Air-Fryer Garlic-Butter Steak

Introduction

There’s something magical about a perfectly cooked steak, isn’t there? The sizzle of it hitting a hot pan, the smell of the garlic and butter melting together, and the satisfying crisp of the edges. But if you’ve never cooked steak in an air fryer, let me tell you—this is a game-changer. This Air-Fryer Garlic-Butter Steak is not only incredibly easy to make but it also produces a tender, juicy steak every time, with just the right amount of crispy, caramelized edges.

I first discovered air-frying steaks on a busy weeknight when I didn’t feel like firing up the grill or dealing with the mess of a stovetop. It turned out to be one of the best cooking decisions I’ve ever made! Since then, this recipe has become a go-to in our household—it’s quick, delicious, and has that restaurant-quality taste without the hassle. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a busy night, this recipe is perfect.

What makes this steak even more irresistible is the rich, savory garlic butter that’s brushed on before cooking and drizzled over the top right after. The combination of garlic, butter, and a perfectly cooked steak is one that’ll make you want to make this again and again. It’s simple but indulgent, and it’s sure to impress anyone at the dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: No need to stand over a hot grill or pan for long—just pop the steak into the air fryer, and it’s done in a fraction of the time!
2. Perfectly Cooked Every Time: The air fryer cooks the steak evenly and helps create that crispy sear while keeping the inside juicy.
3. Garlic-Butter Goodness: This steak is coated in a rich, flavorful garlic butter that takes it to the next level.
4. Minimal Clean-Up: Air fryers are known for making cooking less messy, and this recipe is no exception! Just clean the basket, and you’re good to go.
5. Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning or try different cuts of steak to suit your taste preferences.

Picture this: juicy steak with a crispy crust, a melt-in-your-mouth interior, and the perfect hint of garlic-butter richness. That’s what this recipe delivers—and it’s so simple to make, even if you’re new to cooking!

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 steaks (adjustable depending on air fryer size)

Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 450
Protein: 34g
Carbs: 1g
Fat: 36g

Ingredients

• 2 boneless ribeye steaks (or any cut of your choice, such as sirloin or filet mignon)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Why These Ingredients Matter:

• Ribeye steaks: This cut is known for its marbling, which makes it juicy and flavorful, perfect for air-frying.
• Garlic butter: The garlic and butter mixture is the key to this recipe’s irresistible flavor, making the steak rich and savory.
• Olive oil: Brushing the steak with olive oil before cooking helps the seasoning stick and ensures a crispy exterior.
• Thyme: A little thyme adds a fragrant herbal note that complements the garlic butter beautifully.
• Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the steak.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer
   Before you start prepping your steak, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your steak will cook evenly and develop that crispy, golden crust.
2. Prepare the Garlic-Butter Mixture
   In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the garlic is well-distributed throughout the butter. This garlic-butter mixture is the key to infusing your steak with incredible flavor.
3. Prep the Steak
   Rub the steaks with a little bit of olive oil on both sides to help the seasoning adhere. This also helps the steak cook evenly in the air fryer. Once your steaks are coated with oil, generously brush the garlic-butter mixture over the top of each steak. Make sure to coat both sides for maximum flavor.
4. Cook the Steak in the Air Fryer
   Place your prepared steaks in the air fryer basket. Ensure that the steaks are not overlapping so they cook evenly. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. If you prefer your steak more or less done, adjust the cooking time accordingly:
   • For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
   • For medium, aim for 140-145°F.
   • For well-done, aim for 150-160°F.
     Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for the perfect doneness.
5. Rest the Steak
   Once your steaks are done cooking, let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it even juicier and more flavorful when you cut into it.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   After resting, slice the steak against the grain for tender, juicy bites. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.

How to Serve

This Air-Fryer Garlic-Butter Steak is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with some amazing sides to create a complete meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make the perfect side to balance the richness of the steak.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic steak side, and the garlic flavor will complement the garlic butter on the steak.
• Salad: A simple side salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich steak.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs and butter makes a wonderful accompaniment to soak up the delicious juices from the steak.

Additional Tips

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Make sure there’s space between the steaks so the air can circulate and cook them evenly.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is your best friend when it comes to getting your steak just right. It takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures that your steak is cooked perfectly every time.
3. Rest Your Steak: Resting the steak is crucial for juicy results. If you cut into it immediately after cooking, all the juices will escape, leaving the steak dry.
4. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a little kick.
5. Customize the Seasoning: Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices. A little rosemary or a dash of smoked paprika can add an interesting flavor twist.

Recipe Variations

1. Garlic-Parmesan Steak: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the garlic butter for a cheesy, rich topping.
2. Spicy Cajun Steak: Add Cajun seasoning to the garlic butter mixture for a bold, spicy flavor.
3. Mushroom Garlic Butter: Sauté some mushrooms and add them to the garlic butter for a more earthy, savory steak topping.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve your steak with a crisp salad and mashed potatoes, or even a buttery corn on the cob. If you’re feeling fancy, add a glass of red wine (I recommend a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon) to enhance the flavors of the steak.

Freezing and Storage

If you happen to have leftovers (although I doubt it!), here’s how to store them:

• Storage: Place your cooked steak in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it up in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Special Equipment

• Air Fryer: This is the key to making this recipe work perfectly!
• Meat Thermometer: For checking the internal temperature and ensuring your steak is cooked to perfection.
• Brush or Basting Spoon: To apply the garlic-butter mixture evenly on the steak.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
   Absolutely! Ribeye is my favorite for its marbling and tenderness, but you can use sirloin, filet mignon, or even strip steak for this recipe.
2. Can I use store-bought garlic butter?
   You can, but homemade garlic butter is so easy to make and tastes so much better. Plus, you can adjust the garlic levels to your liking!
3. Can I cook this steak from frozen?
   Yes! If you have frozen steaks, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Just be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
4. How do I make my steak extra crispy?
   If you want extra crispiness, you can broil the steak for 2 minutes after air-frying to give it a final crisp.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead?
   You can prepare the garlic butter in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. However, I recommend cooking the steak fresh for the best results.

Air-Fryer Garlic-Butter Steak

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• Author: Dianna
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless ribeye steaks (or any cut of your choice, such as sirloin or filet mignon)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

 

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Instructions

• Preheat Your Air Fryer
  Before you start prepping your steak, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your steak will cook evenly and develop that crispy, golden crust.
• Prepare the Garlic-Butter Mixture
  In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the garlic is well-distributed throughout the butter. This garlic-butter mixture is the key to infusing your steak with incredible flavor.
• Prep the Steak
  Rub the steaks with a little bit of olive oil on both sides to help the seasoning adhere. This also helps the steak cook evenly in the air fryer. Once your steaks are coated with oil, generously brush the garlic-butter mixture over the top of each steak. Make sure to coat both sides for maximum flavor.
• Cook the Steak in the Air Fryer
  Place your prepared steaks in the air fryer basket. Ensure that the steaks are not overlapping so they cook evenly. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. If you prefer your steak more or less done, adjust the cooking time accordingly:
  • For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
  • For medium, aim for 140-145°F.
  • For well-done, aim for 150-160°F.
    Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for the perfect doneness.
• Rest the Steak
  Once your steaks are done cooking, let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it even juicier and more flavorful when you cut into it.
• Serve and Enjoy
  After resting, slice the steak against the grain for tender, juicy bites. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.

• Prep Time: 5
• Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 450
• Fat: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 34g

Conclusion

I can’t wait for you to try this Air-Fryer Garlic-Butter Steak! It’s a simple yet decadent dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving up a dinner for friends, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!