If you have been searching for a way to make a perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful steak at home without turning on the oven or firing up the grill, let me introduce you to the magic of the Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe. This method is an absolute game changer, combining the rich, marbled goodness of ribeye with a luscious garlic butter that melts over every bite. The air fryer cooks the steak evenly, sealing in the juices with a beautifully crisp exterior that will leave you wondering why you ever cooked steak any other way. Trust me when I say this recipe will become your go-to for steak night!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of essential ingredients that are simple but pack a ton of flavor. Each one plays a key role in enhancing the steak’s natural richness, adding seasoning, or creating the irresistible garlic butter topping.
- Ribeye steaks: Choose cuts about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for the best balance of tenderness and flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes a nice crust during air frying.
- Kosher salt: Draws out flavor and seasons the meat evenly without overpowering it.
- Black pepper: Adds a classic, mild heat and depth to the steak.
- Garlic powder: Introduces subtle, savory notes that complement the fresh garlic butter.
- Smoked paprika: Infuses a warm, smoky touch that enhances the grilled flavor sensation.
- Unsalted butter: The base for the garlic butter that makes the dish irresistibly rich.
- Fresh garlic: Minced finely to release a punchy aroma and taste in the butter.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, green brightness and pretty contrast on top of the butter.
How to Make Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Steaks
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes—this ensures the steaks get that perfect sear right when they hit the basket. While waiting, pat your ribeye steaks dry with paper towels; dryness is key to a good crust. Then, rub both sides generously with olive oil. This simple step is crucial for helping the seasoning stick and ensuring your steak crisps up nicely.
Step 2: Season Your Ribeye Like a Pro
In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This blend is deceptively simple but brings out incredible flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the richness of the ribeye. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly on both sides of the steaks and gently press it in so it adheres well.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Place your seasoned ribeye steaks flat in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer without overlapping. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—a medium-rare steak reaches about 130°F, while medium is at 140°F. This method locks in juicy tenderness with that mouthwatering seared finish.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While your steaks cook, whisk together softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl. This garlic butter will be the crowning glory of your Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe, melting over the hot steak and infusing it with luscious, aromatic flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the steaks are done, transfer them to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy. Just before serving, spoon the garlic butter generously on top so it slightly melts and creates a delicious sauce that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that balances the richness of the garlic butter. For a touch of elegance, a few sea salt flakes on top bring that subtle crunch and flavor boost that elevate the dish visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
To round out this steak experience, I recommend pairing it with roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a crispy, nutritious side. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the steak beautifully without overwhelming the palate. If you’re feeling indulgent, buttery mashed potatoes are classic companions that soak up any extra garlic butter perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the plate? Serve your Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe sliced thin on a rustic wooden board alongside a charcuterie spread for a dinner party wow-factor. Or, thin slices make perfect steak sandwiches, piled high with caramelized onions and arugula for a gourmet twist on a casual favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the steak airtight in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. It will stay delicious for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy again without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked ribeye steaks by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen, they’ll keep for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw them slowly in the fridge to preserve their tenderness before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, it’s best to use a low-temperature oven or an air fryer set to 350°F. This approach warms the steak gently without drying it out. Adding a small pat of garlic butter on top before reheating helps keep the steak moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with ribeye due to its marbling and flavor, other cuts like New York strip or sirloin can also work well in the air fryer. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and fat content to avoid overcooking.
How do I know when my steak is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare cook to about 130°F, medium is around 140°F. This ensures precise results without guessing, especially when using the Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe.
Can I make the garlic butter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before serving so it melts easily over your hot steak.
Is it necessary to flip the steaks halfway through cooking?
Flipping the steaks ensures they cook evenly on both sides and helps develop a nice crust. Skipping this step might result in uneven cooking, so it’s highly recommended in this recipe.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
If fresh parsley isn’t available, dried parsley works in a pinch, though fresh adds that vibrant flavor and color. Other herbs like chives or thyme could also be interesting alternatives in the garlic butter.
Final Thoughts
There is something utterly satisfying about a perfectly cooked ribeye steak that’s bursting with flavor and topped with rich garlic butter. The Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe not only simplifies the process, allowing you to achieve steakhouse quality at home but also delivers consistently delicious results. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat-yourself night, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and watch how it transforms your approach to cooking steak!
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Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Description
A juicy and flavorful ribeye steak cooked to perfection in the air fryer, topped with a rich garlic butter infused with fresh parsley. This quick and easy recipe ensures a tender, medium-rare to medium steak with a smoky seasoning blend, making it a perfect main course for any steak lover.
Ingredients
Steak Seasoning
- 2 ribeye steaks (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to prepare for cooking.
- Prepare Steaks: Pat the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels and rub both sides evenly with olive oil.
- Season Steaks: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Season both sides of the steaks generously with this mixture.
- Cook Steaks: Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.
- Make Garlic Butter: While the steaks cook, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl to create the garlic butter topping.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the air fryer and allow them to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Serve: Spoon the garlic butter over the steaks just before serving for extra flavor and richness.
Notes
- Cooking time may vary based on steak thickness and air fryer model.
- Allow steaks to come to room temperature for more even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to achieve desired doneness.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
