Air-Fried Prime Rib: A Quick, Juicy Feast

Cooking prime rib in an air fryer is a great way to make a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's perfect for special occasions and holidays, and the air fryer ensures juicy, tender meat with a crispy crust. The key to success is selecting the right size of meat to fit your air fryer and using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This method is easy to follow and will impress your guests and family.

Choosing the right cut of meat

First, you need to consider the size of your air fryer. The prime rib should fit comfortably in your air fryer basket, base pan, or rack. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to trim the meat or ask your butcher for a specific cut. On the other hand, if you have a larger air fryer like the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill plus Air Fryer, you can fit a more giant roast, up to 8 lbs.

When selecting your prime rib, it's best to go for a boneless cut. A bone-in prime rib will be more challenging to cook in an air fryer due to space constraints. Look for a boneless prime rib joint that will fit nicely in your air fryer.

The weight of the prime rib is also important. A typical serving size for prime rib is about 1 lb per person. So, for a family of five, you would need a 5-6 lb roast. This size also fits nicely in most air fryers. However, you can always adjust the weight according to the size of your air fryer and the number of people you're serving.

When shopping for prime rib, keep in mind that it is a pricey cut of meat. It is usually reserved for special occasions due to its cost. So, if you're looking to make prime rib for a holiday or special dinner, be prepared to invest in a good-quality cut of meat.

Finally, when selecting your meat, consider the marbling. Prime rib should have a good amount of fat marbling throughout the meat. This marbling will help keep the meat juicy and tender as it cooks. Look for a piece with nice, even fat distribution, as this will result in a more flavourful and juicy roast.

By considering the size of your air fryer, choosing a boneless cut, selecting the appropriate weight, being mindful of the cost, and looking for good marbling, you can choose the perfect cut of meat for your air fryer prime rib.

Preparing the meat

Firstly, select a prime rib that fits in your air fryer. The size of the cut will depend on the type of air fryer you have. For example, the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill plus Air Fryer can fit a roast of up to 8 lbs. It is recommended to opt for a boneless prime rib as a bone-in cut will be challenging to cook in an air fryer.

Once you have selected the right size of meat, remove it from its packaging. If there are any strings or pop-up thermometers attached, take them off as they are not necessary.

Before seasoning the meat, pat it dry with a paper towel. Then, generously rub olive oil over the prime rib. This will ensure that the seasonings stick to the meat.

Next comes the seasoning. The exact choice of seasonings can vary according to your taste, but a typical combination includes crushed garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, fresh rosemary, and thyme. You can also add butter, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, chives, and mustard powder to the mix. Make sure to coat the prime rib well with the seasonings, rubbing them all over the meat.

After seasoning, place the prime rib into the air fryer basket or base pan. It is now ready to be cooked!

In conclusion, preparing the meat for prime rib in an air fryer involves selecting the right cut, removing it from the packaging, drying and seasoning it, and finally, placing it in the air fryer. By following these steps, you will be well on your way to creating a delicious and tender prime rib.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making prime rib in an air fryer will depend on how well you want your meat cooked.

If you want your prime rib rare, cook for 6 minutes per pound at 275°F. For a rare roast, you are looking for an internal temperature of 120°F-125°F.

For a medium-rare prime rib, cook for 8 minutes per pound at 275°F. For a medium-rare finish, the internal temperature should be 130°F-135°F.

If you prefer your meat medium, then cook for 10 minutes per pound at 275°F. A medium prime rib will have an internal temperature of 140°F-145°F.

It is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your roast. You should insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone.

Once your prime rib has reached the desired internal temperature, it is important to let the meat rest for 10-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to reabsorb, ensuring the meat is tender and juicy.

Resting the meat

After cooking, remove the prime rib from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board or plate. It is important to let the meat rest for 10-20 minutes before slicing. During this time, the juices will reabsorb into the meat, keeping it moist and flavourful. If you cut into the meat too soon, the juices will escape, and your prime rib will be dry.

The meat will continue to increase in temperature by 5-10 degrees while it rests. So, if you are aiming for a final temperature of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit, you should remove the prime rib from the air fryer when it is about 5 degrees below your desired temperature.

The resting time also gives you a chance to make a gravy with the meat juices left in the air fryer.

Serving suggestions

Prime rib is a special dish, perfect for occasions like Christmas dinner, New Year's, or an anniversary. It's a costly cut of meat, so you'll want to make sure you serve it right!

First, let's talk about what to serve with your prime rib. You'll want to go with some classic, hearty sides. Mashed potatoes are a great option, as are roasted potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, or even mashed cauliflower if you're looking for something lower-carb. Some other options include green beans, asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted Brussels sprouts. Don't forget the gravy! You can make a delicious gravy using the grease from the beef, flour, wine, and beef broth.

Now, let's talk about how to serve your prime rib. It's important to let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it. This will give the juices a chance to reabsorb, ensuring your meat is tender and juicy. When you're ready to slice, cut against the grain for the most tender pieces.

Finally, don't forget to garnish! Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs will add a beautiful finishing touch to your dish and impress your guests.

There you have it! You're now ready to serve your mouthwatering air fryer prime rib. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions