Air-Fried Ribeye Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking a ribeye steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a juicy, tender steak with minimal fuss. This cooking method is perfect for when you want a delicious steak without having to fire up the grill. By using an air fryer, you can achieve a crispy exterior and a juicy, tender interior without the need for fancy seasonings or extensive preparation.

Choosing the best ribeye steak

First, a little background on ribeye: this cut comes from the rib cage and rib primal located directly under the cow's backbone. The muscles that make up the ribeye are not used as frequently as others, making this a naturally tender piece of beef. The name "ribeye" comes from the distinctive feature of this cut: a heavily marbled piece of meat near the centre, which serves as its "eye."

When choosing a ribeye steak, look for one with abundant marbling, which is the flecks of fat within the meat. The more marbling a steak has, the juicier it will be. Look for a steak that is bright red with a large eye—the white piece of fat in the middle. Select ribeye steaks with good marbling for the ideal juiciness.

For air frying, thicker steaks are preferable because they allow more time for the outside to develop colour and crispness without overcooking the inside. Steaks that are about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches thick are ideal.

When shopping, look for Black Angus ribeye if possible, as this variety is known for superior marbling and flavour.

Before cooking, always let your steak come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.

Now you know how to choose the best ribeye steak for your air fryer!

How to season your steak

When it comes to seasoning your steak, you have a few options. A good steak can go a long way with just a simple sprinkling of salt and pepper, but if you're looking for something more complex, there are some great options to try!

Simple Seasoning

If you're a fan of keeping things classic, a generous seasoning of salt and pepper on both sides of your steak is a perfect choice. You can also add some garlic powder to the mix for an extra kick of flavour. This simple trio of seasonings is a great way to enhance the natural flavour of the steak without overwhelming it.

Compound Butter

For something a little more indulgent, you can make a compound butter to melt on top of your steak. This is a great way to add a boost of flavour and some extra moisture to your steak. To make a compound butter, simply mix softened butter with your choice of herbs and spices. Some popular options include roasted garlic, chives, parsley, and black pepper. You can also get creative and add ingredients like chilli powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Marinade

If you're looking to add some extra flavour to your steak, marinating it beforehand is a great option. You can use a variety of ingredients for your marinade, such as olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper. Simply combine the ingredients in a small bowl and rub them all over your steak. Let the steak sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you're planning ahead. Before cooking, be sure to pat the steak dry to remove any excess moisture.

Steak Seasoning

If you're looking for something convenient, you can also use a store-bought steak seasoning or rub. These typically include a blend of spices and herbs specifically designed to enhance the flavour of steak. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging, and you'll have a delicious, flavourful steak in no time!

Tips for Seasoning

• When seasoning your steak, be sure to season both sides generously.
• Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different seasoning blends.
• If you're using a compound butter, add it to your steak about a minute before it's finished cooking so it has time to melt and absorb into the meat.
• If you're marinating your steak, bring it to room temperature before cooking and pat it dry before placing it in the air fryer.
• For the best results, always let your steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and the flavours to develop.

With these seasoning options and tips, you're well on your way to creating a delicious, flavourful ribeye steak in your air fryer!

How long to cook your steak

The cooking time for your steak will depend on your desired level of doneness, the thickness of your steak, and the model of your air fryer.

For a medium-rare steak, cook your steak for 10-12 minutes in total. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. For a thicker steak, you may need to increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes on each side.

For a medium steak, cook for 12-14 minutes in total. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes.

If you are cooking more than one steak, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

To check that your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F. For a medium steak, the internal temperature should be 140-145°F.

How to get a crispy sear on your steak

To get a crispy sear on your steak, you can use the reverse searing method. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Then, rub your steak with avocado oil or olive oil and season it with salt and pepper or your preferred steak seasoning. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak. For a rare steak, cook for 8 minutes in total.

Next, preheat a cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat until it is smoking hot. Remove the steak from the air fryer and place it in the hot skillet. Sear each side of the steak for 1-2 minutes, or until a rich, crispy crust forms. For an extra decadent touch, melt some butter in the skillet and add minced garlic. Spoon the garlic butter over the steak as it cooks.

Finally, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This method will give your steak a golden crust and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

What to serve with your steak

Now that you've cooked your ribeye steak in the air fryer, it's time to think about what to serve with it. Here are some ideas for side dishes to accompany your juicy steak:

Potatoes

• Mashed potatoes: Go for a classic, creamy mash or load it up with sour cream, chives, bacon and cheddar.
• Scalloped potatoes: Thin-sliced, super cheesy baked potatoes that can be cooked in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
• Sweet potato fries: A healthy alternative to regular fries, low in fat and rich in vitamins.
• Air fryer potato wedges: A healthier option cooked without oil in the air fryer.
• Syracuse Salt Potatoes: A simple dish with only three ingredients: potatoes, salt and butter.
• Crispy Roasted Parmesan Potatoes: Golden roasted potatoes with a crispy exterior and tender interior.
• Air fryer baby potatoes: A simple side that will satisfy any meat-and-potatoes fan.
• Air fryer red potatoes
• Air fryer sweet potatoes
• Air fryer hasselback potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes with crispy edges.

Bread

Texas Roadhouse Rolls: Buttery bread is a must with steak. Try soft dinner rolls, garlic bread or a crunchy French baguette.

Vegetables

• Salad: A simple salad of leafy greens will help break through the richness of the steak. Try a spinach salad with apples, walnuts and feta, or arugula with shaved Parmesan and a honey vinaigrette.
• Roasted vegetables: Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, zucchini, or air fryer cabbage steaks and mushrooms.
• Green beans: Try them almondine-style with garlic, butter and almonds, or with a crack recipe that includes bacon, onion, garlic and spices.
• Corn: Corn on the cob, corn salad or creamy corn kernels simmered in butter and cream.
• Cauliflower: Try roasted cauliflower as a low-carb alternative to potatoes, or cauliflower fried rice.
• Carrots: Honey-roasted or garlic Parmesan-roasted carrots.
• Peas: Try a baked risotto with lemon, peas and Parmesan.

Other Sides

• Mac and cheese
• Onion rings
• Coleslaw

And there you have it! Plenty of options to choose from to create a delicious, well-rounded meal to impress your guests or satisfy your steak cravings.

Frequently asked questions