Ribeye Steak American in the Air Fryer

Experience steakhouse quality with surprising ease using your air fryer! This recipe for Ribeye Steak in the Air Fryer delivers a perfectly cooked steak with a beautiful sear and a tender, juicy interior, all with minimal fuss and cleanup. The air fryer’s circulating hot air creates a magnificent crust while locking in the flavors, making it an excellent alternative to grilling or pan-searing, especially when you’re short on time or space. With a simple seasoning and precise cooking, you can achieve your desired level of doneness, from a blushing medium-rare to a perfectly cooked medium-well. Forget the grill smoke or oil splatters; this method ensures a delicious, tender, and flavorful ribeye every time.

Detailed Ingredients

For the Ribeye Steak:

• 1 ribeye steak (approximately 1 inch thick, 10-12 oz / 280-340g)

For Seasoning:

• 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional seasonings: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary (crushed), ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, or 1 tablespoon of your preferred steak seasoning blend.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Preparation & Seasoning

1. Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the ribeye steak from the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before cooking. Letting it sit at room temperature helps the steak cook more evenly.
2. Preheat Air Fryer: While the steak comes to room temperature, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes.
3. Pat Dry: Thoroughly pat the steak dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a good sear and crispy crust.
4. Oil & Season: Rub the steak generously with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. This helps with browning and flavor. Then, season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you prefer (garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, or a steak blend). Press the seasonings gently into the meat.

Part 2: Air Frying the Steak

1. Place in Air Fryer: Carefully place the seasoned ribeye steak in the preheated air fryer basket. Ensure there is enough space around the steak for proper air circulation; avoid overcrowding if cooking multiple steaks.
2. Initial Cook: Cook the steak at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, depending on your desired doneness and the actual thickness of the steak.
3. Flip Steak: After the initial cooking time, use tongs to carefully flip the steak over to the other side. If desired, you can brush the flipped side with a tiny bit more olive oil or melted butter for added flavor and browning.
4. Continue Cooking & Check Doneness: Continue cooking for another 6-8 minutes. For a 1-inch thick steak, use the following as a general guide:
   • Medium-Rare: Total 12 minutes (flip at 6 min) – Internal temperature 130-135°F (54-57°C)
   • Medium: Total 14 minutes (flip at 7 min) – Internal temperature 135-140°F (57-60°C)
   • Medium-Well: Total 16 minutes (flip at 8 min) – Internal temperature 140-145°F (60-63°C)
   • Always use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak to confirm doneness. Remember that the temperature will rise by 5-10 degrees while resting.
5. Adjust Time: If your steak is thicker or thinner, or you prefer a different doneness, adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Part 3: Resting & Serving

1. Rest the Steak: Once the steak reaches your desired internal temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
2. Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the ribeye steak against the grain into desired thickness. Serve immediately.

Tips, Variations, and Storage

• Steak Thickness: Adjust cooking times for thicker or thinner steaks. A thicker steak (1.5 inches) might require 18-22 minutes total, while a thinner steak (¾ inch) might take 10-12 minutes.
• Compound Butter: For an extra layer of flavor, top the hot, rested steak with a pat of compound butter (e.g., garlic-herb butter).
• Pre-Seasoning: You can season the steak up to 1-2 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before air frying.
• Air Fryer Models: Cooking times can vary slightly between different air fryer models. It’s always best to monitor closely and use a meat thermometer.
• Don’t Overcrowd: If cooking multiple steaks, cook them in batches to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Storage: Leftover cooked ribeye steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best reheated gently in a warm oven or thinly sliced for salads or sandwiches.

Pairings

• Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, a baked potato, or steak fries are classic accompaniments.
• Vegetables: Grilled asparagus, steamed green beans, creamed spinach, or a crisp side salad would complement the richness of the steak.
• Sauces: A drizzle of your favorite steak sauce, a dollop of horseradish cream, or a red wine reduction can elevate the dish.
• Wine: A robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Zinfandel pairs beautifully with ribeye steak.

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 20-30 min for resting at room temp)
• Cook Time: 12-16 minutes (for 1-inch thick steak)
• Total Time: Approximately 40-55 minutes
• Servings: 1
• Cuisine: American / Steakhouse