Air frying steak with herb butter is a delicious way to enjoy a juicy and flavorful steak without the need for a grill or stovetop. Here’s a simple recipe and some notes to help you get started:
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
- 2 boneless steaks (such as ribeye or sirloin), about 1 inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Herb Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary), finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. Set aside.
3. Season the Steak:
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve a nice sear.
- Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Oil the Steaks:
- Brush both sides of the steaks with olive oil. This will help the steaks crisp up in the air fryer.
5. Air Fry the Steaks:
- Place the seasoned steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure there is some space between them to allow for proper air circulation.
- Cook the steaks at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-12 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness and the thickness of the steaks.
- For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness.
6. Add the Herb Butter:
- When the steaks are nearly done, add a generous dollop of the herb butter on top of each steak.
- Continue to air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the butter has melted and the steaks reach your desired doneness.
7. Rest and Serve:
- Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the steaks juicy.
- Slice the steaks against the grain and serve with any remaining herb butter.
Notes:
- Steak Thickness: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your steaks. Adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thicker steaks will require more time, while thinner ones will cook faster.
- Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steaks reach your preferred level of doneness. The internal temperature is a more reliable indicator than cooking time.
- Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting step; it’s crucial to keep the steaks juicy. Cover the steaks loosely with foil during resting to keep them warm.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in your herb butter to suit your taste preferences.
- Sides: Consider serving your air-fried steak with side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy your delicious air fryer steak with herb butter!
Certainly! Here are some additional tips and variations to enhance your air-fryer steak with herb butter:
1. Marinade: Consider marinating your steaks for added flavor. A simple marinade with olive oil, garlic, herbs, and a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce can infuse your steaks with even more taste. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like you preheat your oven, it’s essential to preheat your air fryer for the best results. Preheating ensures the steak starts cooking immediately when placed inside.
3. Pan Sear Before Air Frying: For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful crust, you can sear your steaks in a hot skillet with a bit of oil for about 1-2 minutes per side before transferring them to the air fryer. Then, proceed with the air frying instructions.
4. Steak Rubs and Seasonings: Experiment with different steak rubs and seasonings to change up the flavor. You can use a variety of spice blends or create your own by mixing herbs, spices, and a touch of salt and sugar.
5. Herb Butter Variations: Get creative with your herb butter. Try adding grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or a dash of hot sauce for some extra zing. The possibilities are endless.
6. Resting and Tenting: When resting the cooked steaks, you can tent them with foil to keep them warm without overcooking. Just place a loose piece of foil over the steaks without sealing the edges.
7. Side Sauce: Serve your steak with a complementary sauce. A red wine reduction, chimichurri sauce, or a simple garlic aioli can elevate the dish further.
8. Frozen Steaks: If using frozen steaks, you can still air fry them. Simply preheat your air fryer, place the frozen steaks in, and cook for a longer time (about 14-18 minutes) until the internal temperature reaches your desired level.
9. Cleaning the Air Fryer: After cooking, remember to clean your air fryer basket and tray to prevent any buildup of excess oil or food residue.
10. Experiment with Steak Cuts: While ribeye and sirloin are popular choices, don’t hesitate to try other cuts like filet mignon, New York strip, or T-bone steaks. Each cut has its unique flavor and texture.
11. Safety: Always handle the air fryer and hot components with care. Use oven mitts or tongs when removing hot items from the air fryer.
By following these tips and experimenting with different flavors, you can create a wide variety of delicious air-fried steak dishes to suit your preferences and wow your dinner guests. Enjoy your culinary adventures!
