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Get steakhouse flavor at home in just under half an hour with an air fryer and garlic butter. If you're in the mood for a tender steak but don't want to deal with grilling or stovetop cooking, this is your easy fix. The hot air makes the striploin just right, then you finish with melting butter packed with garlic as it soaks into the meat.
The first time I whipped this up my husband swore it topped most steaks he'd had out, so now whenever the store has steak deals, he asks for it again.
Mouthwatering Ingredients
- Chopped parsley: adds a hint of brightness and a fresh pop of color, go with fresh if you can
- Fresh garlic: makes it bold, chop it up nice and fine so it spreads out evenly
- Salted butter: brings a rich flavor to the garlic spread, make sure it's nice and soft
- Black pepper: brings some heat, go for fresh cracked if possible
- Salt: cranks up the taste, use flaky or kosher for best results
- Canola oil: helps brown the steak and keeps it from sticking, use a neutral option with a higher smoke point
- Striploin steaks: try for at least an inch thick, look for that nice marbling, and pat them dry so they sear well
Simple How-To Guide
- Smear on Garlic Butter:
- After resting, load up the steaks with a big spoonful of garlic butter just before you cut into them. Serve up while hot.
- Let Meat Rest:
- Let those steaks hang out on a clean plate for AT LEAST five minutes—those juices must chill so every slice stays moist.
- Blend Butter and Garlic:
- While steaks cook, mash up the room temp butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley using a fork in a bowl. You want a creamy butter dotted with greens.
- Cook Steaks in Air Fryer:
- Put steaks in the air fryer basket leaving space between each. Set for 10 minutes for medium-rare or up to 14 for more well-done—flip them halfway. Use a thermometer to get your perfect temp.
- Season and Oil the Meat:
- Coat steaks with oil so they're evenly shiny, then douse with salt and lots of fresh pepper. Press seasonings in so they stick good.
- Fire Up the Air Fryer:
- Get your air fryer running at 400 degrees and let it sit empty for about 5-10 minutes. This preheats the basket and gives you an awesome crust right away.
- Take Steaks Out Early:
- Pull the steaks from the fridge about 10-15 minutes before cooking. That way, they warm up a bit and cook evenly instead of browning outside and staying cold inside.
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Garlic is everything here. When it hits the piping hot steak it fills the kitchen with that smell that takes me right back to lazy weekends at my dad’s. He used garlic butter on everything and let us load on seconds.
Easy Storage Hacks
Wrap leftover steak tight and stick it in the fridge up to three days. Want to freeze? Totally works, but try eating within a month for best taste. To reheat, pop in the air fryer gently or slice it up cold for salads.
Swap This For That
No striploin? Grab ribeye or sirloin instead. For butter, use unsalted and add a pinch of salt on your own. Fresh parsley is best, but chives, thyme, or even tarragon will work if you’ve got them. Want a smoky twist? A shake of smoked paprika in your butter is awesome.
How To Serve It
This steak is so good next to roasted potatoes, a crispy green bean side, or a cool salad. Pour leftover garlic butter on your veggies or some crusty bread to make the meal even better. A little lemon squeezed on top wakes up all the flavors.
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Backstory
Even though air fryers are new, steak and garlic butter go way back to French bistros and good old steak frites. People used to cook steak mostly in pans, but the air fryer gives you juicy results, no greasy splatters, way less worrying, and less smoke at home.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → What cut of steak is best for air frying?
Striploin is super juicy and tender, but you can toss in ribeye or sirloin too—they cook up nicely in the air fryer.
- → How do I know when the steak is done?
Grab a meat thermometer. Shoot for 130°F if you like medium-rare, 140°F for medium, or tweak the cook time if you want it more or less done.
- → Can I use unsalted butter for the garlic topping?
Go for it—unsalted butter works. Just give your steak a taste and see if you need more salt with your blend.
- → What other herbs pair well with garlic butter?
Chives, rosemary, or thyme are all tasty with garlic butter. Mix and match or use them instead of parsley for different flavor.
- → How should I rest the steak after air frying?
Lay the cooked steaks aside for about 5–10 minutes before cutting in. That way, all the juices soak back in and each bite stays nice and moist.
- → Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating gives you a nice, even cook and a better crust on the steak. Definitely worth doing if you want the best texture.