Air Fryer Steak
Why this recipe works
- Fast high-heat cooking: The air fryer cooks the steak quickly at 200°C (390°F), helping the surface brown while keeping the centre juicy.
- Simple, bold seasoning: Garlic, black pepper and salt give the steak a clear savoury base without masking the beef.
- Buttery finish: Adding butter at the end coats the hot steak and creates rich juices to spoon over before serving.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Take off the chill: Letting the steak sit briefly before cooking helps it cook more evenly from edge to centre.
- Rest before slicing: A short rest allows the juices to settle, so the steak stays juicier when cut.
- Serve promptly: Steak is at its best soon after resting, while the crust is still warm and the buttery juices are fresh.
Texture tips
- Dry the surface well: Patting the steak dry before seasoning helps it brown rather than steam in the air fryer.
- Slice against the grain: Cutting across the muscle fibres makes each slice feel more tender.
- Watch the final minutes: Air fryers cook quickly, so check earlier for thinner steaks or if you prefer a pinker centre.
Common mistakes
- Overcrowding the basket: Keep the steaks in a single layer so hot air can circulate and the surface can brown properly.
- Skipping the rest: Cutting immediately after cooking can cause more juices to run out onto the board.
Serving ideas
- Classic sides: Serve with chips, roast potatoes, green salad or steamed vegetables for an easy steak dinner.
- Sauce options: The buttery juices are enough on their own, but peppercorn sauce, mustard or chimichurri also work well.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Take the steaks out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking so the chill takes off. Pat dry, then season all over with the fine sea salt and black pepper. Crush the garlic to a paste and rub it over the steaks with the olive oil.
- Heat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes. Place the steaks in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 4 to 6 minutes, then turn and cook for a further 3 to 6 minutes, depending on thickness and how you like it.
- Add the butter on top of the steaks and let it melt for 1 minute in the hot air fryer. Transfer to a board and rest for 5 minutes. Slice against the grain and spoon over any buttery juices from resting.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best crust, make sure the surface of the steak is dry before seasoning.
- Do not overcrowd the basket; air needs space to circulate for proper browning.
- Resting is essential for a juicy result, especially with hot, fast air-fryer cooking.
Substitutions
- Replace Olive oil with Vegetable oil for a more neutral flavour.
- Replace Unsalted butter with Salted butter, then reduce Fine sea salt to 0.5 tsp.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a 180°C (355°F) air fryer for 2 to 4 minutes until piping hot, or slice and serve cold in a sandwich.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 25min (10min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
-
Allergens:
Milk
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