Air Fryer Garlic Herb Butter Steak Recipe

Prep: 5 minCook: 10 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Air Fryer Garlic Herb Butter Steak Recipe

This air fryer steak recipe delivers perfectly cooked steaks with a beautiful sear in just 10 minutes of cooking time. The steaks are seasoned with garlic, herbs, and olive oil, then finished with a rich garlic herb butter that melts beautifully over the hot meat. The air fryer's circulation creates an excellent crust while keeping the interior tender and juicy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want restaurant-quality steak without firing up the grill. The garlic butter mixture adds an extra layer of flavor that this simple preparation into something special.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 2 steaks, about 7 ounces each
    thick pork chops1:1alternative protein

    medium

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon parsley
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
    avocado oil1:1higher smoke point

    high

    Full guide →
  • 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted
    vegan butter1:1dairy-free optiondairy-free

    high

    Full guide →
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and diced

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and place parchment paper at the bottom

  2. 2

    Wash and pat dry steaks then season with salt, pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, and olive oil

  3. 3

    Place steaks in the basket and cook for 6 minutes

  4. 4

    Turn steaks to the other side and cook for another 4 minutes

  5. 5

    Meanwhile, mix butter, garlic, thyme, and parsley in a small bowl and set aside

  6. 6

    Let steaks rest for 10 minutes before serving

  7. 7

    Serve with the butter mixture on top of the steaks

Tips

Tip 1

Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness - 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium

Tip 2

Let the garlic butter come to room temperature before serving so it melts easily on the hot steak

Tip 3

Pat steaks completely dry before seasoning to ensure the best sear in the air fryer

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate cooked steaks for up to 3 days in an airtight container

Make Ahead

Season steaks up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate, bring to room temperature before cooking

Serve With

Best served immediately while hot with the garlic butter melting on top

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the resting period or juices will run out when cut

Watch

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket which prevents proper air circulation

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
vegan butter1:1dairy-free optiondairy-free

high

Full guide →

General Alternatives

steaks
thick pork chops1:1alternative protein

medium

olive oil
avocado oil1:1higher smoke point

high

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I cook frozen steaks in the air fryer?

Yes, but add 2-3 minutes to each side and ensure internal temperature reaches desired doneness with a meat thermometer.

What thickness of steak works best?

Steaks that are 3/4 to 1 inch thick work best for even cooking in the air fryer without overcooking the exterior.

How long will the garlic butter keep?

The garlic herb butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.