Air-Fried Ribeye: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender, and succulent steak. The air fryer works similarly to a small convection oven by rapidly moving superheated air around the food, helping to create a crispy exterior. The key to a perfect steak in the air fryer is the internal temperature, which can be monitored using a meat thermometer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak, but a general rule of thumb is to let the meat rest for about 5 minutes for every inch of thickness.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking a ribeye steak. While it may not be necessary for most air fryer recipes, preheating is essential when cooking steak or lamb chops to achieve a nice sear on the outside of the meat. To preheat your air fryer, set the temperature to 400°F and let it run for a few minutes until it is nice and hot. This will ensure even cooking and a better sear on your steak.

When preheating your air fryer, it is important to ensure that your steak is at room temperature. This allows for more even cooking. Take your steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand and let it come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. This step should not be skipped, as it will impact the cooking time and final texture of your steak.

Once your air fryer has preheated to 400°F, you can proceed with cooking your ribeye steak. Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. You can also rub avocado oil or vegetable oil on the steak before seasoning. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 to 8 minutes per side for medium-rare, flipping it halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak, so adjust the time accordingly.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of around 130°F. Use a digital instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature and cook the steak to your desired level of doneness. Once the steak has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Season the steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Seasoning your steak is a crucial step in the cooking process. Using salt, pepper, and garlic powder will add flavour to your steak and help create a delicious crust during cooking.

Firstly, pat your steak dry with a paper towel. This will ensure that the seasoning sticks to the steak and will also help to create a crispy crust during cooking. You can also brush each side of the steak with extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil to further enhance the flavour and promote a juicy texture.

Next, it's time to apply the seasoning. Mix together sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder. You can also use garlic salt instead of garlic powder if you prefer. Liberally coat both sides of the steak with the seasoning mixture, ensuring that the sides of the steak are also covered.

If you want to add extra flavour, you can create a compound butter by mixing softened butter with your choice of herbs and spices. This can be added to the steak during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to melt into the meat.

Finally, let the steak come to room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. This will ensure even cooking and help the steak cook to your desired level of doneness.

Cook the steak for 5-7 minutes on each side

Cooking a ribeye steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy and tender steak. The cooking time will depend on the level of doneness you prefer and the thickness of your steak. For a medium-rare steak, you will need to cook the steak for 5-7 minutes on each side.

First, ensure your steak is at room temperature before cooking. This will ensure more even cooking. Take the steak out of the fridge 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel and lightly brush each side with extra virgin olive oil. You can also use avocado oil or vegetable oil.

Generously season both sides of the steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings, such as oregano, or use a steak seasoning blend. If you prefer a more heavily marbled steak, look for one with more marbling (fat) as this will result in a juicier steak.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-7 minutes. Then, flip the steak and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes for a total cooking time of 10-14 minutes. If you prefer a more well-done steak, you can increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes on each side.

To ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a digital instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 130°F-135°F. For a perfect medium with a pink center, aim for 140°F-145°F.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more flavorful and tender.

Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving

So, you've got your ribeye steak, and you've cooked it to perfection in your air fryer. Now, the only thing left to do is let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. But why is this step so important?

Letting the steak rest allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This ensures that when you cut into your steak, those delicious juices don't all come seeping out, leaving your steak dry and less flavorful. Instead, by giving it a few minutes to rest, you'll end up with a more tender and juicy steak. This is because the juices have had a chance to make their way back into the steak, resulting in a mouth-watering, succulent bite.

The resting time also gives the steak a chance to finish cooking. Even after you take it out of the air fryer, the steak will continue to cook for a few minutes, bringing it up to your desired level of doneness. This is especially important if you're aiming for a medium-rare steak, as you don't want to overcook it. By letting it rest, you can ensure your steak is cooked just right.

While the steak is resting, you can quickly prepare some compound butter to take your dish to the next level. Simply combine some softened butter with your choice of herbs and spices, such as garlic, parsley, or chives. Then, top your steak with a pat of this flavorful butter just before serving.

Finally, when the 5 minutes are up, it's time to serve your steak. Sprinkle it with some sea salt flakes, if desired, and enjoy the juicy, tender, and flavorful ribeye steak cooked to perfection in your air fryer. It's a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious steak dinner any night of the week.

Top with butter and fresh parsley

Topping your ribeye steak with butter and fresh parsley is a great way to add flavour and keep the meat juicy. You can use regular butter, or make a compound butter with garlic and herbs. To make a garlic-herb butter, you'll need butter, garlic, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Allow the butter to soften at room temperature, then mix in the other ingredients. You can roll the butter into a log shape and refrigerate it until it's firm. This can then be sliced and placed on top of the steak to melt.

If you're using plain butter, you can add it to the steak while it rests after cooking. It's important to let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and result in a more tender and juicy steak. The general rule of thumb is to let the steak rest for about 5 minutes for every inch of thickness. You can also cover the steak with foil while it rests, to keep it warm.

You can also add fresh parsley to the steak while it rests. Fresh parsley adds great flavour, and pairs well with the butter. If you're making a compound butter, you can add the parsley to the butter mixture before refrigerating it.

Frequently asked questions