A perfectly cooked steak with garlic-herb butter delivers restaurant-level flavor with almost no effort, and this version guarantees a melt-in-your-mouth finish every time. From the golden crust to the rich, aromatic butter that melts over each slice, this recipe gives home cooks a simple yet impressive way to elevate steak night. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just craving bold, luxurious flavor, this method turns a single steak into something unforgettable.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick but elevated: Ready in under 20 minutes of cook time, yet has all the depth of a high-end steakhouse meal.
- Simple ingredients, big impact: Everyday pantry spices and fresh herbs transform a basic cut into a showstopper.
- Foolproof technique: Using the air fryer helps you achieve a consistent crust and perfectly juicy center every time.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: The garlic-herb butter adds richness, brightness, and restaurant-style presentation.
- Make-ahead friendly: The butter can be prepared days in advance, making this a stress-free option for weeknights or guests.
What sets this version apart is the sweet-savory spice rub that enhances browning and the vibrant herb butter that melts into every bite—comforting, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients Needed
For the Steak
- 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal, for even seasoning)
- ¾ tsp brown sugar (helps boost caramelization)
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground coriander
- ¼ tsp sweet paprika
- 1 boneless steak (12–16 oz), such as sirloin, New York strip, or ribeye, about 1 inch thick
- Olive oil (for brushing or spraying)
- Flaky sea salt, for finishing
For the Garlic-Herb Butter
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 3 garlic cloves, finely grated or pressed
- 1 ½ tsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 ½ tsp chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp flaky salt
How to Make Steak with Garlic-Herb Butter
Step 1 — Bring the Steak to Temperature
Let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so it cooks evenly. If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 400°F (200°C) now. Starting with a warm steak helps achieve a better sear and reduces overcooking.
Step 2 — Season the Steak Generously
In a small bowl, mix the kosher salt, brown sugar, pepper, coriander, and paprika. Pat the steak dry—removing moisture helps create a crisp crust—then brush lightly with olive oil. Coat the steak on all sides with the spice blend.
Tip: For deeper flavor, you can season the steak and leave it uncovered in the fridge for up to 12 hours.
Step 3 — Air Fry to the Perfect Doneness
Place the steak inside the air fryer basket, leaving space around it for airflow. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, and continue cooking for 3–5 minutes, depending on thickness.
Check with an instant-read thermometer: remove at 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. The temperature will rise another 5–10 degrees while resting.
Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest 10 minutes so the juices redistribute.
Step 4 — Make the Garlic-Herb Butter
While the steak rests, combine the softened butter, grated garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and flaky salt in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and aromatic.
Storage tip: Leftover butter keeps in the fridge for 1 month or in the freezer for 3 months.
Step 5 — Serve with Melted Herb Butter
Place a generous spoonful of the garlic-herb butter over the hot steak—whole or sliced—and let it melt into the meat. Sprinkle with extra herbs, cracked pepper, or flaky salt if desired for added texture and freshness.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving:
- Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Pair with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
- Add extra lemon zest on top to brighten the flavors.
- Storage:
- Store cooked steak in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes.
- Leftover garlic-herb butter can be used on vegetables, bread, or chicken.
Helpful Notes
- For a deeper crust, pat the steak extra dry before seasoning.
- Avoid overcooking by checking the temperature early—different air fryers vary in intensity.
- Swap the herbs based on what you have: chives, basil, or tarragon all work beautifully.
- Want extra richness? Add a quick pan sauce using the steak drippings and a splash of broth or wine (if cooking in a skillet).
- Ribeye yields the juiciest result, while sirloin is leaner but still flavorful.
Steak with Garlic-Herb Butter
Ingredients
Method
- Let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if required so it’s ready for searing.
- Mix the kosher salt, brown sugar, pepper, coriander, and paprika. Pat the steak dry, lightly brush with olive oil, and coat all sides with the seasoning blend.
- Place the steak in the air fryer basket with space around it. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, then air fry for another 3–5 minutes. Remove at 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare and rest for 10 minutes.
- Combine softened butter, garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, lemon zest, and flaky salt. Mix until smooth and aromatic.
- Serve the steak whole or sliced with a spoonful of garlic-herb butter melting over the top. Finish with flaky salt or extra herbs if desired.
Notes
Conclusion
This Steak with Garlic-Herb Butter is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence—quick to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy any steak lover. With its buttery finish, fragrant herbs, and golden crust, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again, whether for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
If you try this dish, leave a comment and a star rating to let others know how it turned out!
Feel free to share your creation on Pinterest or Facebook—your delicious steak might inspire someone else’s dinner tonight.
What twist did you add? Extra garlic? A different herb? Tell us in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Ribeye, strip, and sirloin all work beautifully. Thicker cuts may require an additional 1–3 minutes in the air fryer.
Can I make this without an air fryer?
Absolutely. Sear the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet for 2–3 minutes per side, then finish in a 400°F oven until it reaches your preferred doneness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, everything in this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare the garlic-herb butter ahead of time?
Yes—the butter can be made days ahead and refrigerated or frozen for longer storage.
Why add brown sugar to the seasoning?
A tiny amount helps enhance browning and balances the savory flavors without making the steak sweet.
How do I prevent my steak from turning gray?
Make sure the steak is dry before seasoning, avoid overcrowding the air fryer, and preheat properly for maximum browning.