There’s nothing quite like sitting down to a perfectly cooked Air Fryer T-Bone Steak—crisp on the edges, wonderfully juicy inside, and infused with just the right balance of garlic, butter, and a hint of smokiness. This is the steak dinner you’d expect at a great steakhouse, minus the pressure and price tag. The air fryer works its magic to create that signature crust without heating up your kitchen or leaving a mess. If you love steak and want an almost foolproof way to treat yourself (or someone special), this recipe might just become your new favorite go-to.

Air Fryer T-Bone Steak Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of this recipe is its simplicity—each ingredient matters and offers its own role in building the signature taste, color, and juiciness that defines Air Fryer T-Bone Steak. Gather these essentials and you’re halfway to serving up steak perfection at home!

T-bone steak: Choose one at room temperature for the best sear and even cooking.
Olive oil (or neutral cooking oil): Just a bit helps the seasonings stick and promotes a beautiful golden crust.
Worcestershire sauce (optional): Adds a hint of umami depth if you want extra steakhouse flavor.
Garlic powder (or garlic salt): Lends rich, savory undertones—use garlic salt and skip extra salt if you prefer!
Ground black pepper: For that familiar, warming kick and crust on the edges.
Fine table salt: Essential for enhancing the natural beefy flavors.
Butter (softened): Melts luxuriously over the steak, locking in juices and flavor.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the butter with aromatic, classic steakhouse oniony-garlic vibes.
Fine table salt (pinch): A final seasoning for the garlic butter, adjustable for your personal taste.

How to Make Air Fryer T-Bone Steak

Step 1: Make the Garlic Butter

Start things off by making the dreamy garlic butter. In a small bowl, combine your softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Give it a taste and add another pinch if you’re feeling bold. You can refrigerate it right in the bowl, or for an extra chef-y touch, shape the butter into a log using parchment or plastic wrap. Just roll and twist the ends—refrigerate while you prep everything else, so it’s ready to melt all over your steak at serving time.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

For that steakhouse-style sear, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about five minutes. Place the empty basket inside while preheating—this helps the steak start cooking the moment it hits the basket and maximizes that crusty edge that makes Air Fryer T-Bone Steak irresistible.

Step 3: Mix the Seasoning

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, optional Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder or garlic salt, a bit of black pepper, and salt. This little marinade boosts steak flavor and helps the crust turn beautifully golden in the air fryer—don’t skip it! If you use garlic salt, hold off on extra salt in this step.

Step 4: Season the Steak

Pat your T-bone steak dry with a paper towel, then generously rub it with the seasoning mixture, covering all sides. A dry steak surface helps the outside caramelize and keeps juices sealed within. This is where you start to see your masterpiece taking shape, so take a moment to admire the marbling and color of your cut!

Step 5: Air Fry the Steak

Carefully place the seasoned steak in the preheated air fryer basket. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 6 minutes, then flip the steak and air fry for another 6 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Depending on the thickness of your steak or your air fryer model, you may need to adjust cooking time—thicker cuts might need an extra minute or two per side.

Step 6: Check the Temperature

For absolute steak perfection, use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Medium-rare is best at about 130°F (54°C), while medium runs closer to 140°F (60°C). Remember, your Air Fryer T-Bone Steak will continue to cook as it rests, so pulling it out a few degrees early is a smart move.

Step 7: Rest and Finish

Once done, wrap your steak in foil and allow it to rest at least five minutes. This gives the juices time to redistribute, so every bite is succulent. Right before serving, top with a generous slice of your homemade garlic butter and let it melt into every nook and cranny—it’s the finishing touch that takes this dish straight to restaurant-level indulgence!

How to Serve Air Fryer T-Bone Steak

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the steak for a pop of color and brightness. Cracked pepper and flaky sea salt add a fancy touch, while a squeeze of lemon gives subtle acidity if you want to balance the richness. Don’t forget a dollop of extra garlic butter just before serving for pure, decadent bliss!

Side Dishes

The beauty of Air Fryer T-Bone Steak is its versatility—it shines next to everything from crispy roasted potatoes and buttery asparagus to a bold Caesar salad or creamy mashed potatoes. For lighter fare, a peppery arugula salad or steamed green beans offer the perfect counterpoint to your juicy steak.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the steak off the bone and fan the pieces out on a warm platter, tucking extra garlic butter in between each slice. Serve directly on wooden cutting boards for rustic charm, or pair with personal ramekins of dipping sauces for a playful, interactive steak night experience. Even just the classic presentation—a gorgeous steak on a white plate—lets the meal speak for itself!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Air Fryer T-Bone Steak (lucky you!), wrap it tightly in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate as soon as possible. It will keep for up to three days and makes an amazing steak salad or sandwich the next day.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? You can freeze cooked steak for up to two months. Slice the meat from the bone, wrap pieces snugly in plastic wrap and foil, and label with the date. When you get a craving, thaw overnight in the fridge for a quick and easy steak fix later.

Reheating

For best results, let the steak come to room temperature and warm it gently in a 275°F (135°C) oven, wrapped in foil, for 10–15 minutes. You can also reheat slices in a hot skillet with a dab of butter for extra flavor. Avoid microwaving, which can overcook and toughen the meat.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut instead of T-bone?

Absolutely! While Air Fryer T-Bone Steak is iconic, this method also works beautifully with porterhouse, ribeye, or even strip steak. Just adjust cooking time for thickness and always check internal temperature for doneness.

What’s the best way to tell if my steak is done?

A reliable meat thermometer is your best friend for steak night. For medium-rare, look for 130°F (54°C); for medium, aim for 140°F (60°C). Remember, the temperature will rise a bit as the steak rests, so pull it out just before your target doneness.

Can I skip the garlic butter?

You could, but the garlic butter truly sends Air Fryer T-Bone Steak over the top! If you prefer, try a different compound butter, blue cheese, or just a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.

Why do I need to rest the steak?

Resting lets the juices redistribute throughout the steak, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. Cutting into the steak too soon can let all those amazing juices escape, leaving you with a drier, less flavorful meal.

Can I cook two steaks at once in the air fryer?

If your air fryer basket is large enough and the steaks don’t overlap, you can cook two Air Fryer T-Bone Steaks together. Adjust cooking time only if the basket is crowded, and always check each steak’s doneness individually.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried an Air Fryer T-Bone Steak before, you’re in for a fantastic surprise. This method delivers all the decadence and sizzle of steakhouse dining right at home, with hardly any fuss. Whether it’s a special occasion or simply a craving for great steak, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with the people you care about most. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer T-Bone Steak Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 1 T-bone steak 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious T-bone steak using the air fryer, resulting in a perfectly cooked steak with a flavorful garlic butter topping.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Garlic Butter:

1 Tbsp butter, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pinch salt, to taste

For the Steak:

1 T-bone steak (at room temperature)
2 tsp olive oil
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp fine table salt

Instructions

Make the Garlic Butter: Combine butter, minced garlic, and salt. Refrigerate until set.
Preheat: Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Season: Mix oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Prepare Steak: Pat dry the steak and rub with seasoning.
Cook: Air fry steak for 6 minutes per side for medium rare.
Check Temperature: Verify doneness with a meat thermometer.
Rest: Wrap steak in foil; let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with garlic butter.

Notes

Ensure the steak is at room temperature before cooking for even results.
Adjust cooking time based on steak thickness and desired doneness.
Use a meat thermometer to achieve the perfect level of doneness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 T-bone steak
Calories: Approximately 600 kcal
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: Varies based on salt content
Fat: Approximately 40g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 60g
Cholesterol: 180mg

Keywords: Air Fryer T-Bone Steak, T-Bone Steak Recipe, Air Fryer Recipe, Steak with Garlic Butter