There is something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked ribeye steak, and with this Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe, you can achieve steakhouse-quality results right at home with minimal effort. Using just a few simple ingredients and your trusty air fryer, this recipe transforms a frozen ribeye into a tender, juicy masterpiece in less than 30 minutes. It’s foolproof, fast, and packed with flavor—ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want a delicious steak without the fuss or mess.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity—every ingredient plays an essential role in building great taste and texture. Using the right cut, seasoning, and oil ensures your ribeye steak comes out perfectly seared with a juicy interior and a beautiful crust.
- Ribeye steak (about 1 inch thick, frozen): The star of the dish, rich in marbling that delivers incredible flavor and tenderness.
- Avocado oil (1/2 tablespoon): A high smoke-point oil that helps create a crisp, caramelized crust without burning.
- Coarse salt or steak seasoning (generous amount): Essential for enhancing the natural beefy flavors and creating a perfect savory crust.
How to Make Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Frozen Steak
Start with a completely frozen ribeye steak because this method ensures even cooking and a great sear in the air fryer. Avoid thawing as it prevents overcooking the outside while waiting for the center to come to temperature.
Step 2: Season the Steak
Brush both sides of your frozen steak generously with avocado oil, which aids in browning and flavor adhesion. Apply coarse salt or your favorite steak seasoning liberally — roughly twice the amount you’d typically use, as some seasoning can be lost during the cooking process.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and give it a few minutes to preheat thoroughly. Achieving the right temperature upfront guarantees a nice sear and seals in all the steak’s natural juices, creating that delicious crust we all love.
Step 4: Cook the Steak
Place the seasoned ribeye in the preheated air fryer basket and cook for about 8 to 12 minutes on each side. Flipping halfway allows both sides to develop an even color and flavor. For that classic medium doneness on a 1-inch steak, aim for approximately 10 minutes per side, but feel free to adjust depending on your preferences or steak thickness.
Step 5: Rest the Steak
Once cooked, transfer the ribeye to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. This crucial step redistributes the juices throughout the meat so each bite is as juicy and flavorful as possible—don’t skip it!
How to Serve Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A simple pat of herb butter or a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper can elevate your Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe to the next level, adding richness and a pop of fresh flavor right on top of the juicy steak.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad complement the richness of the ribeye beautifully, balancing indulgence with freshness to round out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice your steak thinly and serve it over a bed of peppery arugula with shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Or try serving it tucked inside a toasted baguette with horseradish cream for a gourmet steak sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover ribeye steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing too much flavor or tenderness.
Freezing
If you want to save extras for later, wrap the cooked steak tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze it for up to 2 months. This helps maintain moisture and prevents freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out the steak, warm it gently in a low oven or your air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until just heated through. Avoid high heat which can overcook and toughen the steak.
FAQs
Can I use a thawed ribeye steak for this Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe?
While you can, starting with a frozen steak ensures even cooking and a better sear when using an air fryer. Thawed steaks cook faster but require more attention to prevent overcooking.
What thickness of steak works best for air frying?
About 1 inch thick is ideal for this recipe. Thicker steaks can still be cooked but may need longer cooking times and resting periods to reach your desired doneness.
Can I use other oils besides avocado oil?
Yes, olive oil is a good alternative for brushing the steak, but avoid oils with low smoke points like butter or unrefined oils to prevent burning during cooking.
How do I know when my steak is done if I don’t have a thermometer?
Use timing as a guide (around 10 minutes per side for medium) and look for a nicely browned crust. You can also press the steak with your finger; it should be firm but still have some give for medium doneness.
Is seasoning before cooking enough, or should I season after?
Generous seasoning before cooking is key to achieving a flavorful crust. You can add a pinch of finishing salt after resting if you want, but most flavor comes from seasoning upfront.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe is like discovering a shortcut to steak perfection. It blends convenience, fantastic flavors, and juicy tenderness in one simple, speedy method that any home cook can master. Treat yourself to this quick yet indulgent meal—you’ll wonder why you ever worried about cooking steak the old-fashioned way!
Print
Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Ribeye Steak recipe offers a quick and convenient way to enjoy a perfectly cooked, juicy ribeye steak straight from frozen. By using an air fryer, you get a beautifully seared exterior and tender interior with minimal fuss and no thawing required, making it an ideal choice for a fast but delicious steak dinner.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 (about 1 inch thick) Ribeye steak (frozen)
Seasoning
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil as an alternative)
- Coarse salt or steak seasoning, generous amount (about twice the normal amount)
Instructions
- Prepare the Frozen Steak: Start with a completely frozen ribeye steak to ensure it cooks evenly in the air fryer without thawing.
- Season the Steak: Brush both sides of the frozen steak with avocado oil, then season generously with coarse salt or your preferred steak seasoning, using about twice the normal amount to account for seasoning loss during cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to preheat fully to ensure optimal searing and even cooking.
- Cook the Steak: Place the seasoned steak into the preheated air fryer basket. Cook for 8-12 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through. For a 1-inch ribeye, 10 minutes per side will generally yield medium doneness. Adjust time for thicker cuts or preferred doneness.
- Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest on a plate for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful steak before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and steak thickness—use a meat thermometer to check doneness if desired.
- Allowing the steak to rest after cooking is crucial for juicy results.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Using avocado oil is ideal due to its high smoke point but olive oil works well as a substitute.
