
Cooking a prime rib in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to prepare a delicious meal. By using an air fryer, you can achieve a juicy and tender prime rib with a crispy exterior without the need for a traditional oven. The air fryer's rapid circulation of hot air cooks the meat evenly, locking in the flavours and moisture. With the right techniques and seasoning, you can easily master cooking prime rib in an air fryer, resulting in a mouth-watering dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Characteristics and Values Table for Air Fryer Prime Rib
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Meat | Prime rib, a.k.a. standing rib roast/wing rib |
| Weight | 1.3 kg – 6 lbs. (feeds a family of five) |
| Air Fryer Type | Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill plus Air Fryer |
| Air Fryer Temperature | 325°F – 400°F |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes at a higher temperature, then 50-65 minutes at a lower temperature |
| Resting Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 130°F – 145°F (rare to medium) |
| Seasoning | Olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, herbs, mustard powder, horseradish, chives, butter, Worcestershire sauce |
| Serving Suggestions | Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, garlic bread, creamy horseradish sauce |
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What You'll Learn

Choosing the right cut of meat
First and foremost, ensure that the size of the prime rib fits your air fryer. Different air fryer models have varying capacities, so it's crucial to select a roast that will comfortably fit inside. A boneless prime rib is generally recommended, as a bone-in roast can be challenging to accommodate and cook evenly. If needed, you can trim the roast slightly to make it fit, or ask your butcher for a custom cut.
The weight of the prime rib is another important factor. A typical air fryer recipe for prime rib ranges from 1.3 kg to 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds) or even up to 6 lbs. The weight will determine the cooking time and temperature settings, so choosing the right size roast is essential for achieving the desired doneness.
When selecting your prime rib, consider the number of people you plan to serve. A 2-3 rib joint will typically serve 6-8 people, while a 6-pound roast can feed a family of five. Choose a size that aligns with your guest count to ensure everyone gets a generous portion.
The quality and source of the meat are also important. Prime rib, also known as standing rib roast, is a specialty cut from the primal rib section of a cow. This area yields exceedingly tender meat due to its lack of activity. Opt for a trusted butcher or meat supplier to ensure you're getting a high-quality, tender prime rib for your air fryer feast.
Lastly, consider the marbling and fat content of the meat. Prime rib should have a good amount of intramuscular fat, also known as marbling, as this contributes to its flavour and juiciness. Don't be afraid of a well-marbled cut, as the fat will render and baste the meat during cooking, adding to its succulence.
By carefully considering the size, weight, serving yield, quality, and marbling of the meat, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect prime rib for your air fryer masterpiece.
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Preparing the prime rib
Once you have the right size, prepare the meat for cooking. Some recipes suggest bringing the meat to room temperature before cooking, which can help ensure even cooking. Seasoning is an essential step in developing flavour. While some suggest keeping it simple with just salt and pepper, others recommend a spice rub with ingredients like olive oil, horseradish, garlic, mustard powder, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs. You can also smear butter on the prime rib for a crispy crust.
After seasoning, place the prime rib in the air fryer basket or base pan. Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer for about 5 to 10 minutes, while others recommend preheating for up to 20 minutes. Start cooking at a high temperature of around 375 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes to sear the meat and create a delicious crust. Then, lower the temperature to somewhere between 275 and 325 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your desired doneness.
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Cooking times and temperatures
The cooking time and temperature for your prime rib will depend on how well done you like your meat. It is recommended to cook prime rib rare or medium-rare.
If you want your prime rib rare, cook it for 15 minutes at 375°F to sear the outside. Then, lower the temperature to 315°F and cook for an additional 45-50 minutes. The internal temperature should be 130°F-135°F.
For a medium-rare prime rib, follow the same initial steps as for a rare prime rib. However, instead of cooking for 45-50 minutes at 315°F, cook for 50-60 minutes. The internal temperature should be 130°F-140°F.
If you prefer your prime rib medium, cook it for 20 minutes at 390°F. Then, lower the temperature to 275°F and cook for 8 minutes per pound. The internal temperature should be 140°F-145°F.
It is important to note that these cooking times and temperatures may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of your prime rib and the type of air fryer you are using. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your prime rib to ensure it is cooked to your desired doneness.
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Resting the meat
It is important to note that the meat will continue to cook and increase in temperature by approximately 5–10 degrees Fahrenheit while resting. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the prime rib from the air fryer when it is about 3–5 degrees Fahrenheit lower than your desired final temperature. This ensures that your roast reaches the ideal temperature while resting and prevents overcooking.
During the resting period, you can tent the prime rib with foil to help retain heat and moisture. This is especially useful if you are serving the roast in a warm environment or if it will be sitting out for a longer period before serving.
While resting the prime rib, you can also use this time to prepare any side dishes or sauces that will accompany your meal. Some side dish suggestions include Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, asparagus, or sautéed mushrooms.
Remember, the resting time will depend on the size of your prime rib roast and your desired doneness. For larger roasts, a resting time of 20–30 minutes is recommended, while for smaller roasts, 10–15 minutes may be sufficient. Adjust the resting time accordingly to ensure the best results for your prime rib.
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Carving and serving
Firstly, remove the prime rib from the air fryer and place it on a large cutting board. Ideally, choose a board with a channel around the edge, so that any meat juices have a place to go when you start slicing. Cover the roast with foil and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat as it rests and relaxes.
Once rested, it's time to carve. Remove the foil and carve the roast across the grain into slices. If you want to keep the meat warm, you can wrap the slices in foil and keep them warm in the air fryer, or in the oven at a low setting of 250-300 degrees F.
Prime rib is best served rare to medium-rare. It is recommended to serve with a side dish such as roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, or your favourite vegetables. Don't forget to use the meat juices from the cutting board to make a delicious gravy to accompany your meal!
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Frequently asked questions
First, select a prime rib that fits in your air fryer. It is recommended to use a boneless prime rib as a bone-in prime rib will be challenging to cook in an air fryer. Then, season the prime rib with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. You can also smear butter all over the outside of the prime rib for a crispy crust. Place the prime rib in the air fryer basket and cook at 375 degrees F for about 15 minutes to sear the outside. Lower the temperature to 315-325 degrees F and cook for another 45-60 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the roast. It is done when it reaches 130-140 degrees F internally.
The cooking time for prime rib in an air fryer depends on the desired doneness and the size of the roast. A 6-pound roast will take about an hour to cook in the air fryer. A well-rested prime rib will take approximately 15-20 minutes per pound to cook. For a rare cook, cook for 6 minutes per pound. For a medium-rare cook, cook for 8 minutes per pound. For a medium cook, cook for 10 minutes per pound.
Place the prime rib slices in the air fryer and heat them at 375 degrees F for 5-10 minutes.











































