Air-Fried Rib Eye Steak: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Cooking a ribeye steak in an air fryer is an easy and convenient way to enjoy a juicy, tender steak with minimal fuss. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, and you can achieve a delicious steak with simple ingredients and minimal preparation. This guide will walk you through the steps to make a mouth-watering ribeye steak in your air fryer.

Choosing the best ribeye steak

When choosing a ribeye steak, look for a cut with a big eye—that's the large piece of white fat in the middle of the steak. The ribeye cut comes from the rib cage and rib primal located directly underneath a cow's backbone. The muscles that make up a ribeye are used less than others, making the cut a naturally tender piece of beef.

Ribeye steaks get their name from the heavily marbled piece of meat near the centre of the cut that serves as its "eye". When choosing a ribeye steak, look for one that's well-marbled throughout. The more marbling (fat), the juicier the final product will be. Look for steaks with good marbling for ideal juiciness.

For air frying, thicker steaks are ideal because they allow more time for the outside to get colour and crispness without overcooking the inside. Steaks that are about 1 1/4 inches thick are perfect. The average supermarket ribeye is usually less than 1 inch thick. Look for steaks around 1 1/2 inches thick, which may mean asking the butcher to cut them freshly for you.

If you can, choose Black Angus ribeye steak—it will have the best marbling and flavour.

How to season your steak

Seasoning your steak is a crucial step in the cooking process and can be done in a variety of ways. Firstly, it is important to bring your steak to room temperature before cooking. Take the steak out of the fridge 15 to 30 minutes before you plan to cook it.

Next, you'll want to pat the steak dry and brush each side with a small amount of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil. You can then apply your chosen seasoning. A simple yet effective option is to season the steak with salt and pepper, using a coarse variety of both for the best texture. You can also add garlic powder, which pairs well with the other two seasonings. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought steak seasoning or make your own. If you want to keep things simple, a good-quality steak will taste great with minimal seasoning.

For a more complex flavour, you can marinate the steak in a mixture of soy sauce, olive oil and seasoning for at least two hours before cooking. You can also make a compound butter to add to the steak as it finishes cooking. To make a compound butter, combine butter with ingredients such as roasted garlic, chives, and black pepper.

How to cook ribeye in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 2 ribeye steaks, 12-16oz each (about 1.25″ thick is ideal)
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or avocado oil spray
• Butter, for serving
• Fresh parsley, for serving (optional)

Method

• Take the steaks out of the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking.
• Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and lightly coat both sides with olive oil.
• Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, or a steak seasoning blend.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for at least 3-5 minutes.
• Place the steaks into the hot air fryer basket or tray and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or 9-10 minutes for medium. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steaks.
• For medium-rare, remove the steaks from the air fryer when the internal temperature reaches 130°F. For medium, remove at 140°F.
• Let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the steak more tender and juicy.

Tips

• If you want a crispy sear on the outside of the steak, you can finish cooking it in a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop.
• You can also marinate the steaks before air frying to enhance the flavor, but be sure to pat them dry before cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the steaks in batches if necessary.
• Always preheat the air fryer to ensure even cooking and a better sear on the steak.

How long does it take to cook ribeye in an air fryer?

The cooking time for a ribeye steak in an air fryer depends on the level of doneness you want to achieve. A rare steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 120-125°F (48-52°C), while a medium-rare steak should reach 130°F (54°C). For a medium steak, cook to 140°F (60°C), and for medium-well, cook to 150°F (65°C). If you prefer your steak well done, aim for an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C) or higher.

The cooking time will also depend on the thickness of your steak and the model of your air fryer. As a general rule, thicker steaks will take longer to cook than thinner ones. Most air fryers will cook a ribeye steak in 8-16 minutes, but the exact time can vary. It's important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak and ensure it's cooked to your desired level of doneness.

• Rare: 6-7 minutes
• Medium-rare: 8 minutes
• Medium: 9 minutes
• Medium-well: 10 minutes
• Well done: 11-12 minutes

It's worth noting that the steak will continue to cook for a few minutes after it's removed from the air fryer, so it's best to remove it just before it reaches your desired internal temperature.

Additionally, it's recommended to let the steak rest for about 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure a juicy and tender steak.

Tips and tricks for the best air fryer ribeye recipe

Choosing the right steak

Look for a ribeye that is bright red and has a big eye (the white fat in the middle) and lots of marbling (the fat spread throughout the meat). Thicker steaks are better for air frying, as they allow more time for the outside to crisp up without overcooking the inside. Aim for a thickness of around 1 ¼″, but no less than 1″.

Seasoning

Keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or use a steak seasoning, or even a marinade. If you're using a marinade, do it in the morning before cooking the steak in the evening. If you're keeping it simple, brush each side of the steak with olive oil and season generously.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for at least 3 minutes. This will ensure your steak gets a nice sear on the outside.

Cooking time

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for around 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F. For a medium steak, cook for around 8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.

Resting

Always let your steak rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute and results in a more tender and juicy steak.

Frequently asked questions