Juicy Air Fry Steak Recipe Dinner
There are few things in life as satisfying as a perfectly cooked steak. That deeply savoury, caramelised crust giving way to a tender, juicy, and pink interior is something I used to think was only achievable in a restaurant or with a blazing hot cast-iron pan filling my kitchen with smoke. Then I discovered the magic of the air fryer for steak, and it completely changed my weeknight dinner routine. This air fry steak recipe delivers that steakhouse-quality result with minimal fuss and almost no smoke.
What makes this method so special is the intense, circulating hot air that creates an incredible crust all over the steak, not just on the top and bottom. It’s a wonderfully efficient way to cook. The first time I made this, I was sceptical, but when I sliced into that first piece and saw how perfectly medium-rare it was, I was converted. My husband, who’s usually picky about his steak, asked for seconds! It’s become our go-to for a special meal that doesn’t require hours of effort, working beautifully for a date night in or when you just feel like treating yourself.
We’re not just air frying a steak here; we’re elevating it with a gorgeous garlic and herb butter that melts over the hot meat, creating its own luscious sauce. This steak recipe is for anyone who loves a brilliant piece of beef but wants a straightforward, reliable method to get there. It’s a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Recipe Overview
This recipe focuses on creating a steak with a fantastic exterior sear and a juicy, flavourful centre, all within the convenience of your air fryer. The steak is seasoned simply to let the quality of the beef shine, and then it’s finished with a compound butter made with fresh garlic and thyme. After testing this recipe five times, I finally got the timings just right for that perfect medium-rare finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes (plus 10 mins resting)
- Servings: 2 people
- Difficulty: Easy
Why You’ll Love This Air Fry Steak Recipe
- Genuine Flavour: The high heat of the air fryer creates a magnificent Maillard reaction, resulting in a deep, savoury crust that locks in all the juices. The garlic herb butter then melts into every crevice, basting the steak in rich, aromatic flavour.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: From prepping the butter to resting the steak, the entire process is complete in less than half an hour. It’s a meal that feels special but is as straightforward to make as my weeknight Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls.
- Flexible Recipe: This method works beautifully with various cuts. I love using sirloin, but a ribeye or rump steak would be just as delightful. You can also switch up the herbs in the butter – try rosemary or a little chopped chive.
- Great for Special Occasions: This is ideal when you want to impress without the stress. It’s a fantastic main course for a cosy dinner for two or a celebratory meal that won’t have you stuck in the kitchen.
- Family Tested: This recipe always gets compliments in my house. The combination of tender steak and flavourful butter is something everyone seems to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The key here is to start with good quality steak. Look for a cut that is at least 2.5cm (1-inch) thick, as this helps achieve a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and pink. For the finishing touch, I often use Maldon Sea Salt flakes for that extra bit of texture and flavour.
- 2 sirloin steaks, each about 225-250g and 2.5cm thick
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp coarse sea salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 60g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic, minced very finely
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, removed from the stalk
Sara’s Tip: Take your steaks out of the refrigerator a good 30 minutes before you plan to cook them. Letting them come to room temperature ensures they cook more evenly, preventing a cold centre.
How to Make This Air Fry Steak Recipe
The process is very straightforward. The most important steps are preheating your air fryer to ensure it’s searing hot and allowing the steak to rest properly after cooking to guarantee it’s juicy.
- Prepare the Steaks: Remove the steaks from their packaging and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step for getting a good crust. Rub each steak all over with the olive oil.
- Season Generously: Season both sides of each steak with the coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be generous here, as this will form the flavour base of the crust.
- Make the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Mash everything together with a fork until well combined. Set aside. You can also roll this into a log in cling film and chill it if you like perfect little discs of butter.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (180°C fan) and let it preheat for at least 5 minutes. A hot basket is essential for an initial sear.
- Cook the Steak: Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Air fry at 200°C for 8-12 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking time.
