Marianne Martinez
Cooking ribeye steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a juicy and tender steak with minimal fuss. The air fryer cooks the steak by rapidly moving superheated air around it, creating a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside. This method is perfect for a quick weeknight meal and can be prepared in under 15 minutes. The key to a perfect steak in the air fryer is its internal temperature, which can be monitored using a meat thermometer.
How to cook rib eye steak in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak type | Ribeye |
| Steak thickness | 1-2" |
| Steak weight | 12-16oz |
| Steak temperature before cooking | Room temperature |
| Steak preparation | Pat dry, season, marinate |
| Air fryer temperature | 390°F-400°F |
| Air fryer preparation | Preheat for 3-5 minutes, spray basket with oil |
| Cooking time | 5-10 minutes per side |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Butter, parsley, chives |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Reheat in air fryer |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right steak
First, look for a steak with a bright red colour and a prominent "eye". The "eye" is the large piece of white fat found in the centre of a ribeye cut, and it contributes to the juiciness and flavour of the steak.
Next, pay attention to the marbling. Marbling refers to the flecks of fat distributed throughout the meat. The more marbling a ribeye steak has, the juicier it will be. Look for a steak with abundant marbling to ensure a tender and flavourful final product.
Thickness is another important factor. Aim for steaks that are around 1 1/2" thick. Thicker steaks will provide a more generous serving and allow for a better sear on the outside while maintaining a juicy, medium-rare centre. If you can't find thicker steaks at your local supermarket, consider asking the butcher at the meat counter for freshly cut steaks to your desired thickness.
Lastly, consider the breed of cattle. Black Angus ribeye steaks are renowned for their superior marbling and flavour. If you can find Black Angus, you're likely to enjoy a more flavourful and tender dining experience.
By selecting a ribeye steak with these characteristics, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious air-fried steak that rivals any grilled alternative.
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Preparing the steak
Start with a good-quality rib eye steak, ideally with a bright red colour and a large eye—the white fat in the middle. Look for steaks with good marbling, which means lots of little flecks of fat spread throughout the meat. This marbling adds flavour and juiciness to the steak. Thicker steaks, ideally about 1.25 to 1.5 inches thick, are better for air frying as they allow more time for the outside to crisp up without overcooking the inside.
Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 20 to 30 minutes before cooking to let them come to room temperature. This step ensures more even cooking. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel, and if desired, lightly coat both sides with olive oil. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can marinate the steaks before cooking. A simple marinade can be made by combining olive oil, soy sauce, and your choice of seasonings. Marinate the steaks for at least 2 hours or even overnight for more intense flavour.
When you're ready to cook, preheat your air fryer. Most models should be preheated to 400°F for at least 3 to 5 minutes, but check your specific model's instructions. If desired, spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil or another high-heat cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Now it's time to season the steaks. You can use a simple blend of salt and pepper, or get creative with additional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, or even a small amount of brown sugar. Apply the seasonings generously to both sides of the steaks. If you marinated your steaks, be sure to discard the excess marinade before adding the seasonings.
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Air fryer settings
Firstly, preheating your air fryer is essential. Most air fryer recipes don't require preheating, but it's a must when cooking steak to get that desirable sear on the outside of the meat. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for at least 3-5 minutes. If you're using an air fryer basket, place it inside the air fryer during preheating.
When it comes to cooking your steak, the timing will depend on your desired doneness and the thickness of your steak. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 5-8 minutes per side, flipping halfway through. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your steak; thicker steaks may require slightly longer cooking times. Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, as the temperature will continue to rise while the steak rests.
If you prefer your steak medium, increase the cooking time to 8-9 minutes per side. For well-done steaks, you may need to cook for 10-12 minutes or more, depending on the thickness of the steak. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
Once your steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest. Wrap the steak in aluminium foil and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes. This crucial step ensures the steak reaches your desired doneness and allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender steak.
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Cooking the steak
First, take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures more even cooking. If you're cooking straight from frozen, you don't need to thaw it first.
Next, pat the steak dry with a paper towel and lightly coat both sides with olive oil. You can also add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer pan to prevent smoking during cooking.
Now it's time to season your steak. Mix your chosen dry seasoning ingredients and apply them to both sides of the steak. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is classic, but you can also add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and a little brown sugar. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought steak seasoning or make your own rub. If you want to get fancy, add a scoop of butter to the top of the steak while it cooks for a nice crust.
Preheat your air fryer to between 390°F and 400°F for at least 3 to 5 minutes. Place the steak into the hot air fryer basket and air fry for 5 to 8 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes for medium-rare. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak, how well you want it done, and your specific air fryer model. For a thicker steak, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes on each side.
Check the temperature with a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, remove the steak from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. For a perfect medium with a pink center, aim for 145°F.
When your steak is done, wrap it in foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes just before serving, if desired.
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Resting and serving the steak
Once you've cooked your ribeye steak in the air fryer, it's important to let it rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures your steak is juicy and tender. The resting time will depend on your desired level of doneness, but most recipes recommend resting the steak for at least 5 minutes. During this time, the steak's internal temperature will continue to rise, so it's important to take it into account when planning your cooking time.
To rest the steak, transfer it to a cutting board or plate and loosely tent it with foil. This will help keep the steak warm without drying it out. If you want to get fancy, you can add a pat of butter to the top of the steak while it rests. You can even make an herb butter with fresh parsley or rosemary to take your steak to the next level.
After resting, your steak is ready to be served! Sprinkle with sea salt flakes and garnish with finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives if desired. You can also serve your steak with a side of herb butter for an extra indulgent touch. Don't forget to pair it with your favorite side dishes, like a salad or roasted vegetables.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop the steak back into the air fryer or fry stovetop in oil or butter until heated through. Now you're ready to enjoy your perfectly cooked ribeye steak, with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak and how well you want it cooked. For a medium-rare steak, it should take around 10-15 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 130°F-135°F.
Allow your steak to reach room temperature before cooking, and make sure the air fryer is preheated.
You can use any seasoning you like, but a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is a popular choice.
