Air-Fryer Rib-Eye: Cooking Time And Perfect Results

Cooking ribeye steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender, and flavorful steak. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness, but on average, it takes about 10-15 minutes to cook a ribeye steak in an air fryer. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook the perfect ribeye steak in an air fryer, including preheating, seasoning, and cooking tips to ensure a delicious and juicy steak every time.

Preheat the air fryer

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

To preheat your air fryer, start by setting it to “Broil” or a temperature of around 400°F (200°C). Let the air fryer run with the air fryer basket inside for about 3 to 5 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it's nice and hot.

It's important to ensure your steak is at room temperature before placing it in the air fryer. This helps to promote even cooking. Take your steak out of the fridge about 15 to 30 minutes before cooking. If your steak has been in the fridge, make sure to pat it dry before seasoning and placing it in the air fryer basket.

While your air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steak by seasoning it generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder or garlic salt on both sides. You can also rub your steak with olive oil or avocado oil to promote browning and help develop a delicious crust.

Marinade the steak

To cook ribeye in an air fryer, you'll first want to prepare a marinade to infuse your steak with flavour. There are many ways to marinade a steak, and you can use a homemade or store-bought marinade, or simply use salt and pepper.

One option is to combine your steaks with soy sauce, olive oil, and seasoning in a large resealable bag. You can also add butter and garlic to this mixture. Make sure the bag is sealed tightly, then place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you're preparing it in the morning.

Another marinade option is to use vegetable oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and black pepper. You can also add mushrooms to this marinade by tossing them in a bowl with olive oil, parsley, thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Then, transfer the steaks from the marinade to the air fryer basket.

If you're short on time, a quick 30-minute marinade in soy sauce will also do the trick. Just make sure to pat your steaks dry and rub them with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer.

No matter which marinade you choose, remember to bring your steaks to room temperature by taking them out of the fridge 30 minutes beforehand.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for your ribeye steak will depend on several factors, including the thickness of the steak, the temperature at which you want it cooked, and the specific model of your air fryer.

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes, although one source suggests 5 minutes. If your air fryer has a broil setting, you can use this to get a crispy crust on the outside of your steak.

Once preheated, the cooking time for a 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick steak is 12-14 minutes for a medium-rare steak, and 16 minutes for a medium steak. More specifically, for a medium-rare steak, cook for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. For a medium steak, cook for 7 minutes on each side, or 8 minutes per side if you prefer it closer to well-done. If you are cooking thicker steaks, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes on each side.

It is important to note that the cooking time is just a guide, and the best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your liking is to use a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, remove the steak from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For a perfect medium with a pink center, aim for 145°F.

Finally, it is important to let your steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Resting the steak

During the resting period, the steak will continue to cook and the internal temperature will rise. This is known as carryover cooking. For example, if you are cooking a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F. During the resting period, the temperature will rise to 135°F, which is the ideal temperature for a medium-rare steak.

It is important to note that the resting time and temperature will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the desired level of doneness. For thicker steaks, you may need to adjust the resting time accordingly. Additionally, if you are cooking multiple steaks, you can let them rest in aluminum foil until they are all done.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare some simple side dishes to accompany your meal. Air fryer vegetables, such as frozen broccoli, cabbage steaks, mushrooms, and potatoes, are all great options that can be cooked quickly and easily.

Finally, when the resting period is over, you can slice and serve your steak. Top it with a pat of butter and fresh herbs, such as parsley, for added flavor and enjoyment!

Reheating leftover steak

When cooking a rib-eye steak in an air fryer, it is recommended to cook it for about 7 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak, and 8 minutes on each side for a medium steak.

Now, if you have leftover steak, you can easily reheat it in an air fryer and still savor its flavor and juices. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheating your leftover steak in an air fryer:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (176.6°C). It is important to ensure that your air fryer is preheated before adding the steak to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Steak

While the air fryer is preheating, take your leftover steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. You can also sprinkle some salt, pepper, or your favorite spice blend on the steak to enhance its flavors.

Step 3: Place the Steak in the Air Fryer

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the steak in the air fryer basket. The cook time will depend on the thickness of your steak. As a general guideline, thinner slices will reheat faster, and thicker slices may take a bit longer. Check the steak after about 3 minutes to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

When the steak is warmed to your desired temperature, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender steak.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover steak just like it was freshly cooked, with a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior.

Frequently asked questions