Craving a delicious, juicy steak but want to skip the hassle of firing up the grill or heating up the kitchen? You’re in luck! Cooking ribeye steaks in the air fryer is not only easy but can also yield perfectly cooked, mouthwatering results in just a few minutes. Whether you’re aiming for medium-rare, medium, or even well-done, the air fryer delivers crispy, flavorful edges and a tender, juicy center. Plus, it’s fast, using less oil, and minimizes the mess. Here’s how I make perfectly cooked air fryer ribeye steaks in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with the basics—quality ingredients. By choosing the right ribeye steak and seasoning it well, you’re already halfway to steak perfection! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 boneless ribeye steaks – about 16 ounces each, 1 ½” thick, and ideally at room temperature.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt – to enhance the natural flavors of the steak.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – adds that perfect bite!
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – for a subtle, savory undertone.
- 2 tablespoons butter – to melt over the steak for extra juiciness.
- Minced chives or parsley – for a fresh pop of color and mild flavor to finish.
These ingredients are simple, classic, and let the ribeye steak’s rich meatiness shine through without overwhelming the taste.
Essential Kitchen Tools for the Perfect Air Fryer Ribeye
Before you start cooking, make sure you’ve got the right kitchen tools on hand. While this recipe is incredibly simple, these items will help you achieve consistently mouthwatering results:
- Air Fryer : The star of the show! Make sure your air fryer is large enough to fit the ribeye steaks without overcrowding. Most standard-sized air fryers can fit two 16-ounce steaks comfortably.
- Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer : This is an absolute game changer for getting your steaks done just the way you like it. With a quick check, you can ensure your steak is cooked to your preferred temperature—no guesswork involved.
- Tongs : You’ll need tongs to flip the steaks halfway through cooking without piercing the meat, which helps keep all those delicious juices intact.
- Cutting Board : Have a sturdy cutting board ready for resting and slicing the steaks after cooking.
- Aluminum Foil : For loosely covering the steaks as they rest, ensuring they stay warm while the juices redistribute for that perfect bite.
By having these simple but essential tools, you set yourself up for success and an effortlessly impressive dinner!
Cooking the Ribeye Steaks in the Air Fryer
Once your steaks are at room temperature and you’ve gathered all ingredients and tools, it’s time to season and air fry them to perfection.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes. This ensures that the steaks start cooking at the right temperature immediately and develop that beautiful outer crust.
Step 2: Season the Steaks
While the air fryer preheats, season both sides of the ribeye steaks with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder . Make sure to gently press the seasoning into the surface of the meat to help it adhere. Feel free to massage the steak slightly—this helps the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat.
Step 3: Air Fry the Steaks
Once the air fryer is ready, place the seasoned ribeyes inside your air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overlapping for even cooking. Cook the steaks at 400°F for about 5-6 minutes per side , flipping them halfway through using your tongs. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your steaks and how you like them cooked.
Pro Tip: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check doneness. For medium-rare steaks, you’ll want to remove them from the air fryer when they reach 130°F .
Here’s a quick guide for internal steak temperatures:
- Rare: 120°F
- Medium-rare: 130°F
- Medium: 140°F
- Medium-well: 150°F
- Well done: 160°F
Remember, the internal temperature will rise a few more degrees while the ribeyes rest after cooking.
Letting the Ribeyes Rest and Serving
Step 4: Let the Steaks Rest
Once your ribeye steaks have reached your desired doneness, carefully remove them from the air fryer using tongs and transfer them to a cutting board . Loosely cover the steaks with a piece of aluminum foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes . This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
After the steaks have rested, it’s time to bring everything together! Before serving, top each ribeye with a pat of butter for extra richness and flavor. As the butter melts, it creates an irresistible glaze over the steak.
For a pop of freshness, garnish with minced chives or parsley . Not only does it add a nice touch of color, but it also balances the richness of the steak with a hint of freshness.
Ready to Devour!
Slice into your perfectly cooked ribeye and relish each juicy, tender bite. Whether you’re serving these ribeyes with a side of roasted vegetables, a baked potato, or a simple salad, this air fryer recipe makes for an unforgettable, restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.
Final Thoughts and Storage Tips
Leftover Ribeyes?
Although it’s hard to imagine, if you have any leftover steak, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . To reheat, simply warm it in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes, making sure not to overcook.
Want to change it up? Leftover ribeye is perfect for steak sandwiches, salads, or even fajitas the next day.
Conclusion
Cooking ribeye steaks in an air fryer is quick, convenient, and absolutely delectable. You get the perfect sear, juicy interior, and a restaurant-worthy steak every time without firing up the grill or spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a steak novice or a seasoned pro, the method outlined above makes it easy to deliver mouthwatering results for any occasion.
The next time you’re craving a steak night, turn to your air fryer and let the magic happen! Happy cooking!