Ribeye in the Air Fryer: A Juicy Twist on a Classic

Craving a juicy, flavorful ribeye steak but short on time or looking for a new cooking method? Look no further than your trusty air fryer! This versatile kitchen appliance can transform a thick-cut ribeye into a restaurant-worthy meal in a fraction of the time it takes on the grill or stovetop.

Air fryers use rapidly circulating hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior and a surprisingly tender and juicy interior. This method is perfect for achieving a beautiful sear on your steak without the need for excess oil or the potential for flare-ups. Additionally, air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional pan-frying, as it uses significantly less oil.

Whether you’re a seasoned steak lover or a curious home cook, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating a delicious and satisfying air-fried ribeye steak. So, fire up your air fryer, grab your favorite cut of ribeye, and get ready to experience a new twist on this classic dish!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out my other air fryer recipes for more inspiration to transform your cooking routine!

We have split the recipe into three main parts to make it much easier to navigate. The first part is an introduction to the recipe with some answers to common questions. The second and third parts are specialized for ingredients and instructions with all details that you will need. You will find a printable recipe at the end of the three sections.

About Timing

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 16 mins

Total Time 21 mins

A few popular questions that everyone asks about Air Fryer Ribeye Steak

Cooking time and temperature:

Question: How long does it take to cook a ribeye steak in the air fryer?
- Answer: Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of your steak and desired doneness. Typically, a medium-rare ribeye (125-130°F internal temperature) will take about 10-15 minutes in the air fryer. It’s best to use a meat thermometer to check for internal temperature to ensure perfect doneness.

Achieving a good sear:

Question: How do I get a good sear on my air-fried ribeye?
- Answer: Pat your steak dry thoroughly before seasoning and air frying. This allows for better browning and crisping. Additionally, some recipes recommend preheating the air fryer for a few minutes to get it extra hot, similar to preheating a pan for searing.

Cooking from frozen:

Question: Can I cook a frozen ribeye steak in the air fryer?
- Answer: Yes, you can cook a frozen ribeye in the air fryer, but it will take significantly longer than a thawed steak. Expect to add 4-6 minutes to the cooking time compared to a thawed steak.

Reheating leftovers:

Question: How do I reheat leftover air-fried ribeye steak?
- Answer: You can easily reheat leftover steak in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-6 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature.

Additional tips and questions:

Marinating: Some people like to marinate their ribeye steak before air frying. This can add extra flavor, but it’s not necessary for a delicious result.
Seasoning: Seasoning your steak generously with salt and pepper is essential for good flavor. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices to create your own flavor profile.
Oil: While air frying uses minimal oil, you can lightly coat your steak with a high smoke point oil like avocado oil for additional browning and flavor.

The full recipe for Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

Ready to get cooking? Let’s do this!

1. Prep the Steak:

Start by brushing your ribeye with a thin layer of olive oil. This helps promote browning without needing to oil the basket itself. Season generously with salt and pepper, or your favorite steak seasoning.

2. Preheat and Air Fry:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once hot, carefully place the steaks in the basket without overcrowding. For medium-well doneness in 16-ounce ribeyes, cook for 8 minutes per side at 400°F. Remember, thinner steaks may require less time.

3. Rest and Enjoy:

After air frying, let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Finally, top with your favorite finishing touch, like a pat of butter, garlic butter, or even blue cheese butter, and enjoy!

Tips for making ribeye steak in the air fryer

Pat it Dry: Before seasoning, thoroughly pat your steak dry with paper towels. This promotes even browning and crisping on the exterior.
Season Wisely: Generously season your steak with salt and pepper. Additionally, explore other herbs and spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper for extra depth of flavor.
Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Aim for 130°F internal temperature for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well.
Oil (Optional): While air frying uses minimal oil, a light coating of high smoke point oil like avocado oil can enhance browning and add subtle flavor.
Preheating is Key: Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the steak. This ensures a hot environment for optimal searing.
Don’t Crowd the Basket: Leave space between your steaks in the basket to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking.
Rest for Perfection: After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes tented loosely with foil. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful experience.
Experiment with Flavors: Consider marinating your steak for extra flavor, or top it with compound butters like garlic herb or blue cheese for a decadent touch.
Adjust for Thickness: Be mindful of the steak’s thickness and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thinner steaks may require less time to reach the desired doneness.
Consult Your Air Fryer: Cooking times and temperatures might vary slightly depending on the specific air fryer model. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal results.

THE BEST AIR FRYER RIBEYE STEAK IN 4 STEPS

Print Recipe

Delicious and juicy, ribeye steak cooked in the air fryer, topped with blue cheese butter.

Author: Natalie

Ingredients

Scale

2 rib eye steaks 16 ounces each
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt

Blue Cheese Butter

2 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
1 tablespoon blue cheese crumbled

Instructions

Butter and Blue Cheese Topping

To prepare butter topping, melt butter and blue cheese in the microwave, for about 30 seconds. Stir together, and return to refrigerator while steak is cooking.

Ribeye Steak

Lightly coat steak with olive oil, on both sides and then add salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings.
Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook at 400 degrees F, for 6-8 minutes on each side, depending on preference for doneness.
Let steak sit for 5-10 minutes before serving and top with spoonful of prepared butter.

Notes

NUTRITION PER SERVING

Calories: 323kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 375mg
Potassium: 312mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 207IU
Calcium: 20mg