, thyme, cilantro… All can work great depending on what you’re serving with the steak. Personally, I’m very into basil in my garlic butter for steak these days. It’s so unexpectedly good! I used a mix of basil and parsley for the photos.
• Worcestershire: If you don’t have this on hand, use soy sauce as a substitute, or just leave it out.

How to air fry steak

1. Start by making the herb butter: Combine the softened butter with the chopped herbs and seasoning. I like chunky herbs, but feel free to chop yours very finely if you prefer it that way!

For a pretty presentation, roll the butter into a log on a piece of cling film. Wrap tightly and refrigerate. If you don’t care about the presentation, just refrigerate it in a bowl!

2. Pat the steak dry, then season with salt and pepper on either side.

Place in the pre-heated air fryer basket (no oil needed).

3. Air fry the steak until it reaches your preferred internal temperature. Remove it from the air fryer and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving with the garlic herb butter.

You can find a chart with recommended temperatures here on the website of Certified Angus Beef (scroll to the bottom for the steak temperatures). Please note, the chart includes temperatures not recommended by the USDA (there is a note at the bottom). Their recommend minimum temperature for steaks is 145°F (medium) followed by a 3 minute rest (see full USDA chart).

Recipe tips

• If you want, you can marinate your steak before cooking it. My steak marinade has lots of great reviews!
• If you want to make a pan sauce with your steak, let it rest in the air fryer instead of on a plate. The emerging juices will collect in the bottom basket. Pour them into a saucepan to simmer on the stove to reduce a little, then stir in a teaspoon of butter and season to taste.
• If your steak is larger or smaller than 2 pounds, you have to adjust the cooking time! Otherwise your steak will not be cooked to the right temperature.

Serving ideas

This recipe is wonderful for a date night in, or any other special dinner!

Of course, it’s classically served with fries (potato wedges or smashed potatoes also work great!). But you can pair it with so many things, from keeping things low carb with an avocado salad to going all-out with mushroom pasta.

For a vegetable side, try roasted asparagus, sautéed zucchini or sautéed green beans!

More easy air fryer recipes

PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram.