Tillie Doyle
Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get a juicy, tender, and succulent steak. It's a hands-off method that rivals pan-fried or grilled steak, and it's less greasy. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak, how well you want it cooked, and your air fryer model. This introduction will cover the steps to cooking a thick ribeye in an air fryer, including preheating, seasoning, and cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak thickness | 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" thick |
| Steak weight | 12-16oz |
| Steak type | Boneless ribeye |
| Steak colour | Bright red |
| Marbling | Well-marbled |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil spray |
| Butter | Grass-fed, vegan, herb butter |
| Other seasonings | Chives, parsley, rosemary |
| Marinade | Soy sauce, olive oil |
| Preheat temperature | 400°F |
| Preheat time | 3-5 minutes |
| Cooking temperature | 400°F |
| Cooking time | 12-14 minutes for medium-rare |
| Internal temperature | 130-140°F for medium-rare |
| Resting time | 5 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right steak
Thickness:
Look for a thicker steak, ideally about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker steaks, such as those around 1.25 inches thick, allow more time for the outside to develop a desirable colour and crispness without overcooking the inside. Steaks of this thickness typically take around 12 to 14 minutes to cook to medium-rare.
Marbling:
Marbling refers to the flecks of fat distributed throughout the meat. The amount of marbling is a critical factor in the tenderness and juiciness of the steak. Look for a ribeye with abundant marbling, as the fat melts during cooking, keeping the meat moist and succulent. Prime grade steaks have the highest amount of marbling, followed by Choice grade, while Select grade steaks have minimal marbling.
Colour:
When shopping for a ribeye, look for a bright red colour. A large "eye" or "cap" in the centre of the steak, which is the piece of white fat, is also desirable.
Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed:
Consider your preference for grass-fed or grain-fed steak. Grass-fed steak is generally considered healthier, with higher levels of Omega-3s, fatty acids, and vitamins A and E. It also tends to have a more complex flavour profile due to the cows' diet and increased muscular activity from roaming free. Grain-fed steak, on the other hand, may have a more even taste profile and is associated with a juicier texture due to higher intramuscular fat content.
USDA Grading:
If you're located in the United States, you can refer to the USDA beef grading system. Prime-grade steaks have the most marbling and are the highest quality, followed by Choice grade, which still offers a good amount of marbling at a more affordable price. Select grade steaks have minimal marbling and are generally less desirable.
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Preheat the air fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking a thick ribeye steak. While it may not be necessary for most air fryer recipes, preheating is essential when cooking steak to achieve a nice sear on the outside of the meat. The ideal temperature for preheating your air fryer is 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and you should aim to preheat it for at least 3 to 5 minutes. This will ensure that your steak gets a good sear and cooks evenly.
It is important to note that the cooking time for your steak will depend on its thickness. Thicker steaks will require a longer cooking time, usually around 12 to 14 minutes for a thick steak of about 1.25 inches for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak cooked to a different level of doneness, you can use a meat thermometer to determine the appropriate cooking time. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Before preheating your air fryer, there are a few preparation steps to ensure your steak cooks evenly. First, remove your steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure more even cooking. Pat your steak dry with a paper towel, and lightly coat both sides with olive oil or avocado oil spray. This will help the seasoning stick to the steak and promote even browning.
Now, you are ready to preheat your air fryer. Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it preheat for at least 3 to 5 minutes. This will ensure that your air fryer is nice and hot and ready to cook your steak evenly on all sides. Once preheated, carefully place your seasoned steak into the air fryer basket or tray, depending on the style of your air fryer. Be sure to cook your steak in a single layer and do not overcrowd the basket. Leave some space around the steak for the air to circulate properly.
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Seasoning the steak
The first step is to choose your seasonings. A simple blend of sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder is a classic choice that will complement the steak's flavour without overwhelming it. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with other seasonings like rosemary, chilli powder, or paprika. You can also use a pre-made steak seasoning blend, which you can find at most grocery stores.
Once you have your seasonings selected, it's time to prepare the steak. Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This will allow the steak to come to room temperature, which promotes more even cooking. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel, as a dry surface will help the seasonings stick better.
Now, it's time to apply the seasonings. You can simply sprinkle the seasonings over the steak and use your fingers to rub them in, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Alternatively, you can place the seasonings in a small bowl and mix them with a drizzle of olive oil to create a paste, which you can then rub all over the steak. Don't forget to season both sides of the steak!
If you want to take your steak to the next level, you can try marinating it. Place the steak in a resealable bag or container and add a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, and your choice of seasonings. Make sure the steak is well-coated, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. Remove the steak from the marinade, pat it dry, and proceed with cooking.
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Cooking the steak
First, take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This will ensure more even cooking. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and lightly coat both sides with olive oil.
Next, season the steaks. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is sufficient, but feel free to use steak seasoning or your favorite spices. You can also marinate the steaks in the morning before cooking by combining them with soy sauce, olive oil, and seasoning in a large resealable bag.
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 3-5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil or olive oil spray, then place the steaks inside, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. For thicker steaks, you may need to cook them one at a time.
Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steaks and your desired level of doneness. For a thick steak (about 1 1/2 inches thick), cook for 5-6 minutes on each side for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. Use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare.
After cooking, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to rise a few degrees. Tent the steaks with foil and top with a pat of butter and fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired.
Note that cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer model, so adjust the timing as needed.
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Resting the steak
To rest the steak, remove it from the air fryer and place it on a large plate or cutting board. Loosely cover it with a piece of foil. The foil will help to keep the steak warm and allow the steam to escape, preventing it from overcooking.
Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature of the steak will continue to rise by a few degrees. This is why it is important to remove the steak from the air fryer a few degrees before it reaches your desired doneness.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare any side dishes or toppings that you plan to serve with it. For example, you might want to serve your steak with a pat of butter and some fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives. You could also sprinkle it with sea salt flakes just before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 3 minutes. Then, pat the steak dry, season, and place it in the air fryer basket. For a medium-rare steak, cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through. After cooking, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
The average supermarket ribeye is usually less than 1" thick. For an air fryer, you should look for a thicker steak, ideally between 1 1/4" and 1 1/2" thick.
The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak, how well you want it cooked, and your specific air fryer model. A thick ribeye cooked medium-rare will likely take 12–14 minutes, but this may vary depending on your air fryer.
