Who knew you could cook a juicy, mouthwatering steak in an air fryer? If you’ve always relied on a grill or stovetop, this recipe will completely change the way you make steak at home. The air fryer circulates hot air around the meat, creating a beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
It’s fast, simple, and produces restaurant-quality steak with almost no cleanup. Once you try it, your air fryer might just become your new favorite steak tool.
Ingredients 🛒
- 2 ribeye or New York strip steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1. Bring Steak to Room Temperature
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.
2. Season the Steak
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, then season both sides with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Cook the Steak
Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Cook for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Approximate doneness times:
- 8 minutes – rare
- 9–10 minutes – medium rare
- 11 minutes – medium
- 12 minutes – well done
5. Rest the Steak
Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
6. Finish with Butter
Top with a small piece of butter and fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
Serve your air fryer steak with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Air fryer asparagus
- Fresh salad
- Rice or quinoa
It’s also great sliced over steak salads or grain bowls.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving) 📊
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fat: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
✅ Pro Tip:
For a restaurant-style crust, brush the steak with melted butter and cook for 1 extra minute at 400°F at the end.