Cooking a New York Strip steak in an air fryer is a game-changer for steak lovers. Not only does it provide a quick and efficient method of cooking, but it also results in a steak that’s seared on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, with minimal fuss. Topped with a dollop of garlic herb butter, this dish elevates the humble steak into a gourmet meal. Here’s how to prepare a mouthwatering Air Fryer New York Strip Steak with Garlic Herb Butter.
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
- 2 New York Strip steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Garlic Herb Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Garlic Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Place the butter mixture on a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper, and shape it into a log. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes. This can be done in advance.
2. Preparing the Steak:
- Allow the steaks to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear.
- Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and pepper, and rub them with olive oil.
3. Cooking the Steak:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If your air fryer requires preheating, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once preheated, place the steaks in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not touching to allow the air to circulate freely around the steaks.
- Cook for about 8 minutes for medium-rare, or 10 minutes for medium, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking time. Adjust the time slightly depending on the thickness of your steaks and your desired level of doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy—135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (63°C) for medium.
4. Resting the Steak:
- After cooking, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and juicy.
5. Serving:
- Slice the chilled garlic herb butter into rounds.
- Place a round of garlic herb butter on top of each steak while they’re still warm, allowing the butter to melt and coat the steaks in its flavorful goodness.
- Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cooking the steaks without overcrowding the air fryer basket ensures that the hot air circulates evenly, giving you that perfect sear.
- Thickness Matters: Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your steaks and your preferred level of doneness.
- Resting Is Crucial: Always rest your steak before slicing to lock in those juices.
This Air Fryer NY Strip Steak with Garlic Herb Butter is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The succulent steak paired with the rich, aromatic butter offers a symphony of flavors that steak aficionados will adore. Whether for a special occasion or a luxurious weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.