If you are craving a perfectly juicy, tender ribeye cooked effortlessly, then you absolutely must try this Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe. It brings together the rich, beefy flavor of a ribeye steak with a luscious, savory garlic butter that melts gloriously on top. Using an air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also locks in all those delicious juices while creating a beautiful crust. This recipe is a game-changer for steak lovers who want restaurant-quality results at home without fuss or fail.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting great steak starts with simple, essential ingredients that each play a vital role in flavor and texture. These straightforward pantry staples come together to create a perfectly seasoned, buttery finish that will have you savoring every bite.
- Ribeye steaks: Choose steaks about 1 to 1.25 inches thick for the ideal balance of tenderness and cook time.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick and promotes a beautiful sear in the air fryer.
- Salt and black pepper: The classic duo that enhances the steak’s natural beefy flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth to the seasoning.
- Unsalted butter: The foundation of the garlic butter, lending richness and creaminess.
- Garlic clove (minced): Fresh garlic for that punchy, aromatic flavor in the butter.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped finely for a touch of color and a bright, herbal note.
- Lemon juice (optional): A little acidity to balance the richness of the garlic butter perfectly.
How to Make Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 to 5 minutes. This step ensures a hot cooking environment so your ribeye gets that beautiful caramelized crust right from the first second of cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Steaks
Rub both sides of your ribeye steaks with olive oil to help the seasonings stick and encourage browning. Then season generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, making sure every inch of the surface is covered for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Air Fry the Steaks
Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer—they need space for the hot air to circulate properly. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check for your preferred doneness: 130°F means medium-rare, while 140°F is medium. Adjust the time if your steaks are thicker or thinner.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
While the steaks are cooking, combine softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and a splash of lemon juice if you want a subtle zing. Mix until smooth and set aside. This garlic butter is the perfect finish that elevates every bite with buttery richness and flavor.
Step 5: Rest and Finish the Steaks
Once cooked, transfer your steaks to a cutting board or plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, delivering a moist, tender eating experience. Just before serving, top each steak with a generous dollop of the garlic butter that will melt into a luscious sauce.
How to Serve Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit more fresh parsley or cracked black pepper on top for a fresh, colorful touch that makes the dish look as gorgeous as it tastes. A light squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the butter can brighten it up beautifully.
Side Dishes
This steak pairs wonderfully with crisp roasted vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. For a keto-friendly meal, asparagus or sautéed spinach work splendidly to complement the richness of the steak and garlic butter.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe or on elegant white plates for a dinner party look. Add a small ramekin of extra garlic butter or steak sauce on the side for dipping, making it feel extra special and interactive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers — which may be unlikely given how amazing this steak is — store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better with time.
Freezing
While I recommend enjoying this steak fresh, you can freeze cooked ribeye steaks wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. For best results, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat without losing moisture or texture, gently warm your steak in a low oven or covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little butter or garlic butter during reheating to keep that luscious flavor and juiciness intact.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye is fantastic because of its marbling and flavor, you can use sirloin, New York strip, or filet mignon. Just adjust cooking times according to thickness and preferred doneness.
Do I need to let the steak rest before cooking?
It’s best to let your steak come to room temperature before cooking—about 20 to 30 minutes on the counter. This helps it cook more evenly, leading to better texture and juiciness.
Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the garlic butter up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator tightly covered. Bring to room temperature before spreading on the hot steak for that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
While a thermometer is the most accurate way to check doneness, you can estimate by touch or timing based on thickness. Just remember, a thicker cut will need a little longer, and flipping halfway is key for even cooking.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Definitely! The Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is naturally low in carbs and rich in healthy fats, making it perfect for keto and low-carb diets.
Final Thoughts
If you want a steak dinner that feels indulgent yet is remarkably easy to pull off, the Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe is your new best friend. It combines simplicity with incredible flavor and texture that will wow your taste buds without any stress. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with how effortless and delicious steak night can be!
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Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 to 12 minutes
- Total Time: 15 to 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a perfectly cooked, juicy ribeye steak with rich, flavorful garlic butter. Using the air fryer ensures a tender steak with a beautifully seared crust, ideal for a quick yet indulgent main course.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 ribeye steaks (1 to 1.25 inches thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for cooking the steaks evenly.
- Season Steaks: Rub both sides of the ribeye steaks with olive oil, then season generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to build flavor and help with crust formation.
- Cook Steaks: Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: While the steaks cook, combine the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice if using. Mix well to create a flavorful garlic butter.
- Rest Steaks: Once the steaks are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy steak.
- Serve: Top each rested steak with a dollop of the prepared garlic butter to melt over the warm steak just before serving for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time depending on steak thickness and preferred doneness.
- Allow steaks to come to room temperature before cooking for more even results.
- Garlic butter can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to a week.
