Air-Fried Prime Rib: A Quick, Crispy Delight

can you cook prime rib in air fryer

Prime rib is a notoriously expensive and large cut of meat, usually reserved for special occasions. However, cooking it in an air fryer is a great way to make it without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer is a countertop convection oven that cooks food quickly and gives it a crispy outer layer without actually frying it in oil. It's a simple process to cook prime rib in an air fryer: season the meat, place it in the basket, and wait. The result is a juicy, tender, and flavorful roast.

Characteristics Values
Ease of cooking Easy, quick, and foolproof
Taste Juicy, tender, and flavorful
Cost Expensive
Occasion Special occasions, holidays, and family gatherings
Preparation Boneless, trimmed to fit the air fryer
Seasoning Butter, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce
Cooking time 65-75 minutes
Temperature 315-390°F
Resting time 20-30 minutes

cycookery

Selecting the right size of prime rib for your air fryer

Selecting the right size of prime rib is crucial for cooking it in your air fryer. Here are some factors to consider:

Air Fryer Model

The size of the prime rib you choose will depend on the type and model of your air fryer. Different air fryer brands and models have different capacities, so it's important to check the dimensions of your air fryer's basket, base pan, or rack. For example, the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill plus Air Fryer can fit a prime rib of up to 8 pounds.

Number of Servings

Prime rib is typically sold with two to three ribs, which can serve approximately six to eight people. A 6-pound prime rib, for instance, can feed a family of five. Consider the number of people you plan to serve and choose a prime rib size accordingly.

Cooking Method

The cooking method you plan to use can also impact the size of the prime rib you select. If you intend to cook the prime rib directly in the base pan of your air fryer, you may need to choose a slightly smaller size than what would fit in the basket. This is because the base pan might have a smaller surface area than the basket.

Trimming and Customization

If you cannot find a prime rib that fits perfectly into your air fryer, you can always trim it to the appropriate size. Additionally, you can ask your butcher to cut a specific size for you, ensuring it fits your air fryer perfectly. This customization can help you achieve the desired size without wasting any meat.

In summary, when selecting the right size of prime rib for your air fryer, consider the dimensions of your specific air fryer model, the number of servings you need, the cooking method you prefer, and the option to trim or customize the prime rib to fit your air fryer perfectly.

cycookery

Seasoning the prime rib

Seasoning a prime rib is a crucial step in the cooking process, as it adds flavour and creates a delicious crust. Here are some detailed instructions on how to season your prime rib before air frying it:

Firstly, pat the prime rib dry using a paper towel. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and ensure even cooking. You can trim the meat if necessary to ensure it fits in your air fryer.

Next, prepare your seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings for prime rib, but some common options include butter, olive oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, chives, salt, and pepper. You can also add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary and thyme, as well as spices like paprika, brown sugar, and mustard powder. Mix your chosen seasonings together in a bowl, or apply them individually to the meat.

Now, it's time to apply the seasonings to the prime rib. Smear the butter or olive oil generously over the entire surface of the meat. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies for even coverage. Then, sprinkle or rub the remaining seasonings onto the meat. Use your hands or a spoon to gently press the seasonings into the meat, ensuring they adhere well. Don't be shy with the seasonings—you want a nice, thick coating.

Once the prime rib is well-coated, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the seasonings to absorb into the meat. You can also prepare the prime rib ahead of time and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight to enhance the flavour.

Finally, after following the cooking instructions for your air fryer, remember to let the prime rib rest for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, before slicing. This will ensure that the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender prime rib.

Feel free to experiment with different seasoning combinations to find your favourite flavour profile for prime rib!

cycookery

Cooking the prime rib

First, select a prime rib that fits in your air fryer. You may need to trim it, but remember that a boneless prime rib is preferable as a bone-in prime rib will be challenging to cook in an air fryer due to space issues. A 6-pound roast is a good size for a family of five and fits in a standard air fryer basket.

Before you begin, pat the roast dry with a paper towel. Then, rub butter all over the outside of the raw meat. You can also pour Worcestershire sauce on top and season with salt and pepper. Next, rub horseradish, chives, and garlic over the top and sides of the prime rib. Alternatively, you can mix together paprika, brown sugar, mixed herbs, mustard powder, and garlic powder for seasoning.

Once the prime rib is prepared, place it into the air fryer basket. Start by cooking at 375°F for 15 minutes to sear the outside. Then, reduce the temperature to 315°F and cook for an additional 40-50 minutes. The total cook time in the air fryer is about 65 minutes.

When the prime rib is finished cooking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring the meat is nice and juicy. The prime rib is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F-140°F, which corresponds to a rare to medium-rare cook.

cycookery

Resting the prime rib

When the prime rib has finished cooking, it should be removed from the air fryer and allowed to rest for at least 10 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes. The resting period allows the juices to reabsorb into the meat, and for the roast to finish cooking. During this time, the prime rib's internal temperature will increase by approximately 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that if your desired final temperature is 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit (for a rare to medium-rare roast), you should remove the prime rib from the air fryer when its internal temperature reaches 125-135 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the roast is resting, you can prepare side dishes such as roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, or mashed potatoes. You can also use this time to cook a side dish in the air fryer, as the prime rib will be resting outside of it.

Before slicing the prime rib, it is essential to use a meat thermometer to verify that the roast has reached your desired final temperature.

Air Fryer Mug Cake: Is It Possible?

You may want to see also

cycookery

Reheating the prime rib

If you have any leftover prime rib, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days. To freeze, place slices of the prime rib on a baking sheet and put it in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen slices to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3-4 months.

When you're ready to reheat the prime rib, there are a few different methods you can use, depending on whether you're reheating from frozen or fresh. If you're reheating from frozen, be sure to thaw the prime rib in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reheat the prime rib in an air fryer, place the slices in the air fryer basket and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. You can also reheat the prime rib in a preheated oven at 270 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

It's important to note that prime rib is best served rare to medium-rare, with an internal temperature of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit. When reheating, aim for a temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.

Additionally, remember to let the prime rib rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will ensure that the meat stays juicy and tender.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can cook prime rib in an air fryer.

First, select a prime rib that fits in your air fryer. Pat the roast dry with a paper towel. Season the prime rib with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Rub the prime rib with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Place the prime rib in the air fryer basket. Start cooking it at 375–400°F for 15–20 minutes to sear the outside. Then, reduce the temperature to 315–325°F and cook for another 40–60 minutes. The total cook time is about 65–75 minutes.

Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature and pull it out at your desired doneness. The prime rib is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 130–140°F.

Let the prime rib rest for at least 10–20 minutes before slicing. It can be kept out for up to two hours. If there are leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5–6 days.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment