If you’re looking for a quick, indulgent, and flavorful dinner, this Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta is the perfect fusion of comfort and gourmet. Juicy steak bites cooked to perfection in the air fryer and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over a bed of tender pasta—this dish is weeknight magic with restaurant-quality flair.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for a savory touch)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
- Salt for boiling water
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (to coat cooked pasta)
How To Make Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and toss with a little olive oil or butter to keep it from sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak
- Pat steak pieces dry with paper towels.
- Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
Step 3: Air Fry the Steak
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange steak pieces in a single layer in the basket.
- Cook for 7–10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until steak reaches desired doneness (medium-rare around 7 minutes, well-done closer to 10).
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- While the steak is cooking, melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (not browned).
- Stir in lemon juice, parsley, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan (if using).
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Toss the cooked steak pieces into the garlic butter sauce.
- Pour the garlic butter steak over the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately, garnished with more parsley or Parmesan.
You Must Know
- Steak choice matters: Ribeye is juicier, while sirloin is leaner but still flavorful.
- Timing is key: Overcooking steak in the air fryer dries it out. Use a meat thermometer for precision.
- Rest the steak: Let the steak rest for 3 minutes after air frying for juicier bites.
- Garlic burns fast: Don’t overcook the garlic in butter; it turns bitter if browned.
Topping Variations
- Cheesy Delight: Top with shredded mozzarella or crumbled blue cheese.
- Zesty Kick: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a dash of hot sauce.
- Mushroom Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms to the garlic butter sauce.
- Creamy Upgrade: Mix in ¼ cup of heavy cream with the garlic butter for a creamier sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in steamed broccoli, spinach, or air-fried bell peppers.
Make It A Meal
Pair this dish with:
- Garlic Bread or Air Fryer Cheese Toast
- Caesar Salad or a simple arugula salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Chilled white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- Roasted Veggies on the side: carrots, asparagus, or zucchini
Pro Tips
- Cube steak evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh garlic, not garlic powder, in the sauce for a richer flavor.
- Double the sauce if you like your pasta extra buttery.
- Warm the pasta just before mixing with steak for a perfect hot dish.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook steak in batches if needed for a perfect sear.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen steak?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning for best results.
What pasta works best?
Fettuccine, penne, and spaghetti all pair well with garlic butter, but feel free to use any variety you prefer.
Can I make it spicy?
Add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil before serving.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave with a splash of water or butter.
Can I use pre-cooked steak?
Yes! Just warm it in the garlic butter sauce before tossing with pasta.
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak and Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
→ Spicy Cajun Alfredo Twisted Pasta
- 12 oz twisted pasta (rotini or fusilli)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the twisted pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
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Add the steak to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, turning the pieces to brown all sides. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Add the heavy cream, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese.
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Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
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Stir the cooked steak bites into the pasta, mixing to combine.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.