
Cooking a Tomahawk steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious steak without the mess of a grill or skillet. The Tomahawk steak is a bone-in ribeye, cut from the rib section with the large rib bone still attached, giving it the appearance of a tomahawk axe. This cut of steak is becoming more common in butcher shops and higher-end grocery stores. While cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness, the general process is simple: preheat the air fryer, season the steak, cook the steak in the air fryer, and then let it rest before serving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Steak Type | Tomahawk |
| Steak Temperature | 125°F for Rare, 135°F for Medium-Rare, 145°F for Medium, 150°F for Medium-Well, 160°F+ for Well-Done |
| Steak Temperature with Meat Thermometer | 130°F for Medium-Rare, 140°F for Medium-Rare (bone-in ribeye), 150°F for Medium-Well |
| Steak Temperature in Oven | Preheat oven to 375°F |
| Steak Temperature in Air Fryer | 200°F, 375°F, 400°F |
| Steak Seasoning | Salt, Pepper, Herbs, Butter, Garlic, Chives, Parsley, Rosemary, Thyme |
| Steak Resting Time | 5-10 minutes, ideally equal to the cooking time |
| Steak Storage | Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days |
| Steak Sides | Melting potatoes, creamy mashed potatoes, garlic-Parmesan roasted carrots, garlic-herb wedge salad, cacio e pepe Brussels sprouts |
| Steak Cooking Time | 7 minutes for Rare/Medium-Rare, 9 minutes for Medium, 11 minutes for Medium-Well, 10 minutes for Medium-Rare (bone-in ribeye), 12-14 minutes for Medium (bone-in ribeye), 12-16 minutes depending on thickness and doneness |
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What You'll Learn

Pre-heat the air fryer to 200°C for 5 minutes
Preheating your air fryer is an important step in cooking your tomahawk steak. Set the temperature to 200°C and let the air fryer preheat for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that your steak cooks evenly and efficiently.
While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your steak. Start by letting the steak come to room temperature. This will help ensure even cooking. You can also season your steak with salt, pepper, herbs, and butter to enhance the flavour. If you want to get creative, you can try marinating the steak overnight in the fridge before cooking it.
It's important to note that the cooking time for your tomahawk steak will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness. A thicker steak will take longer to cook, and the cooking time will vary for rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done. Adjust your cooking time accordingly to achieve your desired result.
Additionally, consider using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. This will help you determine when your steak is cooked to your preferred doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F, as the steak will continue to cook for a bit after you take it out of the air fryer.
By preheating your air fryer to 200°C for 5 minutes, you'll create the ideal environment for cooking your tomahawk steak to perfection. Remember to factor in the thickness of the steak and adjust the cooking time accordingly for the best results.
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Season the steak with salt, pepper, and herbs
Seasoning your tomahawk steak with salt, pepper, and herbs is a crucial step in the cooking process, as it adds flavour and enhances the taste of the meat. Here is a detailed guide to help you season your steak like a pro:
Firstly, choose your herbs. While selecting herbs, consider the ones that complement the natural flavours of the beef. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, parsley, and chives. You can use these herbs fresh or dried, according to your preference. If you want to experiment, feel free to mix and match different herbs to create a unique blend.
Next, take your steak and pat it dry with a paper towel. Removing any excess moisture will help the seasonings adhere better to the meat. Once the steak is dry, generously sprinkle salt and pepper over the entire surface, ensuring you cover all areas evenly, including the sides. Don't be shy with the salt, as tomahawk steaks are thick cuts, so they require a good amount of seasoning. You can use a basic ratio of 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper per pound of steak as a starting point.
Now, it's time to add your chosen herbs. You can either sprinkle dried herbs directly onto the steak or massage the fresh herbs onto the meat, gently pressing them into the surface to ensure they stick. If you have time, you can also try making a wet rub by mixing the herbs with a little olive oil, creating a paste that you can then generously rub onto the steak. This technique will ensure a more intense flavour and help keep the meat moist during cooking.
Finally, after seasoning, let the steak rest at room temperature for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat and ensures that your steak cooks evenly. Once the resting period is over, you can proceed to cook your tomahawk steak in your air fryer, following your preferred cooking instructions.
