Air-Fried Prime Rib: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Cooking a prime rib in an air fryer is not only possible but also incredibly easy and delicious. Air fryer prime rib is juicy, succulent, and perfectly cooked. It's low effort, uses only a few ingredients, and takes a fraction of the time most prime rib recipes need. The air fryer circulates hot air around the meat, cooking it evenly and quickly, while also creating a beautiful crust on the outside. Plus, it frees up your oven for other dishes, making it the perfect solution for special occasions and holiday meals.

Choosing the right cut of prime rib

First, it is important to understand that prime rib, also known as standing rib roast or prime rib roast, is a bone-in cut of beef that typically includes up to seven ribs. However, if it is referred to as a ribeye roast, it is boneless. For air frying, it is recommended to choose a boneless prime rib joint due to space constraints in the air fryer basket.

When selecting your cut of prime rib, look for one with good marbling. Marbling refers to the flecks of fat within the meat, which contribute to a more flavourful and juicy roast. Prime rib is known for its superior flavour and texture, and the price typically reflects this high quality.

The size of the prime rib is another crucial factor. Air fryers have limited space, so choose a cut that will fit comfortably in your air fryer. As a guide, a 1.3 kg (3.3 pounds) boneless prime rib roast is a commonly used size. However, it's always a good idea to check the weight and dimensions of your air fryer before purchasing your meat to ensure it will fit properly.

Additionally, consider the number of people you will be serving. A prime rib with two to three ribs will typically serve six to eight people. If you are cooking for a larger group, you may need to adjust the size of your roast or cook multiple batches in the air fryer.

Lastly, it is recommended to thaw the prime rib before cooking. Cooking a frozen prime rib in the air fryer may result in uneven cooking, with the outside overcooking before the inside is done. Allowing the meat to come to room temperature before air frying ensures more even cooking and helps the seasonings penetrate the meat.

Preparing the seasoning

Next, make the rub. In a small bowl, combine a teaspoon each of olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to form a paste. You can also use fresh rosemary and crushed garlic cloves for seasoning.

Pat the prime rib dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern on the fat cap of the roast. Rub the paste all over the prime rib, making sure to get it into the cuts you made.

You can also use your favourite steak or roast seasoning blends. Alternatively, mix together one teaspoon each of paprika, brown sugar, mixed herbs, mustard powder, and garlic powder.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in the cooking process. It ensures your prime rib cooks evenly and locks in the juices. The ideal temperature to preheat your air fryer to depends on the desired level of doneness. For a well-done prime rib, preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). If you prefer your meat rare or medium-rare, set the temperature to 400°F (204°C).

When cooking a prime rib from frozen, avoid preheating the air fryer to high temperatures as this may cause the outside to overcook and become tough before the inside is cooked. Instead, cook frozen prime rib slowly at a lower temperature, such as 270°F (132°C). This allows the inside to heat up gradually, ensuring the meat is cooked evenly.

While your air fryer is preheating, prepare your prime rib by patting it dry with paper towels and sprinkling it generously with your desired seasonings. You can use a simple blend of salt, pepper, rosemary, and garlic powder, or add additional spices like paprika and mustard powder.

Once your air fryer has preheated to the desired temperature, you can proceed to the next step of placing the seasoned prime rib inside and adjusting the temperature and cooking time as needed for the level of doneness you want to achieve.

Cooking the meat

First, remove the prime rib from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This will ensure the beef cooks evenly all the way through.

Next, make the rub. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, kosher salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to form a paste. Pat the prime rib dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern on the fat cap of the roast. Rub the paste all over the prime rib, making sure to get it into the cuts you made.

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes. Place the prime rib in the air fryer basket with the fat cap facing up. Cook at the higher temperature for 15 minutes to sear the outside of the meat, then lower the cooking temperature to 315°F. Continue air frying for another 45–50 minutes. The total cook time in the air fryer is about 65 minutes.

Use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the roast. It is done when it reaches 130°F–135°F internally. If it has yet to reach your desired temperature, continue cooking. Air fry it for an additional 5–8 minutes and then check again.

Take the meat out of the air fryer when it is about 5–10 degrees lower than your desired final temperature. It will continue to cook while it rests. Let the cooked prime rib rest for 20–30 minutes before slicing to keep as many juices in as possible. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender prime rib.

Resting and serving

Resting the prime rib is a crucial step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender roast. The prime rib should be removed from the air fryer and left to rest, tented in foil, for 15 to 30 minutes. This will give you enough time to prepare side dishes, such as roast potatoes or Yorkshire pudding, also cooked in the air fryer!

The prime rib should be taken out of the air fryer when the temperature is about three to ten degrees lower than the desired final temperature. This is because the meat will continue to cook while it rests, and you want to avoid overcooking it. The desired final temperature will depend on how well you want your prime rib done. For a medium-rare prime rib, the temperature should reach 130°F, while a medium prime rib should be cooked to 135°F internally.

Before slicing, it is important to let the roast rest for at least 15 minutes. This will ensure that the juices are locked in, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy roast. The prime rib can then be carved and served with your favorite side dishes.

When reheating prime rib slices, place them in a lightly greased air fryer basket and heat at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat.

The resting and serving process for air fryer prime rib is simple and straightforward. By following these steps, you will be able to serve a juicy and tender roast that is cooked to perfection.

Frequently asked questions