If you crave a steakhouse-quality meal without the fuss, the Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is your new go-to. This recipe masterfully combines the rich, juicy flavor of perfectly cooked ribeye with the irresistible punch of garlic butter, all done effortlessly in your air fryer. Whether you’re a steak veteran or a newbie, this dish guarantees a satisfying, tender bite every time, with a golden, flavorful crust that steals the show. It’s the ideal balance between simple prep and gourmet satisfaction that will make you fall in love with cooking all over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting set up for this recipe is a breeze. Each ingredient is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, from the meaty ribeye to the bright fresh herbs in the garlic butter. These essentials come together to create the ultimate steak experience, without any complicated elements.
- 2 ribeye steaks, about 1 inch thick (10–12 ounces each): The star of the show, ribeye offers rich marbling for juicy tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps develop a crisp crust and ensures seasoning sticks perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and brings out the beef’s full depth.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds that classic peppery bite with just a hint of heat.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory garlic notes without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the crust.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: The creamy base for your garlic butter topping, melts into every bite.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives that authentic punch that garlic lovers adore.
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness to balance the richness.
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Offers an earthy herbal aroma to deepen flavor complexity.
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice: A tiny splash to cut through the richness and lift all elements.
How to Make Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready to give your steak that perfect sear. Meanwhile, pat your ribeye steaks dry with paper towels—this step is key for achieving a nice crust. Rub both sides with olive oil to help the seasoning adhere and to encourage browning during cooking.
Step 2: Season with Care
Season your steaks generously on all sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This blend creates a flavorful crust that complements the meat’s natural richness while adding a touch of smoky warmth. Don’t be shy; proper seasoning will elevate your steak.
Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection
Place your steaks in the air fryer basket neatly in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overlapping for even airflow and cooking. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use an instant-read thermometer for the best accuracy—aim for 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium, adjusting if you prefer your steak more or less done.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the steaks cook, mix your softened butter with minced garlic, fresh parsley, thyme, and lemon juice in a small bowl. This luscious garlic butter will melt over your steak, adding a glorious burst of flavor and richness just when it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Step 5: Rest and Top
Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, transfer them to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender. Before serving, spoon a generous dollop of the garlic butter over each steak so it melts luxuriously and enhances every mouthful.
How to Serve Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few thyme sprigs on top not only brings vibrant color to your plate but also adds an herbaceous scent that complements the garlic butter. Crisped garlic chips or a light drizzle of olive oil can add texture and sheen that make the presentation pop.
Side Dishes
This steak pairs beautifully with classic sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or baked potatoes with sour cream and chives. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. These sides round out the meal without competing with the star flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Present your Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe sliced against the grain on a wooden board alongside your sides for a rustic, inviting look. Alternatively, serve it whole on elegant plates topped with the melting garlic butter and a lemon wedge to brighten every bite. Don’t forget to sparkle it up with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any steak left, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping it tightly sealed helps maintain moisture and prevents flavors from mingling with other foods. The garlic butter can also be stored separately to preserve its freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked ribeye steak wrapped tightly in aluminum foil and placed inside a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. However, the texture may slightly change upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the garlic butter separately to avoid texture loss and refrigerate that when your steak thaws.
Reheating
To reheat, let your steak come to room temperature before gently warming it in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the air fryer at a lower temperature around 300°F. Add a little extra garlic butter as it warms for added moisture and flavor. This method preserves juiciness without overcooking your prized ribeye.
FAQs
Can I cook thicker or thinner ribeye steaks using this recipe?
Absolutely! For thicker cuts, increase the air fryer time slightly and monitor the internal temperature closely. Thinner steaks will require less time to avoid overcooking. Resting after cooking helps ensure tenderness regardless of thickness.
Is it necessary to bring the steaks to room temperature first?
Yes, letting your steaks come to room temperature before cooking helps them cook more evenly and achieve a better sear, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak overall.
Can I prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?
Definitely! The garlic butter can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge. This makes your cooking process even easier and more streamlined when you’re ready to make your steak.
What air fryer models work best for this recipe?
This recipe works well in most standard air fryers with a basket size that can hold steaks without overlapping. Compact or high-capacity models are both fine; just ensure proper air circulation by not overcrowding the basket.
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
While ribeye is recommended for its marbling and flavor, you can use other cuts like New York strip or sirloin. Adjust cooking times and seasoning to suit the cut’s characteristics and thickness for the best results.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a perfectly cooked ribeye steak topped with melting garlic butter, and this Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe makes achieving that magic easier than ever. It’s a recipe that brings joy to your kitchen and wow to your plate. So why wait? Grab your favorite cut of ribeye, fire up the air fryer, and treat yourself to a meal that tastes like a celebration in every bite!
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Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto
Description
This Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful steak cooked to perfection with a rich, herb-infused garlic butter topping. Quick and easy, this method uses the air fryer to achieve a beautifully seared steak with minimal effort, perfect for a delicious keto-friendly and gluten-free dinner.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 ribeye steaks, about 1 inch thick (10–12 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Garlic Butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it is hot enough for cooking the steaks evenly and creating a nice crust.
- Prepare Steaks: Pat the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub both sides evenly with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and enhance browning.
- Season Steaks: Generously season both sides of the steaks with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to build layers of flavor that complement the rich beef.
- Air Fry Steaks: Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, or adjust to your preference.
- Make Garlic Butter: While the steaks cook, combine softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, fresh thyme leaves, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well to create a flavorful herb butter.
- Rest Steaks: Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat for a tender, juicy bite.
- Serve: Top each rested steak with a spoonful of the prepared garlic butter, letting it melt over the warm steak before serving for enhanced richness and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, bring the steaks to room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time slightly if your steaks are thicker or thinner than 1 inch.
- The garlic butter can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Serve these steaks alongside roasted vegetables, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
