Air Fryer Strip Steak with Compound Roasted Garlic Butter

Alright, steak lovers, gather ‘round because I’m about to drop the easiest way to cook a restaurant-quality strip steak right in your air fryer. No fancy skills, no babysitting a smoky grill, just juicy, buttery perfection in under 35 minutes. And that roasted garlic butter? Oh, it’s the kind of magic that’ll make you question why you ever bothered with plain steak. Trust me, once you try this, your weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade. Let’s get cooking!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

→ Restaurant-quality steak at home – No need to book a table or put on real pants. This recipe gives you juicy, buttery steak without the fancy steakhouse price tag.

→ Ready in under 35 minutes – Faster than takeout and way more satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.

→ That roasted garlic butter is life-changing – Creamy, garlicky, herby goodness that melts over your steak (and honestly, makes everything taste better). Bonus: You can make extra and keep it for later!

→ Almost zero cleanup – The air fryer does most of the work, meaning fewer dishes and more time to actually enjoy your meal.

→ Meal prep & fancy dinner vibes – Works great for meal-prepped lunches (hello, steak salads!) but also fancy enough to impress guests. Two-in-one win.

→ No fancy skills needed – If you can press a button and flip a steak, you’ve got this. Perfect for beginners or anyone who just wants an easy, foolproof steak.

→ Gluten-free & high protein – Fits most diets while still tasting indulgent. No weird swaps or sacrifices here.

Basically, it’s quick, easy, and tastes like you put in way more effort than you did. What’s not to love? Now go grab that air fryer steak night just got upgraded. ✨

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What You'll Need To Make

Let’s Talk Key Ingredients (Because They’re Kind of a Big Deal)

Strip Steak – The star of the show! This cut is juicy, flavorful, and cooks up perfectly in the air fryer. No need to splurge on fancy cuts strip steak gives you that steakhouse quality without the steakhouse price.

Roasted Garlic – Sweet, caramelized, and packed with flavor. It takes your butter from good to "wait, did I just make restaurant food?" Pro tip: Roast a whole head at once and keep extra for spreading on bread (you’re welcome).

Fresh Chives – A little pop of color and mild oniony flavor that brightens up the rich butter. No chives? Green onions work in a pinch, but trust me, chives are worth it.

Good Olive Oil – Just a drizzle to help the seasoning stick and give the steak a crispy edge. Nothing fancy needed, but skip the bargain-bin stuffyour steak deserves better.

Sea Salt & Pepper – The dynamic duo of seasoning. Don’t be shy here a generous sprinkle makes all the difference between meh and mind-blowing.

Butter (Obviously) – Unsalted, softened, and ready to get mixed into something magical. This is the glue that holds all those flavors together, and yes, it’s absolutely necessary.

Why These Ingredients Work – They’re simple, easy to find, and pack a ton of flavor without any weird tricks. Plus, most are pantry staples, so you’re probably halfway there already. Now, let’s make some steak! ✨

NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.

What You'll Need To Do

The first step you need to do is to roast garlics, I usually make them in batches as they can be used in many other recipes!

Air Fryer Roasted Garlic

This “recipe” is rather forgiving in that you can adjust the number of heads of garlic used, along with the exact temperature and cook time if you choose to prepare the garlic alongside other recipes. Just be sure the garlic remains in the air fryer long enough to become soft, tender, and golden brown, without drying it out. 

Roasted garlic is nice to have on hand because it can be used in so many ways to deepen and enhance the flavors of your favorite dishes. Try it in your favorite sauces and soups - or use it to make a delicious compound butter to spread on roasted vegetables, steaks, or seafood. 

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 20-25 minutes | Yields: 3 heads roasted garlic

Ingredients:

• 3 large heads garlic
• 1-2 T. extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Turn on the air fryer and select the “Air Crisp” function. Set the temperature to 400°F and adjust the timer to 20 minutes. Press “Start” to pre-heat the unit.
2. While the unit pre-heats, remove the outer papery layers from the garlic. Carefully slice off the top of each head of garlic with a sharp knife, making sure each clove is exposed.
3. Drizzle some olive oil onto each head of garlic and wrap each head in a small square of aluminum foil.
4. One the unit is pre-heated, place the prepared garlic in the air fryer basket and close the lid. After 20 minutes, check the garlic to make sure it is roasted through. If more time is necessary, rewrap the garlic and return to the air fryer for several more minutes.
5. When the cook time is complete, use the roasted garlic immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy! 