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Cook for 7 minutes for rare/medium-rare, 9 minutes for medium, and 11 minutes for medium-well
When cooking a tomahawk steak in an air fryer, timing is crucial. As a general rule, preheat your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius for 5 minutes. Then, place your steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 7 minutes for a rare/medium-rare steak, 9 minutes for a medium steak, and 11 minutes for a medium-well steak. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of your steak. For a rare/medium-rare steak, turn the steak over after 4 minutes. For a medium steak, flip it after 5 minutes, and for a medium-well steak, turn it over after 6.5 minutes.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, as well as the thickness of your steak. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness. For a rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well.
Additionally, let your steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the steak to continue cooking slightly and prevents it from drying out. Resting time is usually the same as the cooking time. For example, if you cooked your steak for 7 minutes, let it rest for 7 minutes before slicing into it.
Cooking a tomahawk steak in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to enjoy a delicious steak at home. With the right timing and temperature control, you can achieve your desired doneness and have a tender and juicy steak every time.
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Flip the steak halfway through
Flipping the steak halfway through is an important step in cooking a tomahawk steak in an air fryer. This ensures that the steak is cooked evenly on both sides and helps to achieve the desired doneness. The timing of the flip will depend on the thickness of your steak and your preferred level of doneness.
For a medium-rare steak, a general rule of thumb is to cook the steak for a total of 7 minutes, flipping it halfway through at the 4-minute mark. This allows for even cooking on both sides, resulting in a juicy and pink centre. If you prefer your steak more on the rare side, you may want to flip it earlier, around the 3-minute mark, and cook it for a total of 6 minutes or less.
On the other hand, if you like your steak medium or medium-well, you will need to increase the cooking time accordingly. For a medium steak, aim for a total cooking time of 9 minutes, flipping at the 5-minute mark. For a medium-well steak, cook it for a total of 11 minutes, flipping at the 6.5-minute mark. Keep in mind that these timings are just guidelines and may vary slightly depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your steak.
When flipping the steak, use tongs or a spatula to gently lift and turn the steak. Be careful not to pierce or cut into the steak, as this can cause the juices to escape, resulting in a drier steak. After flipping, continue cooking for the remaining time, keeping an eye on the steak to ensure it doesn't overcook. Remember, the steak will continue to cook for a bit even after you take it out of the air fryer, so it's important to remove it just before it reaches your desired level of doneness.
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Let the steak rest for the same amount of time it was cooked for
Resting your steak is a critical step in the cooking process. It is important to let your steak rest for the same amount of time it was cooked for, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a juicy and tender steak.
When a steak is cooking, the juices are forced away from the surface towards the centre, creating a high concentration of moisture in the middle. This results in the centre of the steak becoming supersaturated with liquid. If you were to cut into the steak immediately after cooking, these juices would spill out, and your steak would lose flavour and moisture.
By letting the steak rest, the temperature of the meat slowly decreases, and the muscle fibres and proteins relax. This relaxation allows the juices to migrate back from the centre to the edges of the steak, and the fibres are able to reabsorb the moisture. This process ensures that when you cut into the steak, the juices remain inside, resulting in a tender and juicy bite.
The amount of resting time required depends on the size and thickness of your steak. As a general rule, thicker steaks require longer resting times. For example, a thick steak should rest for a minimum of five minutes, while a whole steak roast should rest for at least 10-20 minutes.
Additionally, it is important to note that the steak will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer due to carryover cooking. Therefore, it is recommended to remove the steak from the heat a few minutes before it reaches the desired temperature to achieve the ideal doneness.
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Frequently asked questions
Tomahawk steaks are a type of bone-in ribeye steak. While there are no specific instructions for cooking Tomahawk steaks in an air fryer, you can follow the general guidelines for cooking steak in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 5 minutes. Then, cook the steak for 7 minutes for rare/medium-rare, 9 minutes for medium, and 11 minutes for medium-well, flipping the steak halfway through.
The best way to tell if your steak is done is to use a meat thermometer. For a rare steak, the internal temperature should be 125°F, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well-done. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook a little after you take it out of the air fryer, so adjust accordingly.
Seasoning your Tomahawk steak is a matter of personal preference. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with herbs, spices, and garlic. You can also marinate the steak overnight in the fridge before cooking.











































