Craving a restaurant-quality steak at home without turning on the oven or grill? Air Fryer Steaks with Garlic Butter are juicy, perfectly seared, and infused with rich, garlicky flavor in just minutes. This easy steak recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special occasions when you want to impress without the hassle.

Air fryers have changed the game for home cooks. They cook steaks quickly while giving a beautiful sear, locking in juices and flavor. Topped with a homemade garlic butter that melts over the warm steak, this dish combines convenience with indulgence.

Whether you choose ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak, this method delivers a consistent medium-rare result with minimal effort. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete meal that rivals any steakhouse.

Ingredients

Steaks
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (1–1.5 inches thick)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp olive oil
Garlic Butter
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or rosemary)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Sides
- Roasted potatoes, sautéed green beans, or side salad

Instructions

Prepare the Steaks: Remove steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Pat dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Air Fry the Steaks: Lightly brush steaks with olive oil. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway, depending on desired doneness:
- Rare: 6–7 minutes
- Medium-Rare: 8–9 minutes
- Medium: 10–11 minutes
- Well-Done: 12 minutes+
Make the Garlic Butter: While steaks cook, melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.
Rest the Steaks: Remove steaks from air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, keeping the steak tender and juicy.
Top with Garlic Butter: Spoon warm garlic butter over each steak just before serving. Let it melt into the meat for maximum flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Pair with sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Steaks

Even Thickness: Choose steaks of similar thickness for uniform cooking.
Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
Crispy Edges: Pat steak dry to get a better sear in the air fryer.
Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to seasoning.
Butter Variations: Mix blue cheese, chives, or parsley into garlic butter for extra indulgence.

Variations

Herb Garlic Butter Steaks: Add rosemary, oregano, or parsley to garlic butter.
Spicy Garlic Butter Steaks: Mix red pepper flakes into the butter for a subtle kick.
Pan-Seared + Air Fry Combo: Sear steaks in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side, then finish in air fryer for precise doneness.
Low-Fat Version: Skip butter and use garlic-infused olive oil for lighter flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with air fryer vegetables for a complete low-effort dinner.
Serve alongside mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or risotto for a hearty meal.
A crisp garden salad adds freshness to balance the richness of the garlic butter.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Air frying steaks became popular as home cooks sought healthier alternatives to pan-frying or grilling.
Garlic butter is a classic steakhouse topping, originally inspired by French beurre maître d’hôtel techniques.
Ribeye and sirloin are preferred for air fryer cooking because they retain tenderness while developing a flavorful crust.

Why This Recipe Works

Air fryer cooks steaks evenly with a golden sear and juicy interior.
Garlic butter adds richness, flavor, and a restaurant-quality touch.
Quick prep and minimal cleanup make it ideal for weeknights and casual dinners.