Air-Fried Ribeye: The Perfect Timing For Tender Meat

Cooking a ribeye steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious dinner. The air fryer cooks the steak to perfection in just a few minutes. The first step is to preheat the air fryer to 390-400°F for 3-5 minutes. Then, brush the steak with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper, or your choice of seasonings. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 6-16 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for around 12 minutes. Finally, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful.

How to get a good sear on your steak

Air fryers are a great way to cook a juicy steak with a nice sear, and they're especially useful if you don't want to stand outside grilling or fill your house with smoke from a cast-iron pan. Here's how to get a good sear on your steak using an air fryer:

Choose the Right Cut of Steak

Ribeye and New York Strip are the best cuts for air frying because they are well-marbled and have great flavour. Top round and tri-tip also work well but should be marinated first as they are leaner cuts and can dry out. Choose steaks that are around 1-inch thick as they will cook more evenly.

Prepare the Steak

Take your steaks out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking and let them come to room temperature. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel, then brush or rub both sides with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper, or use a dry rub for a beautiful brown crust. Try a mixture of 2 parts brown sugar with 1 part salt and pepper, or use your favourite seasonings.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This is an important step as you want the steaks to sizzle as soon as they hit the tray or basket.

Cook the Steak

Place the steaks in the air fryer and cook for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 10 minutes, flipping at the halfway point. For medium, cook for 12 minutes, and for well-done, it will take 12 to 15 minutes.

Rest the Steak

Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise a few degrees. Cover the steaks loosely with foil while they rest.

Tips for a Better Sear

• Use an air fryer with a rack to get the steaks closer to the heating element and achieve a better sear.
• Be prepared for lots of smoke! Place your air fryer under a hood fan or even take it outside if you can.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. This is the best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

How to choose the perfect ribeye

Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed

If you want a healthier option with a more complex flavour profile, go for grass-fed. Grass-fed cows tend to yield leaner meat as they roam free and eat a variety of grasses. Grain-fed beef, on the other hand, is given a diet of soy, corn and other grains, resulting in more intramuscular fat and an even taste.

Beef Grade System

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a beef grading system based on age and fat marbling. Prime cuts are the highest grade with the most marbling, followed by Choice and then Select. Choice cuts are a good option if you want something more affordable but still super flavourful.

Marbling

Look for white flecks of fat on the meat. Steaks with a high level of marbling will be more tender and tasty after cooking. Prime cuts have the best marbling but are also the most expensive. Choice cuts are a good middle ground as they usually contain a decent amount of fat and are reasonably priced.

Thickness

The ideal thickness for a ribeye steak is about one and a quarter inches. This will give you a good ratio of browned exterior to juicy, soft centre. Thicker steaks are also better for air frying as they allow more time for the outside to get colour and crispness without overcooking the inside.

Bone-in or Boneless

There's a debate among steak lovers about whether bone-in or boneless ribeyes are better. Bone-in steaks are said to be more juicy and flavourful, but it's really a matter of personal preference.

Other Considerations

• Choose a ribeye with a good amount of muscle fat for that intense, meaty flavour.
• Look for a rib eye from the central part of the ribs, as this portion often contains a larger cut of the spinalis muscle, considered the best part of the ribeye.
• If you're in the US, check the USDA grading system. A quality ribeye will be labelled Prime.
• If you're watching your fat and cholesterol intake, go for a Select grade cut as these have minimal to zero marbling.
• If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F and cook your steaks for 8-16 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

How to store and reheat your steak

Storing and Reheating Your Steak

Storing your steak correctly is important to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. According to the USDA, cooked steak will stay fresh for up to four days when stored in a shallow airtight container or plastic zipper bag in the refrigerator.

If you're planning to reheat your steak, there are a few methods you can use. One is to cut it into slices or bite-sized pieces and fry them quickly in a pan. This method is great if you want to sear the outside of the meat and get a good crust. However, if you're looking for a quicker and easier method that doesn't require turning on your stove, using an air fryer is a perfect solution.

• Allow the steak to come to room temperature before reheating. This helps it cook more quickly and evenly, reducing the risk of drying it out.
• Slice the steak into pieces. This helps it reheat more evenly and reduces the risk of overcooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to ensure even heating. The ideal temperature is around 350-360°F (180°C).
• Brush the steak with oil or butter before placing it in the air fryer. This helps create a crispy exterior and adds moisture to the meat.
• Reheat the steak for 3-5 minutes, depending on its size and thickness. For thicker cuts, you may need to add an extra minute or two.
• Check the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature will depend on your desired doneness, but it should be at least 110°F for rare and 135°F for medium-rare.
• Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to finish cooking.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover steak with a juicy texture and delicious flavor, just like it was freshly cooked!

