
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.

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 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.