Can you make steak in an air fryer? The answer is yes, but the internet has mixed opinions about it – especially a high-quality cut like ribeye. Not only is cooking a delicious ribeye steak in the air fryer possible, it’s also worth the hype! Our air fryer ribeye steak is an easy way to get perfectly cooked and juicy steak every time, and you can add vegetables and potatoes to the air fryer to make it a one-pan meal.
Can You Air Fry Ribeye Steak?
I’m all about convenience in the kitchen, especially when cooking potentially messy ingredients like bacon or steak. That’s why I love using my air fryer! It significantly reduces the sputtering and smoke that goes hand-in-hand with traditional cooking methods for preparing steak.
Listen, I understand the skepticism about cooking steak in the air fryer, and I won’t argue. Nothing replaces the delicious char of a ribeye seared on the grill. However, if you’re short on time, cooking for one, or love the convenience of the air fryer, our easy air fryer ribeye steak promises a flavorful, tender, and mess-free steak that rivals steak cooked on the grill or in a pan.
What You Need to Make this Recipe
- Ribeye Steak: Select a high-quality ribeye steak, about 1-inch thick. You can buy it fresh from your local butcher or grocery store, especially if you can find a sale.
- Spices: Season the steaks with a simple but flavorful combination of salt, pepper, and Montreal Seasoning.
- Butter: Add a small pat of butter to the steak during the last bit of cooking to boost the flavor.
- Thyme: Finish the steak with butter and fresh thyme after flipping it halfway through. I enjoy using fresh thyme to flavor my steak as it cooks but there are plenty of herbs for steak that are just as tasty.
How to Make Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400℉ (204℃). Then, season both sides of the steak with salt, pepper, and Montreal Seasoning.
Step 2: Spray the air fryer basket with oil and add the ribeye steaks. Depending on the size of the steak and the width of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Cook the steak for 7 minutes.
Step 3: Flip the steaks and top them with butter and fresh thyme. Continue cooking for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the steaks and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- To ensure the steak cooks to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F; for medium, it should be 135-145°F, well-done will be 155°F or higher.
- Don’t skip the resting step! After cooking, let the steak rest for 10 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy, flavorful air fryer ribeye steak.
Steak Temperatire Guide
It is worth mentioning that the cooking times provided in this recipe are approximate. The most reliable method to determine if a steak is cooked to your preference is by checking its internal temperature; thinner cuts of ribeye steak tend to reach the desired temperature faster than thicker cuts.
- Rare: (120℉) The outer part of the steak is browned, while the inside is red and juicy.
- Medium Rare: (130℉) Often referred to as the best way to enjoy steak, a medium rare ribeye steak will be pink with a warm red center; the cooking time recommended in this recipe produces medium rare steaks.
- Medium: (135℉) A medium steak cooks longer, resulting in a warm, pinkish center.
- Well Done: (155℉ and higher) The center of the steak will have a uniform brown color and be firmer to the touch compared to rarer cooked steaks.
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What to Serve with Steak?
Steak is a versatile dish you can pair with a variety of sides. Some popular options include vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, and air fryer brussels sprouts.
You can serve steak with a baked potato, roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, and avocado cucumber tomato salad with its homemade vinaigrette, or a hearty grain like quinoa or wild rice. For a more decadent meal, serve ribeye steak with mashed potatoes, mashed dauliflower, or a creamy pasta dish like our Gigi Hadid pasta recipe.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect steak pairing. Toppings like sumac onions or sautéed mushrooms are always a win, and if you’re a sauce person like me, try our horseradish cream sauce or skhug.
What to Do With the Leftovers
- Refrigerate – Store the leftovers in an airtight container; they will keep for 3-4 days.
- Freeze – Let the steaks cool, and wrap them with plastic to prevent freezer burn. Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Air fryer ribeye steak freezes for 6 to 9 months.
- Thaw – Before serving, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat – Warm leftovers in the microwave or the air fryer at 350℉ (176℃) for 5 minutes.
- Repurpose – If you have been here a while, then you know my favorite way to use leftover steak is to make a quesadilla or fajitas. You can slice it and use it as a topping for salads or sandwiches, or consider chopping it and adding it to omelets or scrambled eggs. Another option is to use it in a stir-fry with vegetables and rice or noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ribeye steak?
Ribeye steak is a cut of steak from the rib section of the cow. It is famous for being juicy, flavorful, and tender due to the fat marbling that runs throughout the meat.
How long to cook ribeye in air fryer?
The cooking time for a ribeye steak in an air fryer varies depending on the thickness of the steak and your preferred level of doneness.
As a general guideline, a 1-inch thick ribeye steak can be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F (204℃) for 8-12 minutes for a medium-rare to medium doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure it has reached your desired level of doneness.
More Steak Recipes:
Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
- 2 ribeye steaks
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, coarse ground
- 1 teaspoon Montreal Seasoning
- 1-2 tablespoons butter
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- Preheat the air fryer to 400℉ (204℃). Then, season both sides of the steak with salt, pepper, and Montreal Seasoning.
- Spray the air fryer basket with oil and add the ribeye steaks. Depending on the size of the steak and the width of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Cook the steak for 7 minutes.
- Flip the steaks and top them with butter and fresh thyme. Continue cooking for 5 minutes.
- Remove the steaks and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- To ensure the steak cooks to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130-135°F; for medium, it should be 135-145°F, well-done will be 155°F or higher.
- Don’t skip the resting step! After cooking, let the steak rest for 10 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy, flavorful Air Fryer Ribeye Steak.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Netty
Monday 25th of September 2023
I made this steak and it was a huge hit with everyone. They asked when can I make it again. It came out so tender and juicy!
Tressa Jamil
Monday 25th of September 2023
We love a meal that everyone can enjoy; I am happy it worked out for you.
Tiffany
Saturday 19th of August 2023
Oooh, I love a ribeye steak. I never knew I could make it in the air fryer. That's so much easier than setting up the grill!
Tressa Jamil
Saturday 19th of August 2023
And it's really good too! We live in the South and I am not acclimated to the humidity yet, so swaps like this are necessary for me sometimes.