It's time to make Air Fryer Strip Steak with Compound Roasted Garlic Butter

Cook time for this recipe will depend on several factors, including the internal starting temperature, size, thickness, and desired level of doneness of the steaks. For this recipe, the steak was removed from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking and was cooked medium rare. 

For guidelines on suggested internal temperatures for red meat, click here

Cook time and instructions will also vary from one air fryer model to the next. Check suggested cook times for strip steak for your specific make and model before preparing. 

Time-Saving Tip: Prepare the roasted garlic and compound butter in advance to save time preparing this recipe.

Prep time: 20 minutes (+ time to roast garlic and chill compound butter)

Cook time: 7-10 minutes (+ time to rest steaks)

Serves: 2-4

Compound butter ingredients

• 1 4-oz stick unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large head roasted garlic (recipe above)
• 3 T. fresh chives, chopped
• 1/4 t. salt

Other ingredients

• 2 10-oz strips steaks, trimmed
• 1 T. extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: To prepare the compound butter, and the softened butter, roasted garlic cloves, chives, and salt to a bowl and stir until thoroughly combined. Make sure the garlic cloves are broken up and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 2: Transfer the butter mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap and shape into a log, as shown, and cover tightly. Refrigerate until firm and ready to use, approximately one hour.

Step 3: Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Brush with olive oil and generously season with salt and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 4: Pre-heat the air fryer to 400°F and set the timer to 8 minutes for medium rare.

Step 5: When the air fryer is ready, add the steaks to the basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Close the lid and air fry for 4 minutes.

Step 6: Open the lid and turn the steaks with silicon tongs. Close the lid and air fry for another 3-4 minutes or just until the steaks reach 130°F, as shown, for medium rare.

Step 7: Remove the steaks from the air fryer and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Rest for 5-10 minutes to give the juices a chance to settle. (The internal temperature will continue to rise several degrees while the steaks rest).

Step 8: Serve immediately topped with some compound butter and your choice of sides.

Enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

Glycemic Impact (Approx):

• Glycemic Index (GI): ~5 (Very Low)
• Glycemic Load (GL): ~0 (Negligible)

Macros (per serving):

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: ~35g
• Fat: ~35g (Saturated: ~15g)
• Carbs: ~2g (Fiber: <1g, Net Carbs: ~1g)

Notes:

• Naturally low-carb/keto-friendly (carbs only from garlic/chives).
• No significant blood sugar impact (GL near zero).
• High in protein + healthy fats from steak and butter.

Perfect for low-carb diets!

Yes, this recipe is diabetes-friendly! Here’s why:

Diabetes-Friendly Factors:

Low Glycemic Impact

• Negligible carbs (~2g per serving) from garlic/chives → minimal blood sugar effect.
• No added sugars or high-carb ingredients.

High Protein + Healthy Fats

• 35g protein/serving helps stabilize blood sugar.
• Fats from steak/butter slow digestion, preventing spikes.

Air-Fryer Benefit

• No breading or sugary marinades = cleaner cooking.

For Even Better Diabetes Management:

• Swap butter for olive oil or avocado oil (if saturated fat is a concern).
• Pair with non-starchy veggies (e.g., spinach, broccoli) for fiber.
• Monitor portion size (1 steak/serving max).

Easy Ingredient Swaps for Your Air Fryer Strip Steak

No strip steak? Try ribeye, sirloin, or even flank steak (just adjust cooking time based on thickness).

Out of fresh chives? Sub with green onions, parsley, or even a pinch of dried chives in a pinch.

No time to roast garlic? Use 1/2 tsp garlic powder per clove or grab store-bought roasted garlic for convenience.

Dairy-free? Swap butter with plant-based butter or olive oil for a dairy-free garlic "butter."

No olive oil? Avocado oil or melted butter works great for coating the steak.

Want extra flavor? Add a dash of smoked paprika, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes to the compound butter.

Not into steak? This garlic butter is amazing on chicken, salmon, or even roasted veggies!

Mix and match these swaps to fit what you've gotdinner will still be delicious!

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Fun Recipe Tweaks to Mix Things Up

Spicy Kick – Add 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne to the compound butter for a little heat.

Herb Upgrade – Swap chives for fresh rosemary, thyme, or tarragon for a different herbal vibe.

