Air Fryer Steak with Herb Lemon Butter is so quick and easy to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try cooking steak in air fryer sooner!
Folks, I truly love my air fryer. I’ve made classic comfort food dishes like Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Breast healthier just by using my air fryer without sacrificing flavor or crispiness. And today I’m making Air Fryer Steak.
Steak is a celebration food in my house. It’s Freddy’s favorite and it makes an appearance when we celebrate a big promotion at work, his birthday or whatever else he can come up with so he can convince me we have to have steak that night.
And to be honest I looooooooooooooooove a juicy steak with that perfect sear on the outside. I was shocked when I saw scrolling through Instagram that I could make a steak in the air fryer. Yeap, steak cooked like it was made on the grill in the air fryer. #onit
I knew Freddy would flip for joy if I told him the dinner plan, so I went about my business without letting on that I was making his favorite man food. He was soooooooo surprised I made steak but even more surprised at how perfect the sear was on the outside of the steak. And that I was able to cook it to medium temperature, just like he likes it.
There really isn’t anything better than this Air Fryer Steak with Herb Butter. I mean, just look at all that delicious herb lemon butter melting all over the steak. Don’t you need to make this LIKE NOW ?!
Air Fryer Steak Tools
KITCHEN TOOLS, UTENSILS & APPLIANCES NEEDED
This post contains affiliate links. For more information, check out my disclosure.
Here are some of the items you will need to make this recipe.
- Air Fryer.
- These tongs make turning your food easy.
- This Electric Salt Pepper Grinder makes seasoning your steak easy.
- Bowls with covers.
- Store leftover food in these bowls.
- Meat thermometer.
- Use please this to check the internal temperature of meat if needed.
Are you ready to make Air Fryer Steak? Grab your ingredients and I’ll show you how………….
How to Cook Air Fryer Steak Step by Step
To make the herb lemon butter:
- Mix together butter, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Transfer mixture to parchment paper and form into a log shape.
- Roll the butter in the parchment to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, twisting the ends to close and refrigerate until later.
To cook steak in air fryer:
- Preheat air fryer to 400F / 200C.
- Rub the olive oil on both side of the steaks and season them with salt and black pepper.
- Add the steaks to the air fryer basket (make sure they are not touching).
- Cook for 12 mins for medium doneness, making sure to flip halfway through.
- When cooked to desired doneness, remove from the air fryer and rest for at least 5 mins.
- Top with refrigerated herb lemon butter and serve.
Tips For Cooking Steak In Air Fryer
- Pat your steak dry before rubbing on the olive oil. You’re going to want to remove any of that excess moisture from the steak before adding the olive oil. This step is the most crucial when it comes to cooking a steak.
- Leave uncooked steak sit out for 20 mins. Add your salt to let some of the moisture of the steak get into that salt to help create the crust when cooked in the air fryer.
- Rest your steak after cooking. At least 5 mins but rest longer if you have the time. Sometimes Freddy is so into having steak he will cut into it too soon and lose all of that delicious juice that just craves to be reabsorbed back into the meat.
- Make sure steaks do not touch in the air fryer to allow for consistent heat from the fan during the cooking process.
- You don’t have to use the olive oil but it adds great flavor to your steaks.
- You can add any flavor or spices you’d like to your herb butter or your steak. Try seasoning your steak with Cajun, Creole or BBQ rubs. Or change up the herb butter to include rosemary, basil or tarragon.
Air Fryer Steak – Why You’ll Love It
Peeps, being able to get a great sear and perfectly cooked juicy steak in the air fryer is pretty amazing. Let me tell you all the reasons why I love making air fryer steak:
- Steak is cooked evenly because the heat temperature from the fan in the air fryer stays consistent. Every time you cook steak in air fryer it will come out exactly as you want it to. As long as you follow your time and settings, and make sure to flip halfway through.
- It’s the perfect weeknight dinner. I season our steaks, put them in the air fryer and flip halfway through. With the stove top or the grill I need to watch, keep flipping back and forth and test for doneness. The air fryer is a perfect tool for those busy weeknights when you’re dealing with homework, setting the table and getting dinner ready for everyone.
- The stove or grill might not be available. The air fryer won’t heat up my house like the stove does. Especially if I am finishing off our steaks in the oven. And the grill might not be an option due to cold weather or a wet storm.
