
Air fryer prime rib steak is a delicious and juicy meal that is perfect for a special occasion. It is surprisingly easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. The cooking time will depend on how you like your steak done, as well as the thickness of the steak and the specific air fryer model being used. In this article, we will explore the different ways to cook prime rib steak in an air fryer, the ideal cooking time and temperature, and provide tips for a perfect meal.
How long to cook prime rib steak in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preheat temperature | 375°F-400°F |
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | 390°F-400°F |
| Cooking time | 20 minutes at 390°F, then 55 minutes at 315°F |
| Resting time | 20-30 minutes |
| Total cooking time | 75 minutes |
| Target temperature | 130°F-140°F |
| Calories | 787-810 kcal |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Prime rib cooking times and temperatures
To cook a prime rib in an air fryer, you'll need to take it out of the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to let it come to room temperature. Pat the prime rib dry and season it with salt and pepper, and your choice of additional seasonings. You can then cook the prime rib in the air fryer for 15 minutes at 375°F to sear the outside, before reducing the temperature to 315°F and cooking for another 45 to 55 minutes. The total cook time will depend on the thickness of the prime rib.
The prime rib is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F to 140°F. This corresponds to a rare to medium-rare level of doneness. It's important to use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature and take the prime rib out of the air fryer when it's about 3°F to 5°F below your desired final temperature, as it will continue to cook while it rests.
After cooking, let the prime rib rest for 10 to 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to reabsorb, ensuring the meat is tender and juicy.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
- Cook the prime rib at 375°F for 15 minutes to sear the outside.
- Reduce the temperature to 315°F and cook for another 50 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. The prime rib is done when it reaches 130°F to 135°F internally.
- Let the prime rib rest for 10 to 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Fryer Oil Lifespan: Commercial Use and Storage Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Choosing the right cut of prime rib
When choosing the right cut of prime rib, there are several factors to consider, including the grade of the meat, the size of the roast, the number of bones, and whether to go for a bone-in or boneless option.
Firstly, let's talk about meat grades. In the US, the top grade is "USDA Prime", which accounts for the top 8% of all beef and is characterised by heavy marbling. This grade can be harder to find and is typically more expensive. The next grade is "USDA Choice", which offers moderate marbling and is a high-quality, more readily available option in most supermarkets. Finally, there is the "Select" grade, which is value-priced and has less marbling, potentially resulting in less tender and juicy meat.
When selecting your prime rib roast, consider the size of the roast and the number of people you need to serve. A good rule of thumb is to plan for one rib for every two people. If you have a big menu with various dishes, you could estimate three people per bone. For example, an 8-10 pound bone-in prime rib roast with 4-5 ribs can serve 8-10 people or more, while a 4-6 pound bone-in roast with 2 ribs can serve 4-6 people or more.
Another important consideration is whether to choose a bone-in or boneless prime rib. Bone-in prime rib is considered by some to produce more flavorful and tender results, as the bone insulates the meat during cooking. However, boneless prime rib is often recommended for air fryer cooking due to space constraints. If you are cooking in an air fryer, ensure that your roast fits in the basket, and consider trimming it if necessary.
When selecting your prime rib, look for a deep red or purple colour with a good layer of milky white fat around the ends. Avoid dull-coloured meat and yellow fat. Even fat distribution is also key to a great prime rib, as it ensures consistent cooking and juiciness throughout the roast.
Air Frying Tilapia: The Perfect Temperature Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Preparing the prime rib
Firstly, select a suitable cut of prime rib. Prime rib is a special cut of beef with superior flavour and texture, so it tends to be reserved for special occasions. You will need to choose a boneless prime rib joint as it is challenging to cook a bone-in prime rib in an air fryer due to space constraints. A 3-pound boneless prime rib roast is a good option and can serve a family of five.
Before seasoning, ensure your prime rib is at room temperature. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes to an hour in advance. This helps the meat cook more quickly and evenly. Pat the prime rib dry with paper towels. This step is important to ensure the seasoning adheres well to the meat.
Now, it's time to season the prime rib. You can use your favourite steak seasoning blend or get creative with a mix of spices. A recommended option is to rub the prime rib with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. For extra flavour, cover the prime rib with crushed garlic, followed by fresh rosemary and thyme. You can use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. Don't hold back on the seasoning—generously coat the meat for maximum flavour.
Some recipes suggest creating a crust on the prime rib by smearing butter all over the outside of the meat before adding the seasonings. This step is optional but will give your roast a nice crispy texture. You can also add other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, and chives for an extra kick of flavour.
