Air Fryer Frozen Ribeye Steak: Quick And Easy?

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender, and delicious steak without the mess of deep-frying. You can cook frozen ribeye steak in an air fryer, and you don't even need to thaw it first. This method is perfect for when you're short on time and need a quick, tasty dinner. The air fryer cooks the frozen steak evenly, making it juicier without sacrificing flavor.

Cooking times and temperatures

As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to cook the steak to slightly below your desired level of doneness, as the steak will continue to cook as it rests. For example, if you want a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches a temperature of 130°F, as the temperature will rise by about 5-7°F while resting.

To achieve a rare or medium-rare steak, one source recommends preheating your air fryer to 400°F and cooking a 1" thick steak for about 7 minutes on each side. Another source recommends cooking a 1" thick steak at 400°F for a total of 20 minutes, flipping the steak after 10 minutes.

If you are cooking a thicker steak, you may need to increase the cooking time. One source recommends cooking a 1-1/4" thick steak at 400°F for 18-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

It is important to note that the cooking time may also vary depending on the model of your air fryer. It is always best to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak and adjust the cooking time as needed.

After cooking, it is essential to let the steak rest for at least 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the meat fibers to relax and reabsorb their juices, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak.

Seasoning

When seasoning a frozen ribeye steak for the air fryer, it is recommended to use a generous amount. This is because the seasonings don't have as much time to penetrate the meat as they would with a thawed steak. You can stick to your usual amount of salt and pepper, but for other herbs and spices, it is suggested to use about 50% more than you usually would.

Some popular seasoning choices for ribeye steak include salt, pepper, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also use a mixture of salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and garlic powder, or simply season with sea salt flakes or coarse sea salt just before serving.

If you want to get creative, you can make a seasoning rub or try marinating the steak. Just remember that if you're cooking from frozen, you won't be able to marinate the steak, so it's best to stick to dry rubs and seasonings.

Additionally, you can brush or spray the steak with olive oil or vegetable oil before applying the seasonings. This will help the herbs and spices adhere to the meat and also promote even browning during the cooking process.

Resting the steak

• Turn off the air fryer: After your steak has reached the desired internal temperature, turn off the air fryer.
• Leave the steak inside: Keep the steak inside the air fryer with the door closed for 3-5 minutes. This allows the steak to rest and finish cooking with residual heat. This step is crucial, as it ensures the steak reaches the desired doneness and prevents it from drying out.
• Transfer to a cutting board: After resting in the air fryer, carefully transfer the steak to a cutting board or plate.
• Rest uncovered or wrapped in foil: Some sources suggest resting the steak uncovered for better heat retention, while others recommend wrapping it in aluminium foil to keep it warm.
• Rest for an additional 5 minutes: Let the steak rest for another 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and prevents them from flowing out when cut.
• Slice against the grain: When slicing the steak, cut against the grain for a more tender texture.
• Sprinkle with sea salt: Just before serving, sprinkle the steak with flaky or coarse sea salt to enhance the flavour.

Remember, the internal temperature of the steak may continue to rise during the resting period, so use a thermometer to check if it has reached your desired doneness. Additionally, the resting time may vary depending on the thickness and desired doneness of your steak, so adjust the time as needed.

Reheating

If you have leftover steak, you can reheat it in your air fryer for best results. You can also cut it into pieces and fry it on a stovetop in oil or butter until heated through.

To reheat steak in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the steak in the air fryer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until warmed thoroughly.

You can also reheat steak in an air fryer by preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the steak in the air fryer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking process.

If you want to reheat your steak to a specific internal temperature, you can use a thermometer to check when it reaches your desired temperature.

It is important to note that when reheating steak, it should be brought to room temperature before cooking. This helps it cook more quickly and evenly.

Sides and accompaniments

While your air fryer is doing all the work of cooking your steak to perfection, you can use the time to prepare some delicious sides and accompaniments.

A simple side salad is a great option, especially if you're short on time. If you have a little longer, you could try some instant pot Parmesan ranch potatoes—cheesy, ranch-flavored red potatoes cooked to perfection in an instant pot pressure cooker. They're sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

If you're looking for some healthier options, you could try air fryer roasted lemon pepper broccoli, seasoned with lemon pepper and roasted in the air fryer in about 10 minutes. Alternatively, some oven-roasted asparagus with garlic and Parmesan cheese is another tasty and quick option, also ready in around 10 minutes.

If you're cooking for a group with a range of preferences, it might be a good idea to cook some sides on the stovetop. You could cut your steak into pieces and fry them in a pan with oil or butter until heated through. This way, you can also cook some vegetables in a separate pan, ensuring that they're cooked to everyone's liking.

With these sides and your air-fried steak, you're sure to have a delicious and satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions