Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter
This Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter is the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, transforming your dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience. The juicy, tender rib-eye steaks are coated in seasonings and air-fried to golden perfection.
The garlic herb butter adds a rich, savory finish, elevating each bite with its fragrant, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. It’s the ideal meal for anyone craving a steakhouse-quality dish without the hassle of grilling.
Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe offers a foolproof way to impress with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this steak is sure to satisfy.
Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter – Ingredients
The rib-eye steaks are the star of this dish, providing a tender, juicy foundation for a perfectly cooked meal. Their rich, beefy flavor is enhanced by a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, letting the natural taste shine.
Olive oil helps to create a crisp, golden exterior while ensuring the steak cooks evenly. The garlic and fresh herbs in the butter bring an aromatic depth, adding a fragrant, savory finish to each bite.
Butter, soft and creamy, melds with the garlic and herbs, creating a luscious topping that elevates the steak with rich flavor and luxurious texture.
Recipe Tips for Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter
- Achieving Perfect Steak Doneness: For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steaks. For medium doneness, aim for 135°F (57°C) when checked at the thickest part. Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly while resting, so remove it from the air fryer a few degrees before reaching the target temperature.
- Room Temperature Steaks: Allowing your steaks to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking helps them cook more evenly. Cold steaks straight from the fridge can result in uneven cooking, with the exterior potentially overcooked while the interior remains too raw.
- Customize the Butter: While the garlic and herb butter is simple and delicious, feel free to experiment with different herbs or even add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor. You can also substitute the butter with ghee for a dairy-free alternative, offering a slightly different taste.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic pair wonderfully with the richness of the garlic butter steak. The smooth texture of the potatoes complements the savory flavor of the steak while absorbing the buttery sauce.
- Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus provides a crisp and fresh contrast to the tender, juicy steak. The subtle smokiness from the grill, along with a light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, enhances the dish without overpowering it.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and a simple vinaigrette can balance the richness of the steak. The fresh, peppery greens provide a refreshing contrast, making the meal feel more balanced and complete.
FAQ about Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter
1. Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes, while rib-eye is preferred for its marbling and flavor, you can substitute it with other cuts like New York strip, filet mignon, or sirloin. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness and type of steak.
2. How do I make the steak more tender? To make your steak even more tender, marinate it for a few hours in a mixture of olive oil, herbs, and a bit of acid like balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. This will help break down the muscle fibers and add flavor.
3. Can I cook frozen steak in the air fryer? While it’s best to cook steaks that are thawed, you can cook frozen steaks in the air fryer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, but be sure to check the steak’s doneness with a thermometer to avoid overcooking.
4. How do I store leftovers? Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain the crispy exterior or use a skillet on low heat to gently warm it through.
Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Butter
Ingredients
- 2 rib-eye steaks preferably bone-in, 12-16 ounces each
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or chives (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by allowing the steaks to reach room temperature, resting for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer to 400°F for at least 10 minutes to ensure it is fully heated.
- Coat both sides of the steaks with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping or touching.
- Cook the steaks for approximately 6 minutes per side to achieve a medium level of doneness.
- While the steaks are cooking, prepare the garlic herb butter by mixing the softened butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- After cooking, let the steaks rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Top each steak with a dollop of the prepared garlic butter.
- Slice the steaks and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal.
