Air-Fried Rib Eye: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

how to cook a rib eye in the air fryer

Cooking ribeye steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender, and succulent steak. The air fryer works similarly to a small convection oven by rapidly moving superheated air around the food, helping to create a crispy exterior. The key to getting the perfect steak is the internal temperature, which can be monitored using a meat thermometer. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness.

Characteristics Values
Preheat Air Fryer Yes, for at least 3 minutes to 5 minutes at 400°F
Seasoning Salt, pepper, garlic powder, olive oil
Add water to the air fryer pan 1 tablespoon to prevent smoking
Cooking time 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, flipping halfway through
Internal temperature 130°F for medium-rare
Resting time 5 minutes

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Preheat the air fryer

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

To preheat your air fryer, start by setting the temperature. For a ribeye steak, you'll want to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that your steak gets a nice sear and cooks evenly. Set the timer for at least 3 to 5 minutes to give the air fryer enough time to reach the desired temperature.

During the preheating process, you can prepare the steak by seasoning it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides and letting it come to room temperature. You can also use this time to spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil or another cooking spray of your choice to prevent the steak from sticking.

It's important to note that different air fryer models may have slightly different preheating instructions, so be sure to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions. However, the basic principle of preheating remains the same: set the desired temperature and allow the air fryer to heat up before adding your food.

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Season the ribeye

Seasoning your ribeye steak is a crucial step in the cooking process, as it adds flavour and helps create a mouth-watering dish. Here is a step-by-step guide to seasoning your ribeye steak before cooking it in an air fryer:

Firstly, take your steaks out of the refrigerator about 15 to 30 minutes before you plan to cook them. This allows the meat to come to room temperature, which is important for even cooking. While you're waiting, you can prepare the seasoning. A simple yet effective seasoning mix for ribeye steak is salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix these dry ingredients together in a small bowl. Be sure to use a generous amount of each spice to ensure the steak is full of flavour. You can also add olive oil to your seasoning mix or apply it directly to the steak for a more moist and juicy finish.

Once your seasoning is prepared and your steak has reached room temperature, it's time to apply the seasoning. Take your steak and generously coat both sides with the seasoning mix. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the meat to ensure an even coating. You can use your hands or a brush to apply the seasoning, whichever you prefer.

After seasoning, you can place the steak in the air fryer, following the recommended cooking instructions for the perfect ribeye.

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Cook the steak

Cooking a ribeye steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender steak. The key to a perfect steak is its internal temperature.

First, take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 15–30 minutes before cooking and let them come to room temperature. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel, and lightly coat both sides with olive oil or avocado oil. Season the steaks generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder or any other seasonings you prefer.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 3–5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with oil, then place the steaks inside. For a nice sear, preheating the air fryer is a must. Most recipes recommend cooking the steak for 5–8 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak. However, cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of doneness. For a more accurate reading, use a digital instant-read meat thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 130°F.

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Let the steak rest

Allowing your steak to rest before serving is a crucial step in ensuring your steak is juicy and delicious. The resting period gives the steak time to finish cooking and reach your desired level of doneness. It also lets the internal muscle fibres relax and the juices redistribute throughout the meat. This is why it is recommended to remove the steak from the air fryer about 5°F before it reaches your desired temperature.

During the resting period, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise by about 5-7°F. This means that if you remove your steak from the air fryer at 130°F, it will continue to cook and reach 135°F while resting. To rest your steak, place it on a large plate or cutting board and loosely cover it with foil. You can also sprinkle sea salt flakes over the steak just before serving.

The length of the resting period will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes. A thicker steak will likely require a longer resting period. If you are unsure, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.

While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces to serve with it. Some side dish options include a side salad, green vegetables, or potatoes.

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Serve with sides

While your steak is resting, you can prepare some side dishes to serve with your air-fried ribeye. Here are some ideas:

  • Instant Pot Parmesan Ranch Potatoes - cheesy, ranch-flavored red potatoes cooked in an Instant Pot pressure cooker.
  • Cast-iron pan-fried steak - heat up a cast-iron pan, add some oil and butter, and fry each side of the steak for 2 minutes to add some extra color and flavor.
  • A simple side of butter and fresh parsley - top your steak with a pat of butter and some fresh parsley.
  • If you're looking for something more substantial, ribeye steaks are large and thick, so two steaks could easily feed a family of 4-5.

Alternatively, you could serve your steak with some classic side dishes such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, French fries, or a salad.

Frequently asked questions

Cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, it takes 10-12 minutes in total to cook in an air fryer. This includes cooking the steak for 6 minutes on each side and letting it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

The key to getting the perfect steak is its internal temperature. Use a digital instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 130°F.

Before air frying, season the steak generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. You can also lightly coat the steak with olive oil or avocado oil. Preheat the air fryer for at least 3 minutes to get a nice sear on the steak. Also, remember to add about 1 tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer pan to prevent it from smoking during cooking.

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