Perfect Air Fryer Steak with Homemade Herb Butter
Hey there! So, there’s this air fryer steak recipe I’ve been experimenting with and, let me tell you, it’s become a bit of a legend in my kitchen. The first time I tried it, I was a bit skeptical—steak in an air fryer? Really? But after a few tweaks and a bit of trial and error, it became my go-to method when I’m craving a juicy steak without setting off the smoke alarm (again!). I remember once attempting it for a date night and… well, let’s just say it turned out better than expected and we’ve been together ever since! Who knew an air fryer could be a matchmaker?
Why You’ll Love This
I whip this up when I want something that feels fancy without the fuss. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting (and it’s so much easier than firing up the grill). My partner absolutely loves it because the steak turns out perfectly cooked every time—no more guessing games! Plus, the homemade herb butter is like the icing on the cake, except, you know, for steak.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 good-sized steaks (I usually go for ribeye, but sirloin works when I’m being budget-conscious)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste (I sometimes use garlic salt for an extra kick)
- For the herb butter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or a teaspoon of powder if you’re in a pinch)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (dried works too if you’re out, like I often am)
- Zest of 1 lemon
Let’s Get Cooking
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C). I usually do this while sipping on a cup of tea—multitasking, right?
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels; this helps them sear better. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step.
- Brush both sides of the steaks with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Place the steaks in the air fryer basket. Don’t worry if they seem cramped; they shrink a little as they cook.
- Cook for about 8 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. This is where I usually sneak a taste… for science!
- While the steaks are cooking, combine all the herb butter ingredients in a small bowl. Just mash it all together with a fork—easy peasy.
- Once the steaks are done, let them rest for 5 minutes before slathering with the herb butter. They’ll look magnificent!
Some Notes
I’ve learned the hard way—don’t skip the resting period! It really makes a difference, trust me. If you find the herb butter melting too fast, just chill it a bit before using.
Variations I’ve Tried
I’ve experimented with adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the butter for a little heat, which was pretty awesome. But once I tried using margarine instead of butter, and, well, let’s just say I won’t do that again.
Equipment (and Workarounds!)
An air fryer (obviously) is ideal, but if you don’t have one, a convection oven can work in a pinch. Just keep an eye on it, they can be temperamental!
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in the air fryer. Though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this with a simple side salad or some crispy air fryer potatoes. It’s a real crowd-pleaser at family dinners.
Pro Tips
Once, I tried rushing the resting step and regretted it because the juices ran everywhere—patience pays off!
FAQ Time!
Can I use frozen steaks? Sure, but I’d recommend defrosting them first. They cook more evenly that way.
Is fresh parsley necessary? Not at all! Dried works fine, but fresh does give it a vibrant pop.
How do I know when the steak is done? A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Medium-rare is usually around 135°F.