Umami Boost – Stir 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce into the butter for extra savory depth.

Smoky Twist – Blend in 1/4 tsp smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke with the butter.

Citrus Zing – Add 1 tsp lemon zest or orange zest to brighten up the garlic butter.

Cheesy Love – Mix in 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or blue cheese crumbles for a richer butter.

Marinate First – Soak the steaks in a quick 30-minute marinade (try balsamic + olive oil + garlic) before air frying.

Reverse Sear – For thicker cuts, air fry at 275°F first, then crank to 400°F to finish.

Veggie Add-On – Toss mushrooms or asparagus in the air fryer with the steak for a full meal.

Breakfast Style – Slice leftover steak thin and serve with eggs and potatoes the next morning.

Small changes = big flavor wins! Have fun experimenting.

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Pro Tips for Air Fryer Strip Steak Perfection

Butter Softening Hack – Forgot to soften butter? Microwave it for 5-second bursts or grate cold butter for quicker mixing.

Roast Garlic in Bulk – Wrap multiple garlic heads in foil and roast at 400°F for 40 minutes – store extras in oil for future recipes.

Steak Thickness Matters – Aim for 1-inch thick steaks for even cooking. Thinner? Reduce time. Thicker? Add 1-2 minutes per side.

Preheat Like a Pro – Always preheat your air fryer 3-5 minutes for optimal searing and even cooking.

Don’t Overcrowd – Cook steaks in batches if needed. Crowding = steamed steak instead of seared.

Temp Check – Use a meat thermometer! 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.

Resting is Non-Negotiable – Those 5-10 minutes let juices redistribute. Skip it and risk dry steak.

Butter Storage – Freeze leftover compound butter slices between parchment paper for instant flavor boosts later.

Air Fryer Models Vary – Check your steak 1-2 minutes early – some air fryers run hotter than others.

Deglaze the Basket – After cooking, splash broth or wine in the warm basket to loosen drippings for an instant pan sauce.

Leftover Magic – Thinly slice cold steak for salads or sandwiches – the garlic butter makes epic next-day flavors.

Bonus: Pat Steaks Dry before seasoning for better browning. Happy air frying!

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Smart Savings for Your Air Fryer Steak Dinner

Choose Value Cuts – Look for "manager's special" marked steaks or buy a larger roast to slice yourself. Chuck eye or top sirloin work great too.

DIY Roasted Garlic – Skip pre-roasted garlic. A whole head costs pennies compared to prepped versions. Wrap in foil and roast while prepping other ingredients.

Grow Your Chives – Plant a $3 chive plant in a pot – it'll regrow all season. No garden? Use green onion tops (they're cheaper than whole chives).

Butter Stretching – Make half the compound butter recipe – a little goes a long way when melting over hot steak.

Oil Swap – Substitute olive oil with vegetable or canola oil – just as effective for searing at half the price.

Bulk Pepper – Buy whole peppercorns and grind yourself – cheaper per ounce than pre-ground.

Repurpose Leftovers – Turn extra steak into next-day tacos, fried rice, or steak sandwiches to maximize your protein dollar.

Frozen Steak Hack – Buy on sale, freeze individually, then thaw in fridge overnight when ready to use.

Air Fry Extras – Cook potatoes or veggies alongside the steak (on a lower rack if available) for a full budget meal.

Salt Smart – Use affordable kosher salt instead of pricey sea salt – same great seasoning effect.

Bonus: Shop Late – Many stores discount meat 30-50% in the evening when nearing sell-by dates. Just cook or freeze same day.

Delicious doesn't have to mean expensive!

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Diet-Friendly Variations

Absolutely! Your Air Fryer Strip Steak with Compound Roasted Garlic Butter is already naturally close to Keto, Low-Carb, and Paleo dietsjust a few tweaks needed for full compliance. Here’s how to adapt it:

Keto & Low-Carb Version (Already almost perfect!)

✅ No changes needed! This recipe is inherently keto/low-carb:

• High-fat (butter, olive oil, steak)
• Zero added sugars or carbs (just watch sidespair with veggies like asparagus or cauliflower mash).

Pro Tip: For stricter keto, ensure your steak is grass-fed and butter is pasture-raised for better fat quality.

Paleo Version (Minor tweaks)

1. Butter Swap: Use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter (strict Paleo avoids dairy).
2. Salt Check: Opt for unprocessed sea salt or Himalayan salt (avoid iodized table salt).
3. Oil Swap: Use avocado oil instead of olive oil if preferred (Paleo-approved).

