Posted by Are you craving a juicy, restaurant-quality steak but don’t have the time to grill it? Look no further than your air fryer! This method yields a perfectly cooked ribeye steak with minimal effort, and the secret to making it even more delicious is homemade garlic herb butter. This recipe is simple yet full of flavor, making it an ideal option for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let’s walk through every step so you can enjoy a perfectly cooked ribeye steak, topped with rich and flavorful garlic herb butter.
Why Air Fryer Steak?
Air fryers have become a kitchen staple for a good reason—they make cooking quicker, easier, and healthier without sacrificing taste. When it comes to steak, the air fryer can create a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly tender and juicy. It’s the ultimate kitchen appliance to cook steak to perfection without the need for heavy pans or complicated techniques. If you’ve never tried cooking steak in an air fryer, you’re in for a treat!
The best part? You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. This recipe for air fryer ribeye steak is so simple yet delivers mouthwatering results in just a fraction of the time. Plus, the homemade garlic butter adds a rich, decadent layer of flavor that will elevate your steak experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
To make this dish, you’ll need a few basic ingredients for both the steak and the garlic butter. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Ribeye Steak:
- 2 Ribeye steaks (each 8 oz) – Ribeye is a great choice for air frying because it has the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor, thanks to the marbled fat.
- Salt – Essential for seasoning the steak to bring out its natural flavor.
- Freshly cracked black pepper – For a bit of spice and an aromatic, flavorful kick.
- Olive oil – This helps to enhance the flavor of the steak and ensures it cooks beautifully in the air fryer. It’s optional, but highly recommended.
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened – The base of the garlic butter, which makes it smooth and creamy.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a refreshing, herbal flavor that pairs beautifully with the garlic.
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is the key ingredient for adding depth to the butter.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – This adds a bit of tangy, savory complexity to the butter.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – To enhance the flavors and tie everything together.
How to make Garlic Herb Butter
The first step in this recipe is preparing the garlic herb butter. This can be done ahead of time, so it’s ready to top your steak once it’s cooked. Here’s how to make the garlic butter:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until the butter is smooth and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Once well combined, transfer the butter onto a piece of parchment paper. Roll it up into a log shape and twist the ends to seal it.
- Place the parchment-wrapped butter in the fridge to chill. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to slice when you’re ready to top your steak.
Preparing the Ribeye Steak for the Air Fryer
Now, it’s time to prep your ribeye steaks. Here’s how to get your steaks ready for the air fryer:
- Bring the steaks to room temperature: Before cooking, remove the steaks from the refrigerator and let them sit out for about 20 minutes. This ensures the steak cooks evenly and prevents it from becoming tough.
- Season the steaks: Rub a small amount of olive oil on both sides of the steaks. This not only adds flavor but also helps with creating a nice sear in the air fryer. Then, generously season both sides with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. These basic seasonings are all you need to enhance the rich flavors of the ribeye.
Cooking the Steak in the Air Fryer
Once your steak is prepped and the garlic butter is ready to go, it’s time to cook the steak in the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer: Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a small amount of oil to prevent the steaks from sticking. Then, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the steaks: Once the air fryer is preheated, place the steaks in the basket. Cook the steaks for 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. If you like your steak more well-done, you can add an extra couple of minutes of cooking time.
- Rest the steak: After the steaks are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak remains juicy and tender.
Adding the Garlic Herb Butter
The final touch to this air fryer ribeye steak is the homemade garlic herb butter. Once the steak has rested, slice a generous portion of the butter and place it on top of each steak. The heat from the steak will melt the butter, creating a flavorful and aromatic sauce that takes this dish to the next level.
Serving and Enjoying
Serve your air fryer ribeye steak with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. This dish is guaranteed to impress, whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home.
Tips for Perfecting Your Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
- Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the steak to rest is essential for ensuring a juicy, tender result. If you cut into the steak too soon, the juices will escape, leaving you with a dry steak.
- Adjust the cooking time: Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and the type of air fryer you’re using. If you prefer your steak cooked to a different level of doneness, simply adjust the cooking time by adding or subtracting a few minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer: If you’re unsure about the doneness of your steak, you can use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F; for medium, 140-145°F; and for well-done, 160°F and above.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Yes! While ribeye is a great choice due to its tenderness and flavor, you can also use cuts like sirloin, filet mignon, or strip steak. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the steak.
How do I know when my steak is cooked to the right doneness?
The best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your liking is to use a meat thermometer. Here are the temperature guidelines:
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 140-145°F
- Medium-well: 150-155°F
- Well-done: 160°F and above
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter in advance and refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Quick and Easy Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter
Looking for a quick, delicious dinner? Try this simple air fryer ribeye steak recipe topped with homemade garlic herb butter. Perfect for a weeknight meal!
Duration:
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 12 Minutes
- Resting Time: 5 Minutes
- Total Time: 32 Minutes
- Servings: 2 Steaks
Ingredients:
- 2 Ribeye steaks (8 oz each)
- Salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Olive oil (optional)
For the Garlic Butter:
- 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare Garlic Butter:
Mix butter, parsley, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Roll in parchment paper into a log and refrigerate.
2. Prepare Steaks:
Allow steaks to come to room temperature for 20 minutes. Rub with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Cook in Air Fryer:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Cook steaks for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Rest for 5 minutes.
4. Top with Garlic Butter:
Place a slice of garlic butter on each steak and let it melt. Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 683 Kcal
