Air Fryer Steak

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/25/23
air fryer steak recipe
The Spruce / Diana Rattray
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Preheat: 10 mins
Total: 32 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Yield: 1 1/2 pounds
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
1489 Calories
109g Fat
1g Carbs
119g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 1489
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 109g 140%
Saturated Fat 48g 239%
Cholesterol 501mg 167%
Sodium 849mg 37%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 119g
Vitamin C 4mg 19%
Calcium 93mg 7%
Iron 8mg 46%
Potassium 1472mg 31%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This air fryer steak is surprisingly good, and it is a simple alternative to grilling or broiling. You might miss the grill marks, but the flavor isn't lacking. Plus, the air fryer needs very little attention, so you won't have to stand over a hot skillet or grill. Just preheat your air fryer, put the seasoned steak in, and flip it after about 5 minutes. It couldn't be easier!

The versatile herb butter adds to the flavor of the steak, and it can be made several days in advance. Store the herb butter in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve the steak. Herb butter is an excellent addition to steamed or grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, burgers, pork chops, chicken, and fish as well, so you might want to double the recipe so you'll have plenty on hand for future meals.

Ingredients

For the Herb Butter:

  • 1/4 cup butter, softened

  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 small clove garlic, pressed

  • 1 heaping tablespoon parsley, chopped

  • 2 teaspoons chopped chives (or a combination of fresh herbs)

  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Steak:

  • 1 1/2 to 2 pounds steak (1-inch-thick)

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (cracked or coarsely ground)

  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    ingredients for air fryer steak
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  2. In a small bowl, combine the butter, lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, garlic, parsley, chives (or other fresh herbs), 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, and the Worcestershire sauce. Mix to blend thoroughly.

    combine ingredients for herb compound butter
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  3. Place the butter and herb mixture on a small sheet of wax paper or parchment paper. Roll the paper to shape the mixture into a log. Put the herb butter in the refrigerator or freezer while you prepare the steak.

    herb butter in wax paper
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  4. Set the air fryer to 400 F and preheat for 10 minutes. Rub the steak with olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon each of black pepper and kosher salt.

    seasoned t-bone steak for air fryer steak recipe
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  5. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and set the cook timer for 12 minutes. Turn the steak after 5 minutes and check the temperature with a digital thermometer after about 9 to 10 minutes.

    t-bone steak in air fryer basket
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  6. Transfer the steak to a serving platter and let it rest for 4 to 5 minutes. Slice the chilled butter into 1/2-inch disks and serve with the steak.

    air fryer steak and herb butter
    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Why Does a Steak Have to Rest?

A steak should rest for 5 minutes for each inch of thickness. That amount of time gives the juices time to cool a bit and redistribute throughout the steak.


How To Store, Freeze, and Reheat Leftover Steak

  • Store the herb butter in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Transfer any leftover steak to a shallow container, and refrigerate it for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze wrapped herb butter for up to 3 months.
  • Cooked steak may be frozen. Wrap the leftover steak tightly in heavy-duty foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months.
  • To reheat leftover steak without overcooking, heat about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. When the skillet is very hot, add the steak. Sear for about 1 to 1 1/2 minutes on each side. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes. The temperature of the reheated steak should be around 125 F to 130 F.

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