Air-Fried Ribeye: A Quick, Juicy Steak Perfection

Cooking ribeye steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic dinner. The air fryer method produces a tender, juicy steak with simple seasonings in just a few minutes. This guide will cover the best way to cook ribeye in an air fryer, including pre-cooking preparation, cooking times and temperatures, and post-cooking tips.

How to Make Ribeye in an Air Fryer

Choosing the best ribeye 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 other parts of the animal, making the cut a naturally tender piece of beef.

When choosing a ribeye steak, look for one that's well-marbled throughout. The more marbling (fat), the juicier the final product will be. A good ribeye steak should have a heavily marbled piece of meat near the center of the cut that serves as its "eye".

When selecting your steak, aim for a thickness of around 1 1/2 inches. Thicker steaks are ideal for air frying as they allow more time for the outside to get crispy without overcooking the inside.

If possible, look for black angus ribeye steak—it will have the best marbling and flavor.

Before cooking, take the steaks out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. This ensures more even cooking.

Marinating the steak

Firstly, choose a high-quality ribeye steak, as this will ensure the best flavour and tenderness. You can opt for either bone-in or boneless ribeye steaks, depending on your preference. Look for a steak that is well-marbled, with a good amount of fat running through it, as this will result in a juicier final product.

Next, prepare the marinade. A simple combination of olive oil, soy sauce, and a seasoning blend works well. Place the steak in a large resealable bag and pour in the marinade. You can also add other ingredients to the bag, such as garlic, rosemary, or butter, for extra flavour. Seal the bag, ensuring that the steak is fully coated in the marinade, and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the steak to marinate for at least two hours, but preferably overnight, for maximum flavour penetration.

Once the steak has finished marinating, remove it from the bag and discard the excess marinade. It is important to pat the steak dry with a paper towel before cooking, as this will help to create a crispy exterior in the air fryer.

Now, you are ready to season and cook your steak. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasoning blend. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or chilli powder, to enhance the flavour. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the steak in the basket, ensuring it is not overcrowded. Cook the steak for around 6-8 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak, or longer if you prefer your steak more well done.

Finally, allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavourful steak.

Preheating the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in the process of cooking ribeye steak. While most air fryer recipes do not require preheating, it is essential when cooking steak to achieve that desirable sear on the outside of the meat.

To preheat your air fryer, start by setting it to “Broil” or adjusting the temperature to 400°F (200°C). Let the air fryer heat up for a few minutes until it reaches the desired temperature. This step ensures that your steak cooks evenly and effectively.

The preheating process also depends on the model of your air fryer. Some air fryers may take longer to reach the desired temperature than others. It is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can proceed to cook your ribeye steak to perfection! Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak and adjust the cooking time accordingly for your desired doneness.

Cooking the steak

Preparation:

Before cooking the steak, you can marinate it in a large resealable bag with soy sauce, olive oil, and seasoning for at least 2 hours or even overnight. When you are ready to cook, remove the steaks from the bag and pat off any excess oil.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). You can brush the steak with olive oil or rub avocado oil all over it. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings you prefer. Place the steak in the air fryer basket and cook for 5-8 minutes on each side, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F. Always use a digital meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Finishing Touches:

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. You can also add a pat of butter or a compound butter with ingredients like roasted garlic, chives, or parsley on top of the steak before serving.

Tips:

• Most air fryer recipes don't require preheating, but it is essential for cooking steak to get that nice sear on the outside.
• Look for thick steaks, ideally about 1 1/2 inches thick, as thinner steaks may dry out in the air fryer.
• Always allow the steak to come to room temperature before air frying for more even cooking.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure accurate temperature readings and don't eyeball it.
• Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to prevent the juices from seeping out.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer ribeye steak!

Resting the steak

During the resting period, it is best to loosely tent the steak with foil to keep it warm. This will also allow the steak to continue cooking slowly and reach the desired level of doneness. For instance, if you pull your steak out of the air fryer at 130°F for a medium-rare steak, it will continue to cook slowly and reach around 135°F even after being removed from the heat.

Additionally, it is important not to cut into the steak immediately after cooking. Letting the steak rest will ensure that the juices don't seep out, making your steak dry and less flavorful. Instead, use this time to prepare any sides or sauces to go with your steak.

Frequently asked questions