If you’re craving a juicy, restaurant-quality steak at home with minimal fuss, this Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is absolutely the way to go. Picture this: a perfectly cooked ribeye with a crusty sear and tender, flavorful interior, crowned with a luscious garlic herb butter that melts and seeps into every bite. Whether you’re a steak connoisseur or just looking for a quick dinner that feels upscale, this recipe hits all the right notes. And the best part? Your air fryer does most of the work, giving you tender, succulent steak in minutes without heating up the whole kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is straightforward but crucial. Each component plays a key role, from the seasoning that enhances the beef’s natural flavors to the garlic butter that adds a rich and aromatic finish.
- 2 ribeye steaks (1 to 1 1/4 inches thick): Opt for well-marbled cuts for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and promotes a perfect crust during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the full depth of the steak’s flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory taste and works wonderfully with the fresh garlic butter.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Creates the creamy, decadent garlic butter topping that makes this steak unforgettable.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Fresh garlic gives the butter its punchy, aromatic character.
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
How to Make Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
First things first, take your ribeye steaks out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps them cook evenly inside and develop that wonderful crust you want on the outside. While they’re resting, go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes—this ensures the air fryer is nice and hot, ready to give your steaks a perfect sear.
Step 2: Season the Steaks
Rub each side of the steaks with olive oil to help the seasonings adhere and enhance browning. Then, sprinkle the kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder evenly on both sides. This simple seasoning mix complements the beef superbly without overpowering it.
Step 3: Air Fry the Steaks
Place the steaks in a single layer in your air fryer basket—make sure they aren’t crowded to allow hot air to circulate freely. Cook them for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature: 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium is ideal. This step lets your Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe reach steakhouse-level perfection.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the steaks are cooking, mix the softened butter with the minced garlic and chopped parsley. This fresh garlic butter will be dolloped on top of your steaks after resting, adding that rich, fragrant layer of flavor that transforms a good steak into a great one.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
After cooking, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute through the meat, resulting in every bite being juicy and tender. Just before serving, spoon a generous dollop of the garlic butter onto each steak and watch it melt deliciously into the warm meat.
How to Serve Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few bright microgreens can elevate your steak’s presentation with a fresh pop of color and flavor. You might also consider a dash of flaky sea salt on top of the butter for an extra little crunch and flavor burst.
Side Dishes
This steak pairs beautifully with classic sides like crispy roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp mixed greens salad. For a keto-friendly meal, cauliflower mash or sautéed asparagus with lemon zest adds both texture and freshness, making your meal balanced yet indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly special touch, slice the ribeye against the grain and fan the slices on a warm platter topped with garlic butter. Serve alongside a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a splash of fresh chimichurri sauce to introduce a vibrant, herbal contrast. This presentation not only looks stunning but is perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover ribeye steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the garlic butter separate until reheating to prevent it from melting and losing its fresh flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep your steak longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, ribeye steaks can last in the freezer for up to 2 months without compromising flavor or texture.
Reheating
The best way to reheat steak while keeping it juicy is to warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in your air fryer at a lower temperature, around 300°F, until warmed through. Add a bit of your reserved garlic butter on top after reheating to revive that fresh, buttery flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye is prized for its marbling and rich flavor, you can adapt this recipe for sirloin, strip steak, or filet mignon. Just keep an eye on cooking times as thinner or leaner cuts might cook faster.
How do I know when the steak is perfectly cooked?
A meat thermometer is your best friend here. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F inside, and for medium, 140°F. Remember, the steak will continue cooking slightly while resting, so pull it from the air fryer just before hitting your target temperature.
Can I prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the garlic butter up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Let it soften at room temperature before serving to get that perfect melt over the steak.
Does the air fryer make the steak crispy?
Definitely! The high heat and circulating air give the steak a lovely crispy crust, very similar to what you’d achieve with a hot grill or cast-iron skillet, but with less mess and effort.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s perfect for a keto diet! Ribeye steak is fatty and protein-rich, and the garlic butter adds healthy fats, while the seasoning contains no carbs. Just be mindful of your side choices to keep it keto.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about a perfectly cooked ribeye steak, and this Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe makes achieving that excellence super simple at home. It’s hassle-free, packed with flavor, and versatile enough for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy steak with next-level garlic butter goodness!
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Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 35 minutes (including 30 minutes resting time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto, Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a juicy, perfectly cooked ribeye steak. Coated with olive oil and seasoned simply with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then cooked to your desired doneness in the air fryer. Topped with a rich garlic parsley butter, this recipe combines ease and gourmet taste for a perfect keto-friendly, gluten-free main course.
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 2 ribeye steaks (1 to 1 1/4 inches thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Bring steaks to room temperature: Let the ribeye steaks sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This ensures even cooking throughout the meat.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to prepare for a searing, crispy finish.
- Season the steaks: Rub both sides of each steak evenly with olive oil. Then season with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the beef’s natural flavors.
- Cook the steaks: Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check for desired doneness—130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.
- Prepare garlic butter: While the steaks cook, mix softened butter with minced garlic and chopped fresh parsley to make a flavorful topping.
- Rest the steaks: Remove steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for tender, juicy results.
- Serve: Top each steak with a spoonful of the garlic butter just before serving for added richness and aroma.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary depending on steak thickness and the model of your air fryer, so use a meat thermometer for best results.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the steaks beforehand or adding your favorite steak seasoning.
- Allowing the steaks to rest after cooking is crucial for juicy, tender meat.