Extra Diet Notes:

• Whole30: Use ghee, omit any dairy butter, and ensure no sugar in seasoning blends.
• Carnivore: Skip the chives and garlic (optional), but keep the butter (or use tallow).

Why It Works:

• Steak = perfect protein source for all these diets.
• Compound butter adds healthy fats (key for keto/Paleo energy).
• Zero grains, legumes, or processed ingredients.

Serve with:

• Keto: Roasted Brussels sprouts or zucchini noodles.
• Paleo: Sweet potato mash (moderation) or sautéed greens.

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Serving Ideas

Delicious Serving Ideas for Your Air Fryer Strip Steak

Classic Pairings

• Creamy mashed cauliflower (low-carb alternative to potatoes)
• Garlic butter roasted asparagus (quick and elegant)
• Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts (toss with leftover garlic butter!)

Hearty & Comforting

• Loaded cauliflower bake (cheesy, bacon-studded goodness)
• Mushroom risotto (use cauliflower rice for low-carb)
• Truffle parmesan fries (air fryer sweet potato fries for Paleo)

Light & Fresh

• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan
• Grilled zucchini ribbons with pine nuts and lemon zest
• Tomato cucumber avocado salad with herb dressing

Fun & Creative

• Steak tacos (use butter lettuce wraps for low-carb)
• Philly cheesesteak stuffed peppers (swap bread for bell peppers)
• Steak and eggs (breakfast-for-dinner vibes)

Bonus Sauce Ideas

• Drizzle with chimichurri for a herby kick
• Add a spoonful of horseradish cream for tangy heat
• Melt extra blue cheese crumbles on top for decadence

Mix and match these sides to keep steak night exciting! �✨

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Perfect Beverage Pairings for Your Strip Steak

Non-Alcoholic Options

• Sparkling water with lemon/lime – Crisp & refreshing to cut through the rich butter
• Iced hibiscus tea – Tart and floral, balances the savory steak
• Virgin bloody mary – Zesty tomato pairs surprisingly well with garlic butter
• Cherry kombucha – Fruity effervescence complements the meaty flavors
• Smoky black coffee – Surprisingly great with steak (try it chilled for summer)

Wine Pairings

• Cabernet Sauvignon – Classic choice for fatty, flavorful cuts
• Malbec – Juicy dark fruit notes love garlicky butter
• Zinfandel – Bold enough to stand up to the robust flavors

Cocktail Ideas

• Bourbon old fashioned – Caramel notes enhance the steak’s char
• Smoky mezcal margarita – Plays off the garlic’s depth
• Blackberry bramble – Bright berry cuts through richness

Beer Suggestions

• Stout or porter – Chocolatey notes pair with caramelized crust
• Amber ale – Malty sweetness balances the salt
• Dry hard cider – Apple acidity cleanses the palate

For a Fun Twist

• Bacon-infused bourbon (for serious meat lovers)
• Garlicky bloody mary (double down on flavor!)

Pair based on your mood – every option lets the steak shine! ☕️

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftover steak in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Store compound butter wrapped tightly in the fridge (1 week) or freezer (3 months).
• Pre-slice leftover steak for easy use in salads or sandwiches.

Reheating for Best Results

• Air Fryer Method (Best for crispy edges):
  Reheat at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until just warmed through.
• Skillet Method (Great for texture):
  Quick sear in a hot pan with a splash of broth to keep moist.
• Avoid the Microwave (Unless you like chewy steak):
  If you must, use 50% power in 30-second bursts.

Pro Tips

• Reheat with butter – Add a small pat of leftover compound butter while reheating.
• Keep it rare – If steak was medium-rare originally, pull it from heat at 120°F to prevent overcooking.
• Repurpose cold steak – Use chilled leftovers in wraps or salads – no reheating needed!

Enjoy your steak just as much the second time around!

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Final Thoughts

And there you have it steak so good, you’ll be tempted to lick the plate (no judgment here). Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just treating yourself, this air fryer strip steak with garlic butter is a game-changer. Now go forth, pile on that golden melted butter, and enjoy the glory of a meal that’s fancy without the fuss. Don’t forget to tell me how it turned out… or just send pics of your empty plate. I’ll understand. Happy eating, friends!

Recipe Card