Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe (Cook Times & Temperatures)

Gabriel Woods
Published by Gabriel Woods
Last Updated On: October 3, 2024

If you're on the hunt for a mouthwatering steak recipe that's not only delicious but also a breeze to prepare, you're in for a treat with this air fryer ribeye steak recipe.

As a culinary aficionado, I've experimented with various cooking methods, and the air fryer has quickly become my secret weapon for achieving the perfect sear and juicy interior in a ribeye steak. It’s become my family’s favorite, and I make it at least once a week.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the simple steps to create a restaurant-quality meal right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Get ready to indulge in a tender and flavorful steak with minimal work.

Recipe Overview

Air fryer ribeye steak on a plate
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes plus 5 minutes rest time
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Number of Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 ribeye steaks, about 1 inch thick
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon oregano

Instructions

  1. Take the steak out of the fridge half an hour before cooking so it reaches room temperature.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees.
  3. Mix all the ingredients, and coat the steaks thoroughly on both sides.
  4. Put the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook steak for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind the thicker your air fryer ribeye steak, the longer it needs to cook.
  5. Once the air fryer ribeye steak is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for five to ten minutes to reabsorb juices.
  6. Top the air fryer steak with butter, herbs, or your preferred sauces, and serve.

Recipe Notes

Raw ribeye steak with spices on the side

Here’s what to keep in mind when cooking ribeye steaks in the air fryer:

  • If you want spicy air fryer ribeye steak, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
  • Make sure to preheat the air fryer before cooking the steak so that it gets a good sear or chair.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. USDA recommends cooking steaks to 145 degrees, but this depends on your desired level of doneness [1].
  • Let the air fryer ribeye steak rest for five minutes after cooking so the juices can redistribute, and you have a delicious ribeye steak.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lower the cooking temperature and result in unevenly cooked steaks. Cook in batches if necessary.
  • Adjust the seasoning so it suits your preferences. For example, you can add some olive oil, more or less black pepper, some soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or skip the sauces and only use salt and pepper.
  • Keep in mind that the thickness of the steak affects the cooking time. A thick steak needs more time, while a thin steak cooks quicker.
  • If you can’t find a ribeye steak, use a sirloin, New York Strip, or T-bone steak.
  • If you want to make sure you get a sear on the air fry ribeye steak, fry the steaks for five minutes per side, and sear them in the cast iron.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 367
  • Total Carbs: 1g
  • Protein: 43g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Net Carbs: 0g

What to Serve With Air Fryer Ribeye Steak?

Garlic mashed potatoes in a bowl

Here’s what to serve with this air fryer steak recipe:

  • Garlic mashed potatoes — Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic make a comforting side that pairs perfectly with steak.
  • Roasted vegetables — Roast up some asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Their earthy flavors will balance the richness of the steak.
  • Grilled corn on the cob — Seasoned and grilled corn on the cob adds sweetness and crunch to your meal.
  • Creamed spinach — It complements the steak's savory notes.
  • Caesar salad — Make it with homemade dressing and croutons for a refreshing contrast to the steak.
  • Baked potatoes — Load them up with sour cream, chives, cheese, and bacon bits for a hearty side.
  • Crispy onion rings — Give a crunch and a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the savory steak.

Ultimately, the choice of side dishes depends on your personal preferences and what you think will best complement your air fryer ribeye steak. Mix and match to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Also Read: 

How Long to Cook Air Fryer Rib Eye Steak?

How long it takes to cook air fryer rib eye steak depends on your desired degree of doneness.

Here are the temperature guidelines for air frying ribeye steak:

  • Rare steak — 120 to 130 degrees, center color red
  • Medium rare steak — 130 to 135 degrees, center color pink
  • Medium steak — 135 to 145 degrees, center color some pink
  • Well steak — 145 to 155 degrees, center color slightly pink
  • Well done steak — 155 to 165 degrees, center color brown.

“The USDA recommends steaks and roasts be cooked to 145°F (medium) and then rested for at least 3 minutes. To ensure food safety, ground beef should be cooked to a minimum 160°F (well done). Be sure to check with a thermometer, as color alone is not a foolproof indicator.”

- Certified Angus Beef

Use a meat thermometer when cooking steaks in the air fryer so you’ll know exactly when the steak is done.

How to Store and Reheat Air Fried Ribeye Steak?

A person reheating a steak in an air fryer

Store leftover air fried ribeye steak in a container in the fridge for up to three days.

Here’s how to reheat steak:

  • In the microwave — Place the steak in a dish and cover it with plastic wrap. Add some steak sauce so it doesn’t dry out. Reheat in 30-second intervals until your steak is warm through.
  • In the oven — Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Place the steak on a wire rack and reheat the steak to 110 degrees for a juicy steak.
  • In an air fryer — Bring the cooked steak to room temperature. Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees. Heat the steak in the air fryer for two minutes.

FAQs

Is It Better to Cook a Ribeye Steak in the Air Fryer or Pan?

It’s better to cook a ribeye steak in the air fryer if you’re in a hurry and don’t want to dirty a lot of dishes. It’s better to cook in a pan if you want a good sear and crust on the steak.

Should You Cook a Ribeye Fast or Slow?

You should cook a ribeye fast for a good sear on the outside and juicy inside.

How Do You Cook Ribeye so It's Not Chewy?

You cook ribeye so it’s not chewy by cooking it until it reaches the right temperature and then letting it rest for five to eight minutes.


References:

  1. https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2022/10/03/cooking-meat-it-done-yet
  2. https://www.traeger.com/learn/steak-doneness
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About the author

Gabriel Woods
Chef/Food Editor
Gabrielle Woods holds a BSc degree in Hospitality Management with a summa cum laude distinction from the University of Santo Tomas, majoring in Culinary Entrepreneurship. She helps clients achieve specific fitness goals through protein-based meal prepping. She believes cooking is both an art and a science best done with a balance of tradition and innovation.
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