Once your prime rib is seasoned, it's time to place it in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to a temperature between 375°F and 400°F for 5 minutes. The exact temperature and timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the desired doneness of your prime rib.
After preheating, place the prime rib in the air fryer basket and cook for the initial searing stage. This step will give your roast a beautiful crust. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes at this high temperature, then turn down the heat for the remainder of the cooking time.
The total cooking time for prime rib in an air fryer is approximately 75 minutes, but this can vary depending on the size and thickness of your cut. For a 6-pound roast, cook for 20 minutes at the initial high temperature, then turn down the heat and cook for about 55 additional minutes. If you prefer your prime rib rare, cook for 6 minutes per pound; for medium-rare, cook for 8 minutes per pound; and for medium, cook for 10 minutes per pound.
To ensure your prime rib is cooked to your desired doneness, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. The target temperature range for medium-rare is 130°F to 135°F, while medium corresponds to 140°F to 145°F. Rare prime rib will be in the range of 120°F to 125°F. Always aim for a temperature slightly below your desired final temperature, as the meat will continue to cook as it rests.
Once your prime rib reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender final product. Let the prime rib sit for at least 10 minutes, but preferably 20 to 30 minutes, before slicing and serving.
And that's it! You now have a perfectly cooked, juicy and tender prime rib prepared in your air fryer. Don't forget to make your favourite side dishes to complete this impressive meal. Enjoy the fruits of your labour and savour every bite!
Deep Fryer, Steamer: One Appliance, Many Uses
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Cooking the prime rib
First, check that your prime rib roast fits in the air fryer basket. A boneless roast is the best option as a bone-in prime rib will be challenging to cook in an air fryer due to space issues. If your roast is too big, trim it a little.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes. While the air fryer is preheating, pat the roast dry with a paper towel and prepare the seasoning. You can use your favourite steak or roast seasoning blends, or try one of the following:
- Smear butter all over the outside of the prime rib, then add Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, chives, and crushed garlic.
- Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, then cover with crushed garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
- Mix together one teaspoon each of paprika, brown sugar, mixed herbs, mustard powder, and garlic powder.
Now, place the seasoned prime rib in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes to sear the outside. Then, turn down the temperature to between 275°F and 315°F and cook for another 50-60 minutes, depending on how well done you like your meat. For rare meat, cook for 6 minutes per pound, for medium-rare cook for 8 minutes per pound, and for medium, cook for 10 minutes per pound.
To check if your prime rib is done, use an instant-read thermometer to test the internal temperature. Put it in the centre of the thickest part of the meat. The prime rib is done when it reaches 130°F–145°F internally, depending on your desired level of doneness.
Once the prime rib is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 20–30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Air-Frying Hash Browns: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Resting and serving the prime rib
Resting the prime rib is an important step in the cooking process. It is recommended that you let the prime rib sit for at least 10 minutes, but preferably 20-30 minutes, before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicy and tender steak. It also gives the steak time to reach your desired level of doneness. During this time, the temperature of the steak will rise by about 5-7 degrees Fahrenheit (2-3 degrees Celsius).
While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes that you plan to serve with it. Some suggested sides include roast potatoes, scalloped potatoes, creamed spinach, Yorkshire pudding, and garlic bread.
When you are ready to serve the prime rib, slice it against the grain. You can also remove the charred crust from the rib and discard the string before serving, if desired.
If you are making gravy, you can use the grease from the air fryer basket. Simply transfer the grease to a saucepan, heat it up, and whisk in flour until smooth. Then, slowly pour in wine and beef broth, continuing to whisk until well combined.
Finally, enjoy your perfectly cooked prime rib steak!
Air-Fryer Banana Chips: A Healthy, Homemade Treat
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
It takes about 75 minutes in total to cook a prime rib steak in an air fryer.
The air fryer should be preheated to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Then, the temperature should be reduced to 315°F (157°C) for the remainder of the cooking time.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 120°F-130°F (49°C-54°C). For medium-rare, the temperature should be 130°F-135°F (54°C-57°C).
Let the steak rest for 20-30 minutes after cooking. This allows the temperature to rise slightly and ensures juicy and delicious meat.
Popular seasonings include salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme. You can also smear butter and Worcestershire sauce on the steak before cooking for a nice crispy crust.






