- For Rare: 6-8 minutes
- For Medium-Rare: 8-10 minutes
- For Medium: 10-12 minutes
- Check for Doneness: The best way to guarantee your preferred doneness is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, you’re looking for an internal temperature of around 55-57°C. Always check the temperature to meet safe cooking guidelines. I find that this is the most reliable method for consistent results.
- Rest the Steak: This is the most important step! Transfer the cooked steaks to a cutting board or plate. Immediately top each steak with a generous dollop of the garlic herb butter. Tent the steaks loosely with foil and let them rest for 10 minutes. The residual heat will continue to cook them slightly, and the juices will redistribute, ensuring a tender bite.
- Serve: After resting, slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately, spooning any of the melted garlic butter from the board over the slices.
Tips From My Kitchen
- Temperature Control is Key: Don’t guess the doneness. An inexpensive digital meat thermometer is the best tool for a perfectly cooked steak every single time. Cooking times can vary slightly between air fryer models, so a thermometer removes all doubt.
- The Secret Step: Don’t skip patting the steak dry. I learned that any surface moisture will turn to steam in the hot air fryer, which hinders the formation of that beautiful, brown crust. You want it to sear, not steam.
- Make-Ahead: The garlic herb butter can be prepared well in advance. You can make a batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to three months. It’s also delicious on my Bruschetta Chicken.
- Storage: Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to avoid overcooking it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Basket: The “air” in air fryer is there for a reason. Hot air needs to circulate freely around the food to cook it properly. If you put too many steaks in at once, they will steam. Cook in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.
- Using a Cold Air Fryer: Putting your steak into a cold basket is like putting it into a cold pan. You won’t get that initial sizzle and sear. Always preheat your machine for at least 5 minutes at the cooking temperature.
- Skipping the Rest Time: Cutting into a steak right away causes all the flavourful juices to spill out onto your plate, leaving you with dry meat. Resting is non-negotiable. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, a process beautifully explained by food scientists at Serious Eats.
What to Serve With Air Fry Steak
This beautiful steak deserves some equally lovely accompaniments. We like to keep it classic but you can pair it with many different sides.
- Chunky Chips: A classic steakhouse pairing. You can even make them in the air fryer first, then keep them warm while the steak cooks.
- A Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a sharp lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast that cuts through the richness of the steak and butter.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The perfect vessel for soaking up any extra garlic butter and steak juices. For a change of pace, a creamy pasta dish like my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe also works wonderfully.
- Wine Pairing: A robust red wine like a Malbec from Argentina or a Cabernet Sauvignon from France complements the beefy flavour beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Air Fry Steak Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Steaks: Remove the steaks from their packaging and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. This is a crucial step for getting a good crust. Rub each steak all over with the olive oil.
- Season Generously: Season both sides of each steak with the coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Be generous here, as this will form the flavour base of the crust.
- Make the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme leaves. Mash everything together with a fork until well combined. Set aside. You can also roll this into a log in cling film and chill it if you like perfect little discs of butter.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (180°C fan) and let it preheat for at least 5 minutes. A hot basket is essential for an initial sear.
- Cook the Steak: Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Air fry at 200°C for 8-12 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking time. For Rare: 6-8 minutes
- For Medium-Rare: 8-10 minutes
- For Medium: 10-12 minutes
- Check for Doneness: The best way to guarantee your preferred doneness is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, you’re looking for an internal temperature of around 55-57°C. Always check the temperature to meet safe cooking guidelines. I find that this is the most reliable method for consistent results.
- Rest the Steak: This is the most important step! Transfer the cooked steaks to a cutting board or plate. Immediately top each steak with a generous dollop of the garlic herb butter. Tent the steaks loosely with foil and let them rest for 10 minutes. The residual heat will continue to cook them slightly, and the juices will redistribute, ensuring a tender bite.
- Serve: After resting, slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately, spooning any of the melted garlic butter from the board over the slices.
Notes
I really hope you give this Air Fry Steak Recipe a try. It’s a truly reliable and delicious way to enjoy a steak dinner at home without any of the fuss. It has certainly become a firm favourite in our house. If you do make it, please let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below. I love hearing from you! – Sara
