Air-Fried Prime Rib: Is It Possible?

Air fryer prime rib is a mouth-watering, juicy, and tender dish that is perfect for a holiday or Sunday dinner. It is surprisingly easy to make and can be cooked in a fraction of the time compared to traditional oven methods. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cooking prime rib in an air fryer and provide a step-by-step guide on how to achieve the perfect, mouth-watering dish.

Choosing the right cut of meat

First and foremost, it is recommended to choose a boneless prime rib joint. This is because space can be an issue in the air fryer, and a bone-in cut may not fit properly. Additionally, a boneless roast will be easier to cook evenly in the air fryer. If you do opt for a bone-in prime rib, choose a smaller joint with fewer ribs, as larger cuts may not fit in the air fryer basket.

The size of the prime rib is another crucial factor. Most air fryer recipes call for a prime rib weighing between 3 and 6 pounds. This size range ensures that the meat will fit in the air fryer and cook evenly. It's important to check the size of your air fryer basket and choose a prime rib that will fit comfortably with a little space around the edges for proper air circulation.

When selecting your prime rib, look for a cut with good marbling. Marbling refers to the fat distributed throughout the meat, which adds flavour and juiciness to the final dish. Prime rib is known for its excellent marbling, which is one of the reasons it is such a popular choice for special occasions.

Finally, consider the quality of the meat. Prime rib is typically a more expensive cut of beef, and the price can vary depending on the grade and source of the meat. If you are looking for the best flavour and texture, it is worth investing in a higher-quality prime rib. Look for meat with a good amount of marbling and a deep red colour.

In summary, when choosing a prime rib for your air fryer, opt for a boneless joint that fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. Look for a cut with good marbling and a weight between 3 and 6 pounds. By selecting the right cut of meat, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious and tender air-fried prime rib.

How to season the prime rib

Seasoning a prime rib roast before air frying is an important step in developing the flavour of the meat. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to season your prime rib roast:

Firstly, take your prime rib roast out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the meat to warm up slightly before cooking, and will also give your seasonings time to stick to the meat.

Next, pat the roast dry with a paper towel. Drizzle olive oil over the meat, or brush it with softened butter, ensuring an even coating. You can also smear butter all over the outside of the raw meat, which will give it a nice crispy crust.

Now it's time to add the seasonings. Sprinkle the prime rib generously with salt and pepper, and add any other seasonings you desire. Some popular seasonings for prime rib include garlic powder, crushed garlic, paprika, rosemary, thyme, and dried herbs such as oregano or thyme. You can also add a good amount of Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, chives, and garlic for a delicious horseradish crust.

At this point, your prime rib roast should be well coated in seasoning. If you have time, you can let the roast sit for another 30 minutes to an hour to let the flavours really develop. However, if you're in a hurry, you can go ahead and put the roast in the air fryer to cook. Just remember to always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat and pull it out when it's 5-10 degrees lower than your desired doneness, as it will continue to cook while it rests.

Cooking time and temperature

• Rare: Cook for 6 minutes per pound at 275°F in the air fryer. The internal temperature should be 120°F-125°F.
• Medium-Rare: Set the air fryer to 375°F for the first 15 minutes, then reduce to 315°F and cook for an additional 45-50 minutes. The internal temperature should be 130°F-135°F. Alternatively, you can cook at 390°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 315°F and cook for about 55 minutes. The total cooking time for medium-rare is around 75 minutes.
• Medium: Cook for 10 minutes per pound at 275°F. The internal temperature should be 130°F-140°F.

It's important to note that these cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your prime rib roast. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure your desired doneness.

Additionally, it's recommended to let the prime rib sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking. This allows the meat to warm up and ensures even cooking. After cooking, it's crucial to let the prime rib rest for 10-30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

Resting the meat

While the meat rests, you can make a gravy with the grease collected from the air fryer basket. Transfer the grease to a saucepan and heat until very hot. Add flour and whisk until smooth, then slowly pour in wine, followed by beef broth, whisking continuously. Simmer the gravy for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once the prime rib has rested, it is ready to be sliced and served. It is recommended to slice the meat against the grain and arrange the slices on a serving platter. Prime rib is often served with horseradish sauce or au jus, and can be accompanied by sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, asparagus, or sautéed mushrooms.

Making gravy from the grease

After removing the cooked prime rib from the air fryer, let it rest on a cutting board for 10-20 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your meat is tender and juicy. While the prime rib is resting, you can start making the gravy.

First, transfer the grease from the air fryer basket to a saucepan. Turn the heat to medium-high and wait until the grease gets very hot. This step will help intensify the flavor of your gravy. Once the grease is hot, add flour to the saucepan and whisk vigorously until there are no lumps. Make sure to add the flour slowly to avoid creating lumps.

Next, slowly pour in a decent to good quality red wine while continuing to whisk. This will deglaze the pan and add a depth of flavor to your gravy. After whisking in the wine, pour in some unsalted or low-sodium beef broth and continue to whisk. You can adjust the amount of broth you add depending on your desired gravy consistency.

Now, turn down the heat to medium and let the gravy simmer. Allow it to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred consistency. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-reducing or burning. During the simmering process, you can season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the saucepan and continue simmering until it thickens.

Once your gravy has reached the desired consistency, give it a final stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Taste it and adjust the seasoning, if needed. Your gravy is now ready to be served alongside your juicy, tender prime rib!

Frequently asked questions