Ribeye Steak in the Air Fryer Recipe
Introduction
Cooking a ribeye steak to perfection doesn’t require a grill or stovetop. With an air fryer, you can achieve a beautifully seared, juicy, and tender steak in minutes. This method locks in the steak’s natural flavors while creating a crusty exterior that rivals traditional methods. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is simple, quick, and delivers steakhouse-quality results at home.
Ingredients
- 1 ribeye steak (1-1.5 inches thick, about 10-12 oz)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional: fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
Preparation Steps
- Choose the Right Steak
Look for a ribeye with good marbling—those streaks of fat throughout the meat ensure tenderness and flavor. A thick-cut steak is ideal for air frying as it cooks evenly without drying out. - Bring to Room Temperature
Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature ensures even cooking. - Season the Steak
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This helps create a better crust in the air fryer.
- Rub the steak with olive oil on all sides.
- Combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the steak, pressing gently to adhere.
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3-5 minutes. This step is essential to achieve a good sear on the steak. - Cook the Steak
- Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s not touching the sides for even air circulation.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred doneness:
- Rare: 125°F (3-4 minutes per side)
- Medium-rare: 135°F (6-7 minutes per side)
- Medium: 145°F (8-9 minutes per side)
- Medium-well: 155°F (10 minutes per side)
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the steak.
- Add Fresh Herbs (Optional)
During the last 2 minutes of cooking, you can add fresh rosemary or thyme on top of the steak for added aroma and flavor. - Rest the Steak
Once cooked, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful steak.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the ribeye against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve with your favorite sides such as:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Asparagus
- Caesar Salad
- Air-Fried Sweet Potato Wedges
You can also top the steak with compound butter made by mixing softened butter with fresh herbs, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Pro Tips for Air Frying Ribeye Steak
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Cook one steak at a time to ensure even air circulation for a perfect sear. - Check Frequently
Since air fryers vary in performance, start checking the steak’s internal temperature a couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time. - Use the Right Oil
Olive oil works well for flavor, but you can also use avocado oil for its higher smoke point. - Experiment with Seasonings
Feel free to customize the seasoning blend by adding cayenne pepper for heat or dried herbs like oregano for an Italian twist.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Ribeye?
- Quick Cooking: The air fryer cuts the cooking time nearly in half compared to traditional methods.
- Less Mess: No splattering grease or need to clean a grill or stovetop.
- Consistent Results: Even heat distribution ensures a perfectly cooked steak every time.
Conclusion
Air frying a ribeye steak is a game-changer for steak lovers. It’s an easy, mess-free method that produces restaurant-quality results at home. By following this recipe, you’ll enjoy a flavorful and juicy ribeye with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this air fryer ribeye steak is sure to impress!
