Air Fryer Garlic Butter Ribeye Steaks for a Quick Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an even better crust, you can lightly coat the steaks with a small amount of high-smoke-point oil, such as avocado or grapeseed oil, before seasoning. This helps conduct the heat from the air fryer more effectively to the surface of the meat.

Be careful not to use too much oil, as the ribeye itself is naturally fatty and will release its own juices during the cooking process, which is more than sufficient for a great sear.

If you find that your air fryer tends to smoke during high-heat cooking, ensure that the heating element is clean and free of any leftover grease from previous meals.

You can also place a small piece of bread at the bottom of the air fryer basket, underneath the rack, to absorb any dripping fat and prevent it from burning. This simple trick can help maintain a pleasant cooking environment and prevent the smoke alarm from triggering while you achieve that perfect steak dinner.

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Butter: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the ribeye.
• Lemon Herb Butter: Stir in a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the butter mixture to add a bright, citrusy note that complements the savory garlic and fresh herbs.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover steak in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Cool leftovers for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating.

Freezer

Wrap steaks tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat gently in an air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through.

Store any leftover cooked steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best quality, try to slice the meat only when you are ready to serve it.

Keeping the steak whole until the last moment helps it retain more moisture. If you have leftover herb butter, store it in the refrigerator in a small, sealed container where it will remain fresh for up to one week, ready for your next meal.

The herb-garlic butter can be prepared several days in advance and kept in the refrigerator. Simply roll it into a log using parchment paper and store it chilled; you can slice off a disc whenever you need it.

While the steaks themselves are best cooked fresh, you can season them up to an hour before cooking and keep them in the refrigerator. Just ensure they are brought out to room temperature for 30 minutes before they go into the air fryer for the best results.

Serving ideas

Serve the ribeye steaks immediately while the herb-garlic butter is still melted and glossy. Pair the steak with simple sides that complement the richness of the meat, such as roasted asparagus, a crisp green salad, or classic mashed potatoes. The goal is to let the steak remain the star of the plate, so keep the accompaniments light and balanced to avoid overwhelming the delicate flavor of the beef.

Presentation is key when serving steakhouse-style meals at home. Place the steak on a warmed plate to ensure it stays hot as you eat. You can drizzle any remaining butter from the resting plate over the sliced meat to add an extra layer of flavor. Garnish with a small pinch of fresh, chopped herbs if desired to add a pop of color that makes the final dish look as good as it tastes.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Air Fryer Garlic Butter Ribeye Steaks for a Quick Dinner

Prep 10 minCook 12 minRest 5 minTotal 27 minServes 2

Ingredients

• 2 ribeye steaks, about 1 inch thick
• 1 tsp kosher salt and black pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh herbs, finely chopped (parsley or thyme)

Instructions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Set the compound butter aside at room temperature while you prepare the steaks for the air fryer.
2. Pat the ribeye steaks completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the steaks into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through with metal tongs to ensure even browning on both sides.
3. Once the steaks reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, remove them from the air fryer. Immediately top each steak with a generous dollop of the prepared herb-garlic butter. Let the steaks rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

650

Protein

45 g

Carbohydrates

1.5 g

Fat

52 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

0.2 g

Sodium

600 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.