Ribeye steak in the air fryer is an incredibly easy way to make a delicious classic dinner. Done in just minutes, and cooked to perfection, you will not want to cook your steak any other way!
Ingredients:
1 ribeye steak (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
1-2 teaspoons of olive oil or melted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite steak seasoning
Instructions:
Preparation:
Remove the ribeye steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Season the Steak:
Brush the steak with olive oil or melted butter on both sides. This will help the seasoning stick and promote browning.
Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add optional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite steak seasoning. Make sure to rub the seasonings into the meat.
Air Frying:
Place the seasoned ribeye steak in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s some space around the steak for proper air circulation.
Cook the steak at 400°F (200°C) for the following approximate times, flipping the steak halfway through for even cooking:
Rare: 6-8 minutes
Medium-Rare: 8-10 minutes
Medium: 10-12 minutes
Medium-Well: 12-14 minutes
Well-Done: 14-16 minutes
These times are guidelines and may vary based on the thickness of your steak and the specific model of your air fryer. It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. For rare, the internal temperature should be around 120-125°F (49-52°C), and for medium-rare, it should be 130-135°F (54-57°C).
Resting:
Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicier steak.
Slicing and Serving:
Slice the ribeye steak against the grain into thin or thick slices, depending on your preference.
Serve the steak with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Notes:
The thickness of your ribeye steak will greatly affect cooking time. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner steaks.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness. It’s the most reliable way to achieve the perfect steak.
Remember that the steak will continue cooking a bit as it rests, so aim for a slightly lower internal temperature than your desired level of doneness.
If you prefer a crustier sear, you can sear the steak in a hot skillet for about 1 minute on each side after air frying.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor of your ribeye steak.
Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific air fryer model.
Marinating: While not necessary, marinating the ribeye steak for a few hours or overnight can add extra flavor and tenderness. You can use a simple marinade with ingredients like olive oil, garlic, herbs, and soy sauce.
Searing: To achieve a restaurant-quality sear on your steak, you can preheat a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop until it’s very hot. Then, sear each side of the steak for about 1-2 minutes before transferring it to the air fryer. This method gives the steak a beautiful crust.
Basting: Basting the steak with melted butter or oil while it’s in the air fryer can add flavor and moisture. You can do this when you flip the steak halfway through cooking.
Resting: Resting is crucial for any steak preparation. It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Tent the steak loosely with aluminum foil while it rests.
Frozen Steak: If you want to air fry a frozen ribeye steak, you can do so. However, you’ll need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Start with 3-4 minutes per side at 400°F (200°C), and then adjust as needed.
Safety: Be cautious when handling the hot air fryer basket and steak. Use oven mitts or tongs to avoid burns.
Serving Suggestions: Consider serving your air-fried ribeye steak with a compound butter, such as garlic herb butter or blue cheese butter, for extra flavor.
Restoring Moisture: If your steak ends up slightly dry, you can add a pat of butter on top while it rests, which will help restore moisture.
Cleaning: Cleaning the air fryer basket and accessories can be tricky after cooking fatty steaks. Use non-abrasive cleaning materials, and consult your air fryer’s manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Size Matters: Make sure the ribeye steak fits comfortably in your air fryer basket. If it’s too large, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces or consider using a different cooking method.
Remember that perfecting the cooking time and method may take some experimentation, as air fryers can vary. With practice, you’ll become more adept at achieving your preferred level of doneness and overall steak perfection. Enjoy your air-fried ribeye steak!
