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Patty Catalano
Patty Catalano
Patty is a recipe developer and food writer. She worked Alton Brown’s Research Coordinator and podcast producer and in the Oxmoor House test kitchen. She loves maple syrup, coffee and board games. Patty lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.
updated Dec 21, 2023
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The best-kept secret to juicy and tender steak? Your air fryer.
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Perfectly pan-seared steak is undeniably delicious, but it takes practice to get it right every time. Cooking steak in the oven is easier, but it’ll never achieve that crisp, seared exterior you’re looking for. Enter: air fryer steak.
Air frying combines the ease of baking with all the flavor of pan-searing. Air fryers circulate hot air to quickly brown the the steak’s exterior for golden brown edges that mimic a hard sear. This date-night dinner is practically foolproof as long as you follow a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it.
Ingredients in Air Fryer Steak
For the steak:
- Steak: This recipe calls for 2 (1-pound) bone-in ribeye steaks. The timing may differ if you use a steak, if your steak is boneless, or if it is a different size, so check the steaks’ temperature with an instant-read thermometer.
- Kosher salt: Use 1 teaspoon kosher salt to season both steaks all over.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper has better flavor than pre-ground pepper.
For the garlic-herb butter:
- Unsalted butter: Softening butter to room temperature makes it easier to mix in the garlic and herbs.
- Garlic: Mince 1 clove of garlic.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and chives pair nicely with the garlic and steak.
How Long to Air Fry Steak for Medium-Rare?
Cook steak in a 400°F preheated air fryer for 11 to 13 minutes total for medium-rare (130 to 135°F).
Do You Flip the Steak when Cooking in an Air Fryer?
Flip the steaks halfway through cooking to give them a perfectly golden brown color on all sides and help them cook evenly.
Tips for Making Steak in an Air Fryer
Before you fire up your air fryer, keep these tips in mind.
- Heat your air fryer for at least 10 minutes before adding the steaks. Set your air fryer to 400°F as soon as you begin prepping the steaks, and it’ll be perfectly hot by the time you are ready. Preheating ensures that the outside of the steaks get nice and brown — similar to searing. If you skip this step, the steaks may end up grey and overcooked by the time the outside browns.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness. Although this recipe gives suggested times for how long to cook the steaks, it really varies based on the thickness of the steak. The thickest part of the steak should register 125°F for rare, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium. If you check the steaks and they’re not at your preferred temp, continue cooking them and check the temperature after two more minutes of air frying.
Air Fryer Steak
The best-kept secret to juicy and tender steak? Your air fryer.
Prep time 20 minutes
Cook time 11 minutes to 13 minutes
Serves 2
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
For the garlic-herb butter:
- 4 tablespoons
(1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 small clove
garlic
- 1 tablespoon
fresh parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon
fresh chives
- 1/4 teaspoon
kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper
For the steak:
- 2
(1-pound) bone-in ribeye steaks
- 1 teaspoon
kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper
Cooking spray
Instructions
Make the garlic-herb butter: Place 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small bowl and let it sit out at room temperature to soften. Meanwhile, mince 1 small clove garlic. Finely chop until you have 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves and 1 tablespoon fresh chives.
Add the garlic, parsley, chives, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to the softened butter and smash and mix together with a rubber spatula until well combined. Scrape the butter onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Roll into a 2-inch log, using the edge of a bench scraper or metal spatula to form a tight cylinder. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to tighten the log, tie each end into a knot, and refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour.
Make the steak: Set an air fryer to 400°F and let heat for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prep the steaks.
Season 2 ribeye steaks all over with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Use tongs to transfer the steaks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry, flipping halfway through, 11 to 13 minutes total for medium-rare. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The thickest part of the steak should register 125°F for rare, 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, and 140°F for medium. If the steaks are not at the desired temperature, continue air frying and checking the temperature in 2-minute increments.
Transfer the steaks onto 2 serving plates and let rest for 5 minutes. Unwrap and cut the herb butter crosswise into 4 slices. Place the butter on top of the steaks and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.
Make ahead: The herb butter can be made up to 5 days in advance and refrigerated.
Filed in:
Air Fryer
Beef
Cooking Methods
dinner
easy
Ingredient
