Air-Fryer Ribeye: The Perfect Timing For A Juicy Steak

Cooking a 2-inch ribeye steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a perfect steak sear on the outside and a juicy, tender inside. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak, the desired level of doneness, and the specific air fryer being used. To cook a 2-inch ribeye steak, preheat the air fryer to 390°F–400°F for 5 minutes. Season the steak with salt, pepper, and steak seasoning, and cook for 8 minutes on each side for medium-rare. For a well-done steak, increase the cooking time to 10 minutes on each side. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking your ribeye steak. While most air fryer recipes don't require preheating, it is a must when cooking steak to get a nice sear on the outside of the meat.

To preheat your air fryer, start by removing your steaks from the refrigerator and letting them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This is a crucial step, as it ensures more even cooking. After 15 minutes, pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and lightly coat both sides with olive oil or avocado oil.

Next, set up your air fryer. Different sources recommend preheating temperatures ranging from 350°F to 400°F (200°C). Let the air fryer preheat for about 5 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of letting your steaks come to room temperature, you can preheat your air fryer.

Finally, season your steaks with salt, pepper, and steak seasoning or your preferred seasonings. You can also add a rub or marinate your steak before placing it in the air fryer.

Use a meat thermometer

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. It is also important for safety, helping to ensure that harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella and E. Coli, are destroyed.

To use a meat thermometer, first, make sure it is designed for meat and poultry, and not for other foods such as candy. Calibrate it according to the manual, and ensure it is clean. Next, insert the probe tip into the steak, avoiding any bones. Carefully insert the probe to a depth that will hit the steak's thermal center. The thermal center is the thickest part of the meat. You can move the thermometer around a little while entering, to ensure you find the thermal center. The probe should be inserted about halfway into the steak. If your steak is wider than it is thick, you should also check the temperature from the sides.

Once the probe is in place, leave it for a few seconds until the temperature reading appears on the display. The temperature you are aiming for will depend on how well you like your steak cooked. For a medium-rare steak, you are aiming for an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For a perfect medium with a pink center, aim for 145°F. Well-done steak should be cooked to 160°F.

Remember that steak will continue to cook for a few minutes after it is removed from the heat, so it is best to remove it when it is about 5-10 degrees lower than your desired temperature. This will ensure that the steak does not overcook while it is resting.

Rest the steak after cooking

Resting your steak after cooking is a crucial step in ensuring that it is juicy and tender. The general rule of thumb is to let the steak rest for about 5 minutes for every inch of thickness. For a 2-inch ribeye steak, this would mean letting it rest for approximately 10 minutes.

During the resting period, the juices inside the steak will redistribute throughout the meat. This process results in a more flavorful and tender steak. It is important to note that the steak will continue to cook during the resting period, so it is best to remove it from the air fryer when it is about 5 degrees Fahrenheit below your desired temperature.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or toppings that you plan to serve with it. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, or a fresh herb butter. You can also simply season it with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning.

It is important to note that the resting time may vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For thicker steaks, you may need to increase the resting time, while for thinner steaks, a shorter resting time may be sufficient. Additionally, if you are cooking multiple steaks, you may need to let them rest for a shorter period to ensure that they are all served at the same temperature.

Finally, when resting your steak, it is best to loosely cover it with foil to retain heat. This will help keep the steak warm while it rests, ensuring that it is still hot when you serve it.

Seasoning and spices

When it comes to seasoning and spices for your 2-inch ribeye steak, you have a lot of options to choose from, ranging from simple to more complex combinations. Here are some ideas and instructions to help you get started:

Simple Seasoning

If you prefer to keep things simple, a classic combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder can provide a delicious flavour for your ribeye steak. You can season both sides of the steak generously with this mixture before placing it in the air fryer. This combination is a great option if you want to let the natural flavour of the steak shine through without overpowering it with too many spices.

Worcestershire Sauce

For an extra kick of flavour, you can add Worcestershire sauce to the seasoning mix. In a small bowl, mix together vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and black pepper. This combination will give your steak a unique and savoury taste that pairs well with the meat's natural juices. Don't be afraid to adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences.

Marinade

If you have more time, you can also try marinating your steak before cooking it in the air fryer. Combine your steak with soy sauce, olive oil, and your choice of seasoning in a large resealable bag. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you're planning ahead. This technique will infuse your steak with flavour and help keep it moist during the cooking process.

Herb Butter

For a finishing touch, consider adding a pat of butter or vegan butter to your steak while it rests after cooking. You can also garnish it with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. This will not only add a delicious flavour to your steak but also provide a visually appealing garnish.

Steak Seasoning

You can also experiment with store-bought steak seasoning blends or create your own custom blend at home. These blends typically include a variety of spices and herbs that complement the flavour of steak, such as peppercorns, garlic, rosemary, thyme, or paprika. You can rub these blends onto the steak before cooking or use them as a marinade base.

Remember, when it comes to seasoning, it's essential to trust your taste buds and adjust the quantities to suit your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and find the perfect blend that elevates your ribeye steak cooked in the air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for a 2-inch ribeye steak in an air fryer will depend on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook at 390–400 °F for 8 minutes on each side. For a medium steak, increase the cooking time to 9–10 minutes on each side.

When cooking a 2-inch ribeye steak in an air fryer, it is important to preheat the air fryer. Set the temperature to 390–400 °F and preheat for about 5 minutes.

The cooking time will depend on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 8 minutes on each side. For thicker steaks, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1–2 minutes on each side.

To check the level of doneness, use a digital instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 130–135 °F. For a medium steak, aim for an internal temperature of 140 °F.

After cooking, let the steak rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. Tent the steak with foil and let it rest for about 5 minutes for every inch of thickness.

Frequently asked questions