Air-Fried Rib Eye Steak: Quick And Easy Method

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve a juicy, tender, and succulent steak. The air fryer's superheated air helps create a crispy exterior, while the inside of the steak remains juicy and tender. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness, but on average, a rib-eye steak can be cooked in an air fryer in under 15 minutes. This makes it a convenient option for a quick weeknight meal or a date night in.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in cooking a ribeye steak. While it may not be necessary for most air fryer recipes, preheating is essential when cooking steak to achieve that desirable sear on the outside of the meat.

To preheat your air fryer, start by setting it to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking ribeye steak is around 390°F to 400°F (200°C). If you're aiming for a lower temperature, you can preheat at 350°F. Place the air fryer basket inside the air fryer and let it run for about 5 minutes to ensure it's nice and hot.

During the preheating process, you can prepare your steak. Take the steak out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This step helps the steak cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel, and season it generously with your desired spices. A simple seasoning blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder or garlic salt is recommended, but you can also get creative with other spices or a marinade. If you're using a marinade, combine ingredients like soy sauce, olive oil, and seasoning in a large resealable bag, and let the steak soak up the flavours for at least 2 hours.

Once the air fryer is preheated, you're ready to cook your ribeye steak to perfection! Place the steak in the hot air fryer basket and follow the cooking instructions for your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for about 7 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through. If you prefer your steak medium, increase the cooking time to 8 minutes per side. Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness.

Marinate the steak

Marinating your steak before air frying will enhance its flavour. You can marinate your steak in the morning before you leave for work and then cook it at night.

To marinate your steak, start by taking it out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel and place it in a large resealable bag. Add your chosen marinade to the bag. You can use a mixture of soy sauce and olive oil, or vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt and black pepper. Seal the bag and leave it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

When you're ready to cook, remove the steak from the bag and discard the marinade. Pat the steak dry to remove any excess oil before placing it in the air fryer.

Cooking times and temperatures

Cooking a rib-eye steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The cooking time will depend on the desired level of doneness, the thickness of the steak, and the specific air fryer model.

Firstly, it is recommended to bring the steak to room temperature before cooking. This usually takes around 30 minutes. You should then pat the steak dry and season it generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Some recipes also suggest lightly coating the steak with olive oil or avocado oil spray.

Preheat your air fryer to 390°F-400°F for 3-5 minutes. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-8 minutes for medium-rare, or 9-10 minutes for medium. For a good sear, some recipes recommend using the \"broil\" setting. Turn the steak once halfway through the cooking time. The steak is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 130°F-135°F for medium-rare, or 145°F for medium.

After cooking, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to continue cooking, reaching the desired temperature. The steak's internal temperature will rise by about 5-7°F during this time. For best results, wrap the steak in aluminum foil while it rests.

Resting the steak

The ideal resting time for a steak is between 5 to 7 minutes. During this time, the steak should be kept warm by being loosely covered or tented with foil. This prevents the steak from drying out and ensures that the temperature rise is within the desired range.

While resting, the steak's juices are allowed to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. This technique is especially important for thicker steaks, as they require more time for the heat to penetrate to the centre.

For best results, it is recommended to use a meat probe or instant meat thermometer to monitor the steak's internal temperature. This will help you achieve the desired doneness, whether it's medium-rare or well done.

After resting, the steak is ready to be sliced and served. Enjoy your perfectly cooked ribeye steak!

Reheating and storing leftovers

Storing leftover steak

If you have leftover steak, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to four days.

Reheating steak

The air fryer is a great way to reheat your leftover steak. It will be hot, juicy, and not overdone. Take the steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure more even reheating. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which can stop the steak from crisping. You can also reseason the steak to enhance the flavour. A light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and your favourite steak seasoning will do the trick.

Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation, which is critical to achieving a crispy exterior. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). The time it takes to reheat will depend on the thickness of your steak. For a medium-rare to medium steak, start with 3-4 minutes per side. Halfway through, flip the steak to guarantee uniform cooking. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Once the steak is reheated, let it rest for 5 minutes before enjoying.

Frequently asked questions