Air frying ribeye steak is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious, juicy steak with a crispy crust. Here’s a simple recipe and some notes to help you achieve a perfect ribeye steak in your air fryer:
Ingredients:
- 1 ribeye steak (about 1 inch thick)
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: Garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite steak seasoning
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the air fryer is nice and hot before you cook the steak.
2. Season the Steak:
- Take the ribeye steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Season both sides of the steak with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and any optional seasonings you like. You can also rub a little olive oil on both sides to enhance browning.
3. Place in the Air Fryer:
- Carefully place the seasoned ribeye steak in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there’s some space around the steak for air circulation.
4. Air Fry the Steak:
- Cook the steak at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 8-12 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. Here are some general guidelines for doneness:
- Rare: 8-10 minutes (internal temperature of 120-125°F or 49-52°C)
- Medium Rare: 10-12 minutes (internal temperature of 130-135°F or 54-57°C)
- Medium: 12-14 minutes (internal temperature of 140-145°F or 60-63°C)
- Medium Well: 14-16 minutes (internal temperature of 150-155°F or 66-68°C)
- Well Done: 16-18 minutes (internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C and above)
- Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
5. Rest the Steak:
- Once the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board or plate. Allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier steak.
6. Slice and Serve:
- After resting, slice the ribeye steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. You can drizzle any accumulated juices over the slices for extra flavor.
Notes:
- The cooking times provided are approximate and can vary depending on the thickness and starting temperature of the steak, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. It’s essential to use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature for precise doneness.
- Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so aim for a few degrees below your desired final temperature when cooking.
- Customize your seasoning to your taste. You can use a simple salt and pepper seasoning or get creative with your favorite steak rubs and marinades.
- Experiment with different steak cuts and thicknesses, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Enjoy your air-fried ribeye steak, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite side dishes or sauces!
1. Searing:
- If you want an even more pronounced sear on your steak, you can sear it in a hot skillet for 30 seconds to 1 minute per side after air frying. This step is optional but can add extra flavor and texture.
2. Meat Thermometer:
- Invest in a good-quality meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches your desired level of doneness accurately. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak without touching the bone if your steak has one.
3. Steak Thickness:
- Thicker steaks will take longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. You may also need to lower the cooking temperature slightly for very thick steaks to prevent excessive browning on the outside.
4. Preseasoning:
- Consider seasoning your ribeye steak and letting it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat for more flavor.
5. Resting Time:
- Resting is crucial for a juicy steak. During this time, tent the steak with aluminum foil to keep it warm while the juices redistribute. The resting time should be at least as long as the cooking time.
6. Steak Doneness Guide:
- Use the following internal temperature ranges as a guide for steak doneness:
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Medium Well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
- Well Done: 160°F (71°C) and above
7. Basting and Flavor Variations:
- Consider basting the steak with melted butter, garlic, and fresh herbs during the cooking process for added flavor. You can also experiment with marinades or sauces for different flavor profiles.
8. Resting Place:
- Rest the steak on a clean plate or cutting board. Avoid using the plate or surface that the raw steak was on to prevent cross-contamination.
9. Checking for Doneness Without a Thermometer:
- If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can use the finger test to check for doneness. Gently press the steak with your fingertip. It should feel:
- Rare: Soft and springy
- Medium Rare: Slightly firmer but still yielding
- Medium: Firm with a little give
- Medium Well: Firm with minimal give
- Well Done: Very firm
By following these tips and experimenting with different seasonings and variations, you’ll be able to customize your air fryer ribeye steak to your liking. Enjoy your delicious steak dinner!
