Air-Fryer Rib-Eye Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking rib-eye steak in an air fryer is a fast, easy, and delicious way to prepare this cut of meat. It is a versatile method that can be used to cook steak to your desired level of doneness, from medium-rare to well-done. The air fryer's ability to cook steak quickly and efficiently, without compromising on taste or texture, makes it a convenient option for a weeknight meal or a date night in. With minimal prep time and cleanup, you can enjoy a juicy and tender rib-eye steak cooked to perfection in just a few minutes.

Preheat the air fryer to 390-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an essential step in cooking a ribeye steak. While it may not be necessary for most air fryer recipes, preheating is a must when cooking steak to get that nice sear on the outside of the meat.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the temperature to 390-400°F. You can preheat the air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes. Make sure the air fryer basket is inside during preheating. If you have an air fryer with a preheat setting, you can use that. Otherwise, just set the temperature to 390-400°F and let it heat up for a few minutes.

It is important to ensure that your steak is at room temperature before placing it in the preheated air fryer. This helps the steak cook more evenly and prevents overcooking. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes before cooking.

Once your air fryer is preheated and your steak is at room temperature, you are ready to start cooking! Brush the steak with olive oil or avocado oil and season generously with salt and pepper or your desired spices. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time.

Season the steak

Seasoning your steak is a crucial step in the cooking process, enhancing the natural flavours of the meat. Before seasoning, pat your steak dry with a paper towel and allow it to reach room temperature. This ensures more even cooking.

When it comes to seasoning, keep it simple. Salt and pepper are classic choices, and you can add extra flavour with garlic powder. Season both sides of the steak generously, and use your fingers to gently press the seasonings into the meat. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with other seasonings like steak seasoning, or make your own compound butter to spread over the steak.

For a more savoury flavour, brush the steak with olive oil until both sides are coated. The olive oil will add flavour and help to crisp the exterior of the steak. You can also spray the steak with avocado oil, which is a healthier alternative to brushing with olive oil.

Air fry for 5-10 minutes

Once you've preheated your air fryer, seasoned your steak, and popped it in the basket, it's time to air fry! The cooking time will depend on the level of doneness you want to achieve, as well as the thickness of your steak. For a medium-rare steak, cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, flipping the steak halfway through. If you prefer your steak more well done, you'll need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

It's important to note that different air fryer models may yield different results, so keep an eye on your steak to ensure it doesn't overcook. The best way to do this is to use a digital instant-read meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of your steak. For a medium-rare steak, you're aiming for an internal temperature of 130°F.

If you're cooking thicker steaks, you may need to adjust the timing accordingly. Remember, it's always better to undercook than overcook your steak, as you can always put it back in the air fryer for a little longer if needed.

While it may be tempting to cut into your steak as soon as it comes out of the air fryer, resist the urge! Letting your steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking is crucial to ensuring it stays juicy and flavorful. Tent it loosely with foil to help retain the heat while it rests.

Check the temperature

Checking the temperature of your steak is crucial to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. It is recommended to use a digital instant-read meat thermometer to obtain an accurate temperature reading. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get a precise measurement.

The ideal internal temperature for your steak will depend on your preferred doneness level. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of around 130°F to 135°F. If you prefer your steak to be more on the medium side with a pink center, you can increase the temperature to 145°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the thickness of your steak. Thicker steaks will generally require a longer cooking time to reach the desired internal temperature. Therefore, it is advisable to check the temperature of your steak halfway through the cooking process. This allows you to make any necessary adjustments to the timing, ensuring your steak is cooked just the way you like it.

Once your steak is done cooking, it is essential to let it rest. Transfer the steak to a plate or cutting board and loosely cover it with foil. Letting the steak rest for about 5 minutes per inch of thickness allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. During this resting period, the steak's internal temperature can increase by up to 5-7 degrees Fahrenheit (2-3 degrees Celsius). Keep this in mind when checking the temperature to avoid overcooking your steak.

Let the steak rest

Once your steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. This is an important step as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. It also helps the steak reach your desired cook point without drying out. Cover the steak loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. The general rule of thumb is to let the meat rest for about 5 minutes for every inch of thickness. For example, if your steak is 1.5 inches thick, you should let it rest for 7-8 minutes. This will ensure that the steak stays juicy and flavorful.

While the steak is resting, the temperature will rise slightly. This is something to keep in mind if you are aiming for a specific internal temperature for your steak. For example, if you are aiming for a medium-rare steak, you should remove it from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F, and it will continue to cook and rise in temperature by a few degrees while resting.

It is important to note that the resting time can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. Thicker steaks will require a longer resting time, while thinner steaks may only need a few minutes. Additionally, if you are cooking your steak to a lower internal temperature, such as rare, you may not need to rest it for as long as a steak cooked to medium or well-done.

During the resting time, you can prepare any side dishes or sauces that you plan to serve with your steak. This could include roasted vegetables, potatoes, or a compound butter to top your steak. You can also use this time to clean up your cooking area and prepare for serving.

Finally, once the resting time is complete, you can slice into your juicy, tender ribeye steak and enjoy! Don't forget to serve it with your desired sides and toppings, such as a pat of butter, fresh herbs, or your favorite steak sauce.

Frequently asked questions