What to serve with your steak

So, you're making a juicy ribeye steak in your air fryer, and you want to know what to serve with it? Here are some ideas for side dishes to accompany your steak and take your meal to the next level:

Potatoes

Let's be honest, potatoes are a classic side dish for steak, and for good reason. They provide a starchy, comforting base to your meal and can be prepared in a multitude of ways. Here are some potato-based sides to consider:

• Scalloped potatoes: Thinly sliced and super cheesy, these potatoes can be cooked in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, leaving you free to focus on your steak.
• Sweet potato fries: A healthier alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries are low in fat, rich in vitamins, and full of flavour. Try adding dried cumin and paprika for an extra punch.
• Air fryer potato wedges: These are a healthier alternative to regular fries, as they're air-fried without oil. They're crispy, salty, and thicker than your average fry.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are a perfect pairing for steak, especially if you're looking for a hearty, indulgent meal.
• Baked potatoes: A classic for a reason, baked potatoes are a simple yet effective side. Try loading them up with sour cream, butter, and chives for a real treat.

Vegetables

If you're looking for something a little greener to accompany your steak, there are plenty of vegetable side dish options to choose from:

• Green beans almondine: A simple yet effective side dish, green beans almondine adds a pop of colour to your plate. Blanching the beans retains their crunch, so no soggy beans here!
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: These get a bad rap, but when prepared right, they're a delicious side dish. Drizzle them with olive oil and roast them in the oven until caramelized, then combine with garlic and smoky bacon.
• Air fryer asparagus: Asparagus is a great low-carb alternative to potatoes. It's also low in calories, so it won't weigh you down after your steak. Dress it with herbs and Parmesan cheese for a crunchy, flavourful side.
• Roasted carrots: Carrots are transformed when roasted, their flavour concentrating and sweetening. Try roasting them with copious amounts of Parmesan and a touch of lemon for a simple yet delicious side.
• Air fryer mushrooms and onions: The deep umami flavour of mushrooms pairs perfectly with the sweet, savory notes of caramelized onions. Add thyme, lemon zest, and parsley for an extra punch of flavour.

Salads

If you're looking for something a little lighter to accompany your steak, a salad could be the way to go. Here are some options to tickle your taste buds:

• Arugula salad: A simple salad of arugula, tomatoes, pine nuts, and Parmesan, dressed with a honey vinaigrette. The sweet and garlicky dressing balances the tangy lemon and peppery arugula, while the tomatoes and pine nuts add texture.
• Caprese salad: This simple Italian salad features fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, dressed with olive oil and a balsamic glaze. It's a refreshing side that will add a touch of elegance to your meal.
• Wedge salad: Another classic steakhouse side, a wedge salad is hard to beat. The key to a great wedge salad is a homemade garlicky blue cheese dressing, fresh herbs, and thick-cut bacon.
• Tomato salad: Sometimes, simple is best. This summertime classic features juicy tomatoes, a red wine vinaigrette, thinly sliced red onions, herbs, and crumbled feta.

Breads

No meal is complete without some form of bread, and steak is no exception. Here are some bread-based sides to round out your meal:

• Texas Roadhouse Rolls: Buttery, soft dinner rolls are the perfect vessel for mopping up any leftover steak juices or sauces.
• Garlic bread: Who can resist the garlicky, buttery goodness of toasted garlic bread? It's a classic for a reason.
• French baguette: A crunchy French baguette is the perfect side for your steak if you're looking for something with a bit more bite. Serve it with some fragrant garlic butter, and you're good to go.

How to season your steak

Now that you know how long to put a ribeye steak in the air fryer for, it's time to learn how to season your steak.

Firstly, take your steaks out of the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before cooking. This is an important step as it ensures your steak cooks evenly.

Next, pat your steaks dry with a paper towel. You can then brush or rub each side with extra virgin olive oil. You only need a light coating, about 1 teaspoon per steak, or 1 tablespoon per steak if you're brushing.

Now it's time to season. The simplest option is to use salt and pepper. If you're using salt, stick with a coarse salt such as kosher salt. For pepper, use a coarse grind. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and a little brown sugar. Mix your chosen seasonings together and apply them liberally to both sides of the steaks, making sure to get some on the sides too.

Once your steaks are seasoned, it's time to get them into the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This is an important step as it ensures your steaks sizzle as soon as they hit the tray or basket.

Now it's time to cook your steaks. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks and how well you want them cooked. As a guide, a 1-inch-thick steak will take 8-9 minutes for medium-rare, and 10-12 minutes for medium. Thicker steaks will take longer. You can use an instant-read food thermometer to check if your steak is cooked to your liking. For a rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F. For medium-rare, you're looking at 135°F. A temperature of 145°F will give you a medium steak, while 155°F is medium-well. If you like your steak well done, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F or above.

When your steaks are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise a few degrees. To rest your steaks, place them on a large plate or cutting board and loosely cover them with foil.

Your steaks are now ready to serve! Top with a pat of butter and some fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, and enjoy.

Frequently asked questions