Air Fryer Prime Rib: A Quick, Juicy Delight

Air fryer prime rib is a juicy and tender cut of meat that can be cooked to perfection in under two hours. It is a great option for a special occasion dinner as it is easy to make and will impress your guests. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make a delicious prime rib using an air fryer.

Choosing the right cut of meat

Bone-in vs. Boneless

Prime rib can be cooked bone-in or boneless in an air fryer. A bone-in prime rib will have a more intense flavour, but it may be challenging to fit in an air fryer, especially if it's on the larger side. A boneless prime rib is typically a better option for air frying as it fits more easily in the appliance. If you opt for bone-in, choose a smaller cut or ask your butcher for a specific cut to ensure it fits in your air fryer.

Size of the Cut

The size of the prime rib roast should be considered when selecting a cut of meat. A typical prime rib roast weighs between 3 and 6 pounds, but they can be as small as 2 pounds or as large as 8 pounds. Ensure that your chosen cut will fit comfortably in your air fryer with some space around it for even cooking. If needed, you can trim the meat to fit your air fryer basket or base dish.

Quality of Meat

Prime rib is a high-quality, expensive cut of beef, usually reserved for special occasions. Look for a well-marbled prime rib with a good amount of fat running through it, as this will result in a juicy and tender roast. Choose a reputable butcher or meat supplier to ensure the best quality meat.

Fresh vs. Frozen

While it is possible to cook frozen prime rib in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to thaw the meat first to ensure maximum flavour and even cooking. If you choose to cook from frozen, increase the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches the desired level before serving.

Type of Air Fryer

The type and size of your air fryer will also determine the best cut of meat. If you have a smaller air fryer or one with a basket, you may need to choose a smaller prime rib roast to ensure it fits properly. Consider the shape of your air fryer and select a cut of meat that will fit well within the cooking space.

When choosing the right cut of meat for air fryer prime rib, it's important to consider the size and type of your air fryer, as well as your personal preferences for bone-in or boneless meat. Always opt for high-quality, fresh prime rib to ensure the best results.

Preparing the meat

Firstly, take your prime rib out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This step is important as it ensures that the beef will cook evenly throughout. Aim to let it sit for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the roast. For a 6-pound prime rib, you may only need 30 minutes, but for larger roasts, it could take longer.

Now it's time to season the meat. Pat the prime rib dry with paper towels. Then, rub the roast with butter or olive oil. You can be generous with the butter or oil, as this will help create a crispy crust. Next, season the prime rib with salt and pepper, and other seasonings of your choice. You can use a simple seasoning mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried or fresh rosemary and thyme. Alternatively, you could try a horseradish crust by adding horseradish, chives, and garlic to the roast. You could also try a rub of garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, or a mix of paprika, brown sugar, mixed herbs, mustard powder, and garlic powder.

Once your meat is seasoned, it's time to place it in the air fryer. If you have a basket-style air fryer, gently place the prime rib inside. If you have a tray-style air fryer, spray the tray with oil first, and then place the prime rib on the tray.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time for air fryer prime rib will depend on the weight of the meat and the desired level of doneness. A 6-pound prime rib, for instance, will take about 75 minutes to cook in total. For a smaller cut of meat, you should check the temperature after about 35 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time includes both the initial searing of the meat and the subsequent slow cooking. The searing step helps to create a nice crust on the outside of the prime rib while allowing the inside to start cooking. This is typically done at a higher temperature, such as 390 or 400 degrees Fahrenheit, for 15 to 20 minutes.

After the searing step, the temperature is lowered to around 315 degrees Fahrenheit for the slow cooking phase. This step can take anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes, depending on the weight of the prime rib and the desired level of doneness.

To determine the desired level of doneness, it is recommended to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. For a rare prime rib, the internal temperature should be 115 degrees Fahrenheit. For medium-rare, the temperature should be 120 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. And for a medium prime rib, the temperature should be 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

It's important to remove the prime rib from the air fryer when it's about 5 degrees Fahrenheit below your desired final temperature, as the meat will continue to cook while it rests. The resting period is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender prime rib. The resting time can range from 10 to 30 minutes.

When reheating prime rib in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to a lower temperature, such as 270 to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the meat for 10 to 15 minutes, or 3 to 5 minutes for individual slices.

Resting the meat

The ideal resting time for prime rib cooked in an air fryer is generally considered to be around 20 minutes. However, some recipes suggest resting the meat for up to 30 minutes. This longer resting time is particularly recommended when cooking a larger cut of meat, such as a prime rib roast.

During the resting period, it is important to keep the meat loosely covered with foil to ensure it stays warm. Additionally, the resting time provides an opportunity to prepare any side dishes or sauces that will accompany the prime rib.

It is important to note that the meat will continue to cook slightly during the resting period, so it should be removed from the air fryer when it is about 5°F below the desired final temperature. This ensures that the meat reaches the perfect level of doneness while retaining its moisture and flavour.

By allowing the prime rib to rest adequately, you will be rewarded with a tender, juicy, and flavourful roast that your family and guests will surely enjoy.

Making gravy from the juices

Now, for the gravy! This is an optional step, but it's a great way to use the juices from the prime rib to create a delicious sauce to accompany your meal. Here's how you can make it:

Firstly, transfer the grease and juices that have collected in the air fryer basket during cooking into a saucepan. Turn the heat up to medium-high and wait for the grease to get really hot.

Next, add flour to the saucepan and whisk it vigorously until there are no lumps. This step is important to avoid a lumpy gravy. Slowly pour in a cup of red wine, whisking continuously.

Once the wine is incorporated, pour in three cups of unsalted or low-sodium beef broth/stock and continue to whisk. Turn the heat down to medium and let the gravy simmer. This will help reduce the liquid and thicken the gravy. Simmer the gravy for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency. Don't forget to season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste!

And there you have it! A delicious, hearty gravy to accompany your air fryer prime rib. This gravy is full of flavour and makes use of all the delicious juices from the meat. It's the perfect addition to your holiday or special occasion meal.

Frequently asked questions