Air-Fried Prime Rib: A Quick, Juicy Feast

Cooking prime rib in an air fryer is a great way to make a delicious and juicy roast without spending hours in the kitchen. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a mouth-watering, tender prime rib in an air fryer, from preparation to cooking to serving suggestions.

Choosing the right cut of meat

Bone-in vs. Boneless:

Start by deciding whether to go for a bone-in or boneless prime rib. A bone-in prime rib can include up to seven ribs, contributing to a juicy and flavourful dish. However, for air frying, a boneless prime rib is often recommended due to space constraints. A boneless prime rib joint will fit more easily into the air fryer basket, ensuring even cooking.

Size and Weight:

The size and weight of the prime rib are crucial. Most air fryer recipes call for a prime rib weighing between 3 and 6 pounds. This weight range ensures the meat fits comfortably in the air fryer and cooks evenly. If your roast is too large, you may need to trim it to fit, or consider cooking it in batches.

Quality:

Prime rib is a high-quality cut of beef, typically reserved for special occasions due to its price. Look for a well-marbled prime rib, which will have a good amount of intramuscular fat. This marbling adds flavour and helps keep the meat juicy and tender during the air frying process.

Freshness:

Whenever possible, opt for fresh prime rib over frozen. Fresh meat will give you better flavour and texture. If you're using frozen prime rib, be sure to thaw it completely before air frying to ensure even cooking.

Preparation:

Before air frying, bring your prime rib to room temperature. This step helps the meat cook more evenly. You can also pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which can affect the cooking process and final texture.

Seasoning:

While the exact seasoning blend is a matter of personal preference, liberally seasoning your prime rib is key. A good rule of thumb is to use a generous amount of salt and pepper, along with your choice of herbs and spices. A well-seasoned exterior will create a delicious crust and enhance the overall flavour of the dish.

Preparing the meat

Firstly, it is important to select the right cut of meat. Prime rib, also known as standing rib roast or prime rib roast, is a high-quality, flavourful, and tender cut of beef. It can be bone-in or boneless, but for cooking in an air fryer, a boneless prime rib joint is recommended due to space constraints. The size of the roast should also be considered, with a 2-3 rib joint typically serving 6-8 people.

Once you have selected your prime rib, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This step is important as it allows the meat to come to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking. While the meat is coming to room temperature, you can preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F.

The next step is seasoning the prime rib. This is where you can get creative and add your desired flavours. Start by patting the meat dry using a paper towel. Then, drizzle or brush olive oil over the surface of the meat. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and promote browning. After that, you can season the prime rib with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, or your favourite beef seasoning mix. Be generous with the seasonings and make sure to coat all sides of the meat.

After seasoning, it's time to place the prime rib in the air fryer basket. Ensure that the meat sits flat without touching the sides of the basket. If your air fryer has a rotisserie function, you can use it for even cooking and browning. If not, don't worry; the air fryer will still produce excellent results.

Now, you're ready to start cooking! For a prime rib cooked to medium-rare, set the air fryer temperature to 315°F and cook for about 55 minutes. If you prefer your meat more well done, you can increase the cooking time or adjust the temperature accordingly. It's important to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat and determine its doneness. The ideal internal temperature for medium-rare prime rib is around 130-135°F.

Remember, the key to juicy and tender prime rib is to let it rest after cooking. Once the desired internal temperature is reached, remove the prime rib from the air fryer and let it rest for at least 10-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavourful and tender final product.

Cooking the meat

Firstly, take your beef joint out of the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Pat the meat dry with a paper towel, then drizzle with olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper. You can also add your choice of seasoning, such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, or horseradish.

Next, preheat your air fryer to between 375 and 400°F. Place the beef in the air fryer basket and cook for 15-20 minutes. Then, without removing the meat, turn the temperature down to between 315 and 350°F and cook for a further 45-60 minutes, depending on how well done you like your meat.

The best way to check if your meat is cooked to your liking is to use a meat thermometer. For rare meat, the internal temperature should be 120-125°F, for medium-rare, 130-135°F, and for medium, 140-145°F.

Once the meat is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 10-30 minutes. This is an important step, as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy roast. Finally, carve the meat into thin slices and serve.

Resting the meat

The prime rib will continue to cook while resting, so it is important to remove it from the air fryer when it is about 5–10 degrees Fahrenheit lower than your desired final temperature. For example, if you are aiming for a medium-rare doneness, you should remove the prime rib from the air fryer when it reaches an internal temperature of 130–135°F, and let it rest until it reaches 135–140°F.

While the meat is resting, you can prepare side dishes such as mashed potatoes, green beans, asparagus, or sautéed mushrooms. You can also make a gravy using the grease collected from the air fryer basket. Simply transfer the grease to a saucepan, whisk in some flour, and slowly add in wine and beef broth. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the desired consistency is reached.

After the resting period, use a sharp knife to carve thin slices against the grain and arrange them on a serving platter. Prime rib is often served with horseradish sauce or au jus, so be sure to have those condiments available as well.

Serving suggestions

Prime rib is a juicy, tender, and flavourful cut of meat that is usually reserved for special occasions. It is best served rare, medium-rare, or medium, and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:

Side Dishes

• Mashed potatoes: Buttermilk mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes are classic choices that complement the prime rib perfectly.
• Vegetables: Air fryer green beans, asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted Brussels sprouts make for tasty and healthy sides.
• Bread: Air fryer garlic bread or Yorkshire puddings are excellent options to soak up the delicious juices from the prime rib.
• Potatoes: Baby potatoes, roast potatoes, or individual Yorkshire puddings are always a hit and pair well with the meat.

Condiments and Sauces

• Horseradish sauce: A traditional choice that enhances the flavour of the prime rib.
• Au jus: This classic French sauce adds a touch of elegance to your meal.
• Gravy: Make a delicious gravy using the grease from the air fryer basket, flour, wine, and beef broth.

Presentation

Garnish the prime rib with fresh rosemary or thyme for a beautiful and fragrant presentation that will impress your guests.

Frequently asked questions