Air fryer cube steak with garlic butter makes a quick, savory dinner with browned edges and a buttery finish. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 minutes, then cook the steaks for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The thin steaks cook quickly, so start checking their temperature early rather than relying on the timer alone.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cube steak, about four thin steaks
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil, such as avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley
How To Make It
Pat the cube steaks dry with paper towels. Rub them lightly with the oil, then season both sides with the salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. While the air fryer preheats, mix the softened butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl.
Place the steaks directly on the air fryer’s perforated basket or crisper plate in a single layer. Leave space between them so hot air can circulate; cook in batches if they do not fit without overlapping. There is no need for a pan or liner, which would get in the way of browning and airflow.
Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 8–10 minutes, turning the steaks after about 4 minutes. Starting near the 7-minute mark, check each steak with an instant-read thermometer inserted from the side toward the center. Cook until the thickest part reaches at least 145°F (63°C). If needed, continue cooking in short increments; steak thickness and air fryer performance vary.
Transfer the steaks to a clean plate, divide the garlic butter over them, and let them rest for 3 minutes before serving. The butter will soften into the warm surface while the beef rests.
Tips
Choose similarly sized, thawed steaks for more even cooking. Cube steak is tenderized and can dry out if left in the fryer too long, so use the thermometer instead of judging doneness by color. Keep the basket uncovered: a liner can restrict airflow, and loose parchment must never go into an empty preheating air fryer. If your steaks are especially thin, check them before the suggested time is up.
Serve with mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad for an easy weeknight plate.
