Air Fryer Steak Garlic Butter

This easy Air Fryer Steak has revolutionized how I cook steak at home, delivering perfectly juicy, golden-brown results in just 17 minutes. The air fryer creates an incredible crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and moist - something I used to think was only possible with a fancy grill or steakhouse kitchen.

Through countless tests in my kitchen, I've found that the simplicity of this method actually helps create better results than more complicated cooking techniques.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

• Striploin Steak: Look for cuts with good marbling and a consistent 1-inch thickness. The marbling helps keep the steak juicy during cooking
• Canola Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point. Avoid olive oil as it can create smoke in the air fryer
• Fresh Garlic: For the garlic butter, choose firm cloves without any green sprouts
• Quality Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level
• Fresh Parsley: Adds brightness to the garlic butter and makes a beautiful garnish

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Perfect Preparation:

Remove steaks from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat if desired, leaving a thin layer for flavor. Rub each steak generously with canola oil. Season liberally with salt and pepper on all sides. Let rest while preheating air fryer.

Master the Air Fryer Method:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place steaks in the basket without overcrowding. Ensure there's space between pieces for proper air circulation. Close basket and set timer according to desired doneness. Resist the urge to open and check frequently.

After making countless steaks in my air fryer, I've learned that the positioning in the basket matters. Placing the steak in the center ensures the best air circulation and most even cooking. My family was skeptical at first, but now they request 'air fryer steak night' regularly.

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Understanding Steak Doneness

Through experimentation, I've perfected the timing for different levels of doneness: 10 minutes creates a perfect medium-rare with a warm, red center. 12 minutes yields medium with a pink center. 14 minutes results in medium-well with just a hint of pink. Remember that these times are for 1-inch thick steaks - adjust accordingly for different thicknesses.

The Magic of Garlic Butter

While the steak is resting, I prepare the garlic butter that elevates this dish from good to extraordinary. The residual heat from the steak slowly melts the butter, creating an irresistible sauce that pools on the plate. It's become such a favorite that I now keep compound butter ready in my freezer.

Creating a Complete Meal

I've found that timing side dishes with the steak is surprisingly easy. While the steak comes to room temperature, I prep potatoes for the air fryer (they'll cook while the steak rests) and toss together a quick salad. It's all about synchronizing the timing for a perfectly coordinated meal.

This air fryer steak method has transformed weeknight dinners in my household. What used to be reserved for special occasions or restaurant visits has become an achievable luxury any night of the week. The combination of perfectly cooked steak and rich garlic butter creates a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to achieve at home.

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The best part? You can customize it to your taste preferences while maintaining the core technique that makes it so reliable. It's proof that sometimes the simplest methods yield the most impressive results.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why bring steak to room temperature?

Taking the chill off helps the steak cook more evenly throughout. Just 10-15 minutes on the counter does the trick.

→ How do I know when my steak is done?

10 minutes for medium-rare, 12 for medium, 14 for medium-well. The steak will continue cooking slightly while resting.

→ Can I use different cuts of steak?

Yes, but stick to 1-inch thick cuts like ribeye or sirloin. Adjust cooking time for thinner or thicker steaks.

→ Do I need to flip the steak?

No need to flip in the air fryer - the circulating hot air cooks both sides evenly.

→ How long should steaks rest?

Let them rest 5-10 minutes before cutting so the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

→ Can I make the garlic butter ahead?

Yes, make it up to 3 days ahead and keep refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before using.