Craving a Juicy Steak Cooked to Perfection? Try Air Fryer Steak!

If the idea of cooking steak feels intimidating to you, let me introduce you to your new best friend: the air fryer. Yes, you heard that right! The air fryer is not just for quick snacks and fries—it’s also a fantastic tool for making perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful steaks. With minimal prep and less cleanup, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner. So, if you have a bone-in ribeye steak in your fridge and want to savor a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home, this air fryer steak recipe is just what you need.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of cooking this irresistible bone-in ribeye steak, complete with a savory herb butter and a side of crispy, smoky hand-cut fries. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or just craving something indulgent, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients List

Steak and Herb Butter Ingredients

For the Steak:

1 large (1 1/2 pounds) bone-in ribeye steak (about 1 1/2-inch thick)
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Fries:

14 ounces frozen hand-cut style fries (from 1 [28-ounce] package)
1/2 teaspoon smoked flaky sea salt

For the Herb Butter:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons fresh chives, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to prep for cooking! (Trust me, the herb butter is a game-changer—savory, fragrant, and melts beautifully over your perfectly cooked steak.)

Required Kitchen Tools

To make the perfect air fryer steak, you only need a few kitchen essentials:

Air Fryer : You can’t make air fryer steak without, well, an air fryer! Make sure your air fryer basket can comfortably fit your steak.
Tongs : To easily flip the steak without puncturing it, use tongs instead of a fork.
Instant-Read Meat Thermometer : This tool is essential for ensuring your steak is cooked exactly to your desired temperature.
Mixing Bowl and Spoon : For combining the ingredients of the herb butter.
Basting Brush : Useful for applying olive oil evenly over the steak before it goes into the air fryer.

With these simple tools in hand, you’ll have a seamless experience from start to finish.

First Prep and Cooking Step Overview: The Herb Butter Magic

Herb butters are the secret ingredient to elevate any steak recipe, and making herb butter at home is embarrassingly easy. Here’s how you do it:

Prepare the Herb Butter :
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with fresh chives, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Herb Butter Consistency :
Mix until it forms a smooth, spreadable consistency. You can either keep this butter in the fridge until your steak is ready or use it immediately for that fresh, melty goodness.
Tip: Make extra herb butter and store it in the fridge for future meals—it’s fantastic on everything from grilled chicken to veggies!

Step 2: Prepping the Ribeye Steak and Fries

Before we get cooking, it’s important to properly season and prepare both the steak and fries for that golden, irresistible result. Let’s ensure everything is prepped before it hits the air fryer.

Step 2.1 Prepare the Steak

Season the Steak :
Start by patting your bone-in ribeye steak dry with paper towels to ensure that you get a nice sear. This step removes excess moisture, which is essential for a good crust.Next, generously rub the steak with 2 tablespoons of olive oil on both sides. Use a basting brush or your hands to make sure it’s fully coated. Then, season the steak with salt and black pepper on both sides. You can press the seasoning into the steak to help the flavors penetrate the meat.
Rest the Steak :
Let the seasoned steak rest at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before air frying. This allows for more even cooking and ensures that the steak cooks to the correct doneness without burning on the outside.

Step 2.2 Prepare the Fries

Season the Fries :
While the steak is resting, take out your frozen hand-cut fries (14 oz portion) and spread them out evenly in the air fryer basket. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil if you want extra crispiness. Then sprinkle them with 1/2 teaspoon of smoked flaky sea salt to give them that smoky, savory edge.
Preheat the Air Fryer :
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3-5 minutes . This will ensure that both the steak and the fries will cook at the correct temperature right from the start. If your air fryer doesn’t allow pre-heating, no worries — just extend the cooking time slightly.

Step 3: Cooking the Ribeye Steak and Fries in the Air Fryer

Cooking both steak and fries in the air fryer is quick and easy. We’ll start with the fries, then move on to that juicy ribeye.

Step 3.1 Cook the Fries First

Fry the Fries :
Place the seasoned fries into the preheated air fryer basket in an even layer. Cook them at 400°F for around 15-18 minutes , shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want the fries to be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Keep Fries Warm :
Once the fries are fully cooked and crisply golden brown, remove them from the basket and season them with a little extra smoked flaky salt, if needed. Keep them warm while you move on to the steak. You can simply place them in the oven at a low temperature or cover them with aluminum foil until ready to serve.

Step 3.2 Cook the Ribeye Steak

Cook the Steak :
Once the fries are done, place your prepared bone-in ribeye steak in the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s enough space for air to circulate around the steak.
Cooking Temperature & Time :
Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the steak for 10 to 12 minutes , flipping halfway through.
- For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F
- For medium, aim for 140-145°F .
- If you prefer it more done, add an extra 1-2 minutes.
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the exact temperature in the thickest part of the steak, making sure not to accidentally touch the bone.
Rest the Steak :
Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, carefully remove it from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-7 minutes . Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making your steak extra juicy and tender.

Step 3.3 Baste the Steak with Herb Butter

Add Butter :
While the steak is resting, generously slather the herb butter you prepped earlier over the top of the steak. The heat from the steak will melt the butter, coating it in fragrant thyme, rosemary, and chive goodness.
Optional Step for that Extra Sear :
If, after air frying, you want a bit more of that crispy, seared crust, heat a skillet over high heat with a bit of olive oil and quickly sear the steak for about 30 seconds on each side before resting and buttering.

Step 4: Serving Your Air Fried Steak and Fries

Now that we’ve got everything cooked to perfection—crispy, golden fries and a juicy, tender ribeye with melted herb butter—it’s time to plate and enjoy.

Step 4.1 Slicing and Plating the Steak

Slicing the Steak :
After the steak has rested for 5-7 minutes and the herb butter has slightly melted into the meat, it’s ready to be sliced. Use a sharp knife to cut the steak against the grain in thin slices. This ensures every bite is super tender.
Serve with Fries :
Plate the steak slices alongside your crispy hand-cut style fries . For added flavor, feel free to sprinkle more smoked flaky sea salt over the fries or a drizzle of truffle oil if you’re feeling fancy.
Optional Garnish :
You can add a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs—like rosemary or thyme—on top of the steak for an extra touch of freshness and to elevate the presentation.
Perfect Side Pairings : While steak and fries are a perfect combo on their own, this meal pairs beautifully with a light side salad or grilled veggies. A tangy arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak and fries.

Step 4.2 Helpful Tips

Serving Sauce Ideas :
In addition to the herb butter, you could serve the steak with sauces like chimichurri, garlic aioli, or even a peppercorn sauce for added flavor. You can also serve the fries with a dipping sauce, such as spicy ketchup or garlic mayo, for extra indulgence.
Adjusting Steak Doneness :
If you like a different level of doneness, always remember to adjust the cook time but also check with a meat thermometer. A good temperature guide is:
- Rare : 125°F
- Medium-Rare : 130-135°F
- Medium : 135-145°F
Leftovers :
If you somehow have leftovers (which isn’t likely with such a delicious meal), slice the steak thinly and make steak sandwiches the next day. Just reheat the fries in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crispiness.

Conclusion

Dinner doesn’t get much better than this—a beautifully cooked bone-in ribeye steak, slathered in a decadent herb butter, paired with perfectly crispy hand-cut fries. The air fryer really simplifies the process, making this meal not only easy but also faster than traditional cooking methods, without compromising on flavor or texture.

Now all you have to do is sit back, enjoy, and savor every bite of your gourmet air-fried steak. Whether it’s for a special night in or a luxurious weekend dinner, this recipe is perfect for impressing others—or just treating yourself to a fantastic meal.

Enjoy, and happy air frying!