Air-Fried Ribeye: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Cooking ribeye in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, juicy steak. It's perfect for a date night or a quick weeknight meal, and you'll be done in under 15 minutes. The air fryer's superheated air will create a crispy outside, while keeping the inside tender and juicy. You can also cook frozen steaks in an air fryer without even thawing them first! The key to a perfect steak is ensuring it reaches the right internal temperature.

Preheat the air fryer

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 a must when cooking steak to get that nice sear on the outside of the meat. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. You can also preheat it to 390°F (200°C) if you prefer. This temperature will ensure that your steak gets a nice crust and cooks evenly.

It is also important to ensure that your steak is at room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. Take the steak out of the fridge and let it sit on the kitchen counter for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will result in more even cooking and better overall results. If you are short on time, you can take the steak out of the fridge when you start preheating the air fryer, and it should be closer to room temperature by the time the air fryer is preheated and ready for the steak.

When preheating your air fryer, make sure the air fryer basket is inside. You can spray the basket with avocado oil or rub the oil all over the steak before placing it in the basket. This will help to ensure that your steak doesn't stick to the basket and will also add to the crispy exterior.

After preheating, it's time to place the steak in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook one steak at a time. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can lower the temperature and result in uneven cooking. If needed, cook the steaks in batches to ensure even cooking.

Once the steaks are in the air fryer, you can set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks and your desired level of doneness, so use a digital instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your liking.

Season the steak

Seasoning your steak is a crucial step in the cooking process. It adds flavour and can help create a delicious crust. The key to a well-seasoned steak is to use a generous amount of seasoning and to ensure it is evenly distributed.

Firstly, you should pat your steak dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the meat. You can then lightly brush or coat the steak with oil. Extra virgin olive oil is a good option, but avocado oil is also a popular choice. Spraying the air fryer basket with oil can also help prevent the steak from sticking.

When it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper are the most common choices. You can use sea salt or garlic salt, depending on your preference. Some recipes also suggest adding garlic powder to enhance the garlic flavour. You can mix these dry ingredients together and apply them liberally to both sides of the steak. Don't forget to season the sides of the steak as well. If you want to keep things simple, you can just use salt and pepper. However, if you want to experiment, you can try other seasonings or even a marinade. For example, you can mix vegetable oil with Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and black pepper. Alternatively, you can use soy sauce, olive oil, and your choice of seasoning.

Remember, seasoning is a matter of personal preference, so feel free to adjust the amounts and types of seasoning to suit your taste.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your ribeye steak will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10-12 minutes in total. This includes 5-6 minutes on each side, flipping the steak halfway through. For a medium steak, cook for 8 minutes on each side. If you prefer your steak well-done, one source recommends cooking for 12-14 minutes in total.

The internal temperature of your steak will determine its level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F. For a perfect medium with a pink center, aim for 145°F.

It is important to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and a better sear on your steak. Most sources recommend preheating to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. One source recommends preheating to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

Let your steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. The steak will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer, so it is important to remove it when it is 5°F below your desired internal temperature.

Resting the steak

To rest your steak, first, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a plate, board, or tray. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This will finish the cooking so it reaches your desired cook point, but you minimise the risk of the steak drying out or going above your desired temperature. If you can, bring the steak to room temperature before cooking, as this helps it cook more evenly.

While your steak is resting, you can make a sauce, or prepare some sides. Sides such as roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad go well with steak. You could also prepare some chips to go with your steak, or a seasonal green salad.

After resting, slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. Then, serve with a pat of butter and garnish with finely chopped herbs such as chives or parsley.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Leftover steak can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you have the juices from the steak, save them with the steak. This can be important for the reheating process. If you don't have any leftover juices, use some steak sauce to prevent the steak from drying out.

Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to reheat your steak, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This helps with more even reheating, preventing the outer layer from overcooking before the inside warms up. Use a paper towel to gently pat the steak dry. Excess moisture on the surface can hinder the crisping process, and you want to achieve a perfect sear on the outside. Before placing the steak in the air fryer, consider reseasoning it to refresh the flavours. A light sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a touch of your favourite steak seasoning can enhance the overall taste.

Preheat your air fryer to around 350°F (175°C). This initial step is crucial as it prepares the cooking environment, allowing the steak to heat evenly and retain moisture. Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation, which is critical to achieving a crispy exterior. Set the air fryer to a temperature of 350°F (175°C). The precise time will depend on the thickness of your steak. Check for doneness. If not heated through, continue to heat in 1-minute increments.

You can also cut your steak into pieces and fry in a stovetop pan with oil or butter until heated through.

Frequently asked questions