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Knockout air fryer steak with garlicky butter brings a steakhouse vibe right to your kitchen in under half an hour. If you want a juicy steak without dragging out pans or firing up the grill, this is your fix. Sizzling striploin gets finished with gooey garlic butter that melts and soaks in while your steak settles.
The first time I threw this together my partner swore it beat the fancy steak place and now he begs for it every steak sale.
Juicy Ingredients
- Chopped parsley: finishes the steak with some garden-fresh color and zest – use just-picked if you can for the best look and taste
- Black pepper: toss on a bunch for a pop of heat – it makes a difference if you crack it fresh
- Canola oil: gets the steak searing and keeps it from sticking – just reach for any neutral oil that can handle hot temps
- Salted butter: think rich flavor for the garlic butter – let it soften so you can mix it up easily
- Fresh garlic: gives bold kick – chop it tiny so it mixes right in
- Striploin steaks: go at least an inch thick for juiciness – find ones with marbling and pat them dry
- Salt: pumps up flavor – flaky or kosher gives the tastiest bite
Simple Steps
- Let Steaks Warm Up:
- Pull steaks from the fridge and hang out for 10 to 15 minutes so they're not super cold. They’ll cook better and get less tough on the outside.
- Crank Up the Air Fryer:
- Turn your air fryer on 400 and preheat while empty for 5 to 10 minutes. You want it screaming hot so you’ll land a good sear right away.
- Rub On Seasoning and Oil:
- Slather steaks with oil until just glossy (not puddling) and season all over with salt and pepper. Press in the spices so they really stick.
- Pop in the Air Fryer:
- Lay steaks down in one layer with some space between them. For medium rare, shoot for 10 minutes; for cooked through, let 'em go to 14. Flip at the halfway mark so both sides get love. Check the inside temp if you like it just right.
- Mash Your Garlic Butter:
- As the steaks cook, use a fork to squish softened butter with minced garlic and parsley. It should look creamy and swirled with green bits.
- Rest, Butter, and Slice:
- Move cooked steaks straight to a plate. Let them chill for at least 5 minutes so the juices stay put. Slap a big spoon of garlic butter on top while they’re hot, slice, and dig in right away.
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I’ve gotta say, garlic totally steals the show here. It hits the hot steak and suddenly it’s like Sunday dinner at my dad’s, where extra garlic butter was just the way it was done and nobody batted an eye when we double-dipped.
Storage Info
Wrap extra steak tight and pop it in the fridge for three days tops. If you want to save it longer, freezer’s fine but eat within a month for best taste. Reheat gently in the air fryer, or slice it up cold for killer steak salads.
Swap Ideas
No striploin? Grab ribeye or sirloin instead. No salted butter? Go unsalted and sprinkle a bit of salt in. Out of parsley? Try chives, thyme, or tarragon. Like a little spice? Mix a shake of smoked paprika into your butter for warmth.
Ways to Serve
This steak loves crispy roast potatoes, bright green beans, or any crisp salad. It’s killer if you spoon any leftover garlic butter over veggies or bread. And don’t forget a quick squeeze of lemon to lift all the flavors.
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Quick Background
The air fryer might be new, but garlic butter steak’s got some history. It started out as a French bistro favorite like steak frites. The old school way used a hot pan, but the air fryer gives you juicy results—no splatter or stress.
Common Questions
- → How can I tell when my steak's done cooking?
A meat thermometer is your friend. Around 130°F means it's medium-rare, 140°F is medium, but you can adjust the cook time if you like it more or less done.
- → Which herbs taste great in garlic butter?
Give chives, rosemary, or thyme a try along with parsley. Mix and match for flavors you like best.
- → Do I have to preheat the air fryer?
Yep, preheating helps the steak cook evenly and gives a better sear. Worth the extra few minutes.
- → Is striploin the only cut I can air fry?
Not at all. Ribeye and sirloin turn out awesome too, since they’re tender with good marbling.
- → Will unsalted butter work for the garlic butter?
Unsalted butter’s just fine—just watch how much salt you put in your seasoning to balance things out.
- → What should I do with the steak before I eat it?
Don’t skip resting—about 5 to 10 minutes after cooking lets juices spread out and keeps the steak nice and juicy.