Delicious Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter

As seen in Satisfying Entrées for Every Table.

Cooking striploin in the air fryer means you barely have to lift a finger for super juicy steak with a crispy outside. Just season, pop it in the fryer, and let it do the work while you whip up buttery garlic parsley topping. Spread that buttery melt over the warm steak and let it rest for flavor-packed bites. This laid-back way means you get juicy steak fast, perfect for an easy meal anytime. Mix in your own favorite herbs to shake up the flavor, too.

Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:42:06 GMT
Two steaks grilling side by side. Save Pin
Two steaks grilling side by side. | foodthingle.com

Enjoy steak night at home with this air fryer version—juicy meat, a golden crust, and oozy garlic butter in about twenty minutes. It's perfect when you want steak without dealing with the oven or outdoor grill. Thick striploin comes out tender, then gets topped with soft, garlicky butter that seeps in as it sits.

First time I tried this, my partner raved it beat sitting down at our favorite steak spot. Now, whenever there's a deal on steak, it's his top request.

Mouthwatering Ingredients

  • Chopped parsley: sprinkle for brightness and fresh flavor choose flat-leaf parsley for best results
  • Fresh garlic: bold kick mince up those cloves for even flavor in every bite
  • Salted butter: creamy, salty base for the garlic butter let it soften fully so it stirs easy
  • Black pepper: adds a punchy heat crack it fresh if you can
  • Salt: really lets steak flavor shine sea salt or kosher brings the best pop
  • Canola oil: helps brown the steak and keeps it from sticking neutral oils work best here
  • Striploin steaks: look for at least one-inch thick, with good marbling and a dry surface for juicy results

Simple Steps to Follow

Rest Steaks After Cooking:
As soon as they're done, let steaks hang out on a plate for at least five minutes. It lets the juices soak in so every bite's moist. Dollop garlic butter all over while they're hot and slice up right before serving.
Mix Up Garlic Butter:
Grab a small bowl and mash softened butter with finely chopped garlic and fresh parsley. Use a fork to mix until you've got creamy spread with green bits mixed in.
Air Fry the Steaks:
Lay steaks in the basket—give 'em some space. Cook for ten minutes for pink in the middle or all the way up to fourteen for more done. Flip them halfway so both sides brown up. Check the inside with a thermometer if you want it exact.
Season and Oil Steaks:
Drizzle some oil and rub it all over, just enough for a sheen. Sprinkle on salt and lots of cracked pepper. Press that seasoning in so it sticks nice and good.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Crank the air fryer to 400 and let it heat empty for five to ten minutes. This gets the basket hot so you zap on a crust right away.
Take Steaks Out of the Fridge:
Set steaks on the counter ten to fifteen minutes before cooking so they're not chilly. That way the outside won't burn before the center cooks through.
A piece of meat with cheese on top. Save Pin
A piece of meat with cheese on top. | foodthingle.com

Garlic is hands-down my favorite part. As soon as it melts over the hot steak, I remember slow family dinners with my dad, where we got extra garlic butter and no one minded us double dipping.

Saving Leftovers

Wrap up leftover steak tight and keep it chilled up to three days. If you need to stash it longer, freeze it and eat within a month for top taste. Warm leftover steak gently back up in the air fryer or slice it cold over a salad.

Switching Things Up

No striploin? Grab sirloin or ribeye instead. If you've only got unsalted butter, just throw in a pinch of salt. Use whatever fresh herb you've got—chives or tarragon both work. Feel like a twist? Smoked paprika in the butter is awesome.

How to Serve

This steak is awesome next to crisp green beans, roasted potatoes, or a side salad. Spoon extra garlic butter onto hot veggies or crusty bread for a real treat. Hit it with a squeeze of lemon for a zippy finish.

A piece of meat with butter on it. Save Pin
A piece of meat with butter on it. | foodthingle.com

A Little Backstory

Even though air fryers are pretty new gadgets, steak with garlic butter has roots in classic French bistros—think steak frites. In the old days, folks would use a skillet, but now the air fryer gives juicy results, no greasy splatter or looking over the stove forever.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Which steak cuts can you use in the air fryer?

Striploin makes a tasty pick but don't worry—ribeye and sirloin do just fine in the air fryer, too, thanks to their fat and tenderness.

→ How will I know if my steak is done?

Just check with a meat thermometer: hit 130°F for a nice medium-rare or push to 140°F if you like it medium. Change up the cook time if you want it more done.

→ Is unsalted butter okay for the garlic butter?

Absolutely, you can use unsalted butter. You might want to toss in a little extra salt to taste, though.

→ Got herb ideas to mix in with the garlic butter?

Try tossing in some chives, rosemary, or thyme if you want a different flavor, either with the parsley or instead of it.

→ How do I let the steak rest after air frying?

Just leave those steaks alone for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking. They'll get juicier and more tender that way.

→ Do I need to preheat my air fryer first?

Yeah, warming it up first helps your steak cook evenly and gives it a nice seared surface, so it's totally worth a couple minutes.

Garlic Butter Air Fryer Steak

Quick air fryer striploin gets a garlicky butter finish—so tasty, so easy, and fits right into your busy day.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
14 Minutes
Overall Time
29 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Simple

Regional Style: American

Output: 2 Number of Servings

Special Diets: Low Carbohydrate, No Gluten

What You'll Need

→ Steak

01 A sprinkle of black pepper, as much as you like
02 Add a pinch of salt to your taste buds
03 Splash in 1 tablespoon canola oil
04 Two 1-inch thick striploin steaks

→ Garlic Butter

05 2 tablespoons salted butter that's nice and soft
06 Chop up 1 teaspoon fresh parsley
07 Mince up 1 clove garlic

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Set the finished steaks on a plate, let them sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, then pile on your garlic butter right before digging in.

Step 02

Blend together the soft butter, that chopped parsley, and finely minced garlic in a small bowl while the steaks are cooking.

Step 03

Pop your steaks into the air fryer basket so they lay flat. Cook 10 minutes if you like medium-rare, 12 for medium, or give them up to 14 if you want them pretty done.

Step 04

Rub canola oil on all sides of the steaks, then give a good shake of salt and black pepper all over.

Step 05

Crank up your air fryer to 400°F and let it get hot for about 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 06

Pull the steaks out to warm up on the counter for 10-15 minutes first. Trim off any extra fat if that's your thing.

Additional Tips

  1. You might need to play with the cooking time if your steaks are thicker or thinner, or if you like them done a certain way.
  2. Use an instant-read thermometer to check if the middle of the meat is at the temp you want.
  3. Toss in a little thyme or rosemary with your garlic butter to kick it up a notch.

Essential Tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs
  • Air fryer

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has dairy (butter).

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 650
  • Fat Content: 50 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Protein: 50 g