- It is so easy. Seriously, it is super easy. If you’re a little nervous about getting the proper doneness on your steak, the air fryer will help you out. Having a meat thermometer handy will also help you prevent overcooking your juicy steak.
Degrees of Doneness For Steak In Air Fryer
Degrees of doneness for steak is a gauge of how thoroughly cooked the meat is based on the color and internal temperature. And it is best to always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
For steak, common gradations include: rare, medium rare, medium, medium well and well done.
- Rare: is a cool red center with an internal temperature of 52C (125F). When you hear someone say they like their steak mooing, this is it.
- Medium Rare: a warm red center with an internal temperature of 57C (135F).
- Medium: is a warm pink center with an internal temperature of 63C (145F).
- Medium Well: will have a slightly pink center with an internal temperature of 66C (150F).
- Well Done: steak that is well done will have very little to no pink with an internal temperature of 71C (160F).
Chef’s Tip: It’s important to note that you should always pull your steak when it’s 5° below the temperature you want it to reach. When you let your Air Fryer Steak rest, it will continue to cook for a short time after you pull it because the steak will retain the heat from cooking.
What Kind of Steaks To Use In The Air Fryer
Folks, so far we have loved every single cut of meat we’ve tested out in the air fryer. I’ve made delicious filet mignon, skirt steak, and ribeye and I’m looking to try New York Strip Steak next in the air fryer.
How Long To Cook Steak In An Air Fryer?
Cooking steak in the air fryer might be a bit of a trial for you if you are not used to your machine. Here are my cook time recommendations for Air Fryer Steak. Keep in mind you will be flipping halfway through.
- Rare Steak: 6-8 mins
- Medium Rare Steak: 8-10 mins
- For Medium Steak: 12 mins
- Steak that is Medium Well: 14 mins
- Well Done Steak: 15 mins
Remember to adjust cook times for thickness of your cut of meat. For thinner steaks, decrease the overall cook time. And for a thicker steak increase the cook time.
And, always check the temperature of your steak using a meat thermometer.
Air Fryer Steak and Potatoes
Cook steak in air fryer along with my perfect Instant Pot Baked Potatoes, and in just minutes you can serve up the classic steak and potatoes dinner. You will love how easy it is to make this restaurant quality meal at home!
Air Fryer Steak Serving Suggestions
Pair your perfect air fryer steak with any of these gluten free sides for a delicious meal;
Even More Air Fryer Recipes
The Best Air Fryer Whole Chicken
AIR FRYER STEAK VIDEO
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Air Fryer Steak with Herb Lemon Butter
Ingredients
Herb Lemon Butter
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter at room temperature
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp thyme chopped
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- salt
- black pepper
Steak
- 2 (8oz) steak
- 2 tsp olive oil
Instructions
To Make Herb Lemon Butter:
- Mix together butter, parsley, thyme, lemon zest, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
- Transfer mixture to parchment paper and form into a log shape.
- Roll the butter in the parchment to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, twisting the ends to close and refrigerate until later.
To Make Steak In Air Fryer:
- Preheat air fryer to 400F / 200C.
- Rub the olive oil on both side of the steaks and season with salt and black pepper.
- Add the steaks to the air fryer and cook for 12 mins for medium, making sure to flip halfway through.
- When cooked to desired doneness, remove from the air fryer and rest for at least 5 mins.
- Top with refrigerated herb butter and serve.
Notes
Air Fryer Steak Tips
- Pat your steak dry before rubbing on the olive oil. You’re going to want to remove any of that excess moisture from the steak before adding the olive oil. This step is the most crucial when it comes to cooking a steak.
- Leave uncooked steak sit out for 20 mins. Add your salt to let some of the moisture of the steak get into that salt to help create the crust when cooked in the air fryer.
- Rest your steak after cooking. At least 5 mins but rest longer if you have the time.
- Make sure steaks do not touch in the air fryer to allow for consistent heat from the fan during the cooking process.
- You don’t have to use the olive oil but it adds great flavor to your steaks.
- You can add any flavor or spices you’d like to your herb butter or your steak. Try seasoning your steak with Cajun, Creole or BBQ rubs. Or change up the herb butter to include rosemary, basil or tarragon.
- Note that the Herb Lemon Butter will serve 4-6 people.
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