Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
If you’re ready to discover just how juicy and perfectly seared a steak can be, the Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter is about to become your new go-to showstopper. Imagine this: golden-brown crust, tender pink center, and a decadent drizzle of homemade garlic butter melting on top – all created right in your air fryer, with hardly any mess. This recipe is a flavor-packed solution for steak night, taking away the guesswork but keeping every ounce of indulgence you’d expect from a restaurant-worthy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is as simple as can be, but each ingredient plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, luscious texture, and visual appeal. You’ll recognize them all, and together, they transform into something truly mouthwatering.
- Ribeye Steaks (2, about 1 inch thick): The glorious marbling makes these steaks juicy and rich, perfect for the air fryer’s hot circulation.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve that covetable crust and adds a hint of earthy flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out the steak’s natural flavors.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds that subtle heat and balances the meat beautifully.
- Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses an aromatic touch, underscoring the fresh garlic in the butter.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons, softened): The base for the rich, velvety garlic butter.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings bold, zesty flavor to the finishing butter.
- Fresh Parsley (1 teaspoon, chopped): Brightens the butter while adding a pop of color.
- Lemon Juice (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a whisper of freshness to cut the richness.
How to Make Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This step ensures a hot, even cooking environment so your Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter gets that golden-brown crust you crave from the very first minute.
Step 2: Prepare the Steaks
Pat the ribeye steaks completely dry with paper towels (moisture is the enemy of a good sear). Drizzle both sides with olive oil and then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, making sure every inch is coated for maximum flavor and that picture-perfect finish.
Step 3: Cook the Steaks
Lay the steaks in a single layer in your air fryer basket – don’t overlap them, or they’ll steam instead of sear. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer for precision: aim for 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, or 150°F for medium-well. The air fryer’s quick heat means you’re never far from steakhouse results, even on a weeknight.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
As the steaks cook, blend the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a splash of lemon juice in a small bowl. This dreamy garlic butter is what takes your Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter from delicious to utterly unforgettable.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once the steaks are done, let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This crucial pause locks in the juices. Just before serving, dollop each steak generously with your homemade garlic butter. The butter will slowly melt, glazing the steak in aromatic richness.
How to Serve Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter
Garnishes
For an extra pop of freshness and color, sprinkle your steaks with a bit more chopped parsley or even a pinch of flaky sea salt. A few lemon wedges on the side offer brightness for anyone who loves a citrusy finish with their Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter.
Side Dishes
This steak begs for classic partners like roasted potatoes or French fries. You can never go wrong with crisp-tender green beans, glazed carrots, or even a simple mixed salad. The rich flavor of the garlic butter calls for seasonal vegetables or a fluffy pile of mashed cauliflower if you’re keeping things low-carb.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the ribeye against the grain and fan out the pieces on a platter for an elegant presentation, drizzled with extra garlic butter. Or take inspiration from high-end steakhouses and serve your Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter on a sizzling hot cast iron plate for maximum drama at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover steak, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The buttery topping will keep things juicy for up to 3 days in the fridge, making for a stellar next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each cooled steak individually in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag. The garlic butter can be frozen separately in small spoonfuls. Both will keep beautifully for up to two months, letting you revisit this flavor bomb any time cravings hit.
Reheating
For the best texture, let the steak come to room temperature, then reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 4 minutes. Add a fresh spoonful of garlic butter after reheating to bring back all that luscious flavor and juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak instead of ribeye?
Absolutely! While ribeye gives the juiciest results thanks to its marbling, other cuts like strip steak or sirloin will also work beautifully in this Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter recipe—just watch the cooking times as thinner or leaner cuts may cook more quickly.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley for the garlic butter?
No problem! You can swap in a pinch of dried parsley or try other fresh herbs like chives or thyme for a personal twist in your garlic butter. The herbaceous lift is flexible and always a good idea.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
You can absolutely scale up the recipe. Just be sure to cook the steaks in batches so the air fryer isn’t overcrowded; air circulation is key to achieving that irresistible seared crust for each Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter.
Is it necessary to flip the steaks while air frying?
Yes! Flipping the steaks halfway through ensures even cooking and browning on both sides, making sure every bite is just as crave-worthy as the last.
How do I know when my steak is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well. Timing can slightly vary based on steak thickness and your air fryer model, but these temps guarantee consistent perfection for your Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new “wow” dish for dinner that delivers steakhouse-quality results with almost zero fuss, you owe it to yourself to try this Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter. Once you taste that tender, juicy ribeye drenched in garlicky butter, you’ll want to make it a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a restaurant-quality steak dinner at home with this easy and flavorful Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter recipe. Juicy ribeye steaks seasoned with a simple blend of olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then air fried to perfection and topped with a savory garlic butter.
Ingredients
Ribeye Steaks:
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Steaks: Pat steaks dry and rub both sides with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook Steaks: Place steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make Garlic Butter: Mix softened butter with garlic, parsley, and lemon juice.
- Rest and Serve: Let steaks rest, then top with garlic butter before serving.
Notes
- Letting the steaks rest helps retain juices.
- Pair with roasted potatoes, veggies, or a salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with butter
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
