Air Fryer Rib-Eye Steak Recipe
Introduction
Cooking a rib-eye steak in an air fryer is a quick and effortless way to enjoy a juicy, tender steak with a perfectly seared crust. This method ensures even cooking and lets you skip the hassle of stove or grill.
Ingredients
- 2 rib-eye steaks, around 260g each and 3cm thick
- 1 tsp oil
- Salt, to season
- Freshly ground black pepper, to season
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the steaks from the fridge about 20-25 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This helps them cook evenly and remain tender.
- Step 2: Pat the steaks dry with kitchen paper or a clean cloth. Brush each steak with 1 tsp of oil, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip the steaks to ensure even cooking.
- Step 5: Continue cooking for 2 more minutes for rare to medium-rare steaks. For medium steaks, cook an additional 2 minutes beyond this, and add another 2 minutes if you prefer well-done.
- Step 6: Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for 3-4 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist steak.
Tips & Variations
- Flip the steak midway through cooking to achieve an even sear and consistent doneness.
- Bring steaks to room temperature before cooking to prevent toughness and promote even cooking.
- Try seasoning your steak with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature: 52°C for rare, 57°C for medium-rare, and 63°C for medium.
- Make a quick pan sauce during the resting period using the steak drippings, butter, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Storage
Store cooked steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the air fryer at a low temperature to avoid overcooking. Rest again briefly before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Should I flip the steak part-way through cooking?
Yes, flipping the steak helps achieve an even cook on both sides, resulting in a perfectly seared and evenly cooked steak.
Do I still need to rest the steak after air frying?
Resting the steak for a few minutes after cooking is recommended. It allows the juices to redistribute and the muscle fibers to relax, making your steak moist and more flavorful.
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Air Fryer Rib-Eye Steak Recipe
- Total Time: 15-17 minutes including resting
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This air fryer steak recipe delivers tender, juicy rib-eye steaks cooked quickly and evenly to your preferred doneness. Using an air fryer ensures a beautifully seared exterior while keeping the inside moist and flavorful. The simple seasoning and cooking method make it an accessible and delicious way to enjoy steak at home with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 rib-eye steaks, around 260g each and 3cm thick
- 1 tsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- Salt, to season generously
- Freshly ground black pepper, to season generously
Instructions
- Prepare the Steaks: Pat the rib-eye steaks dry thoroughly with kitchen paper or a clean cloth to remove any excess moisture. Brush each steak evenly with 1 teaspoon of oil, then season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) and allow it to heat for 2 minutes. Preheating ensures the steaks cook evenly and get a nice sear.
- Cook the Steaks: Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook the steaks for 6 minutes initially, then flip to the other side and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This timing will give you steaks that are between rare and medium-rare.
- Adjust Doneness: For medium steaks, cook for an extra 2 minutes after the flip (total 10 minutes). For well-done steaks, add another 2 minutes beyond that (total 12 minutes). Adjust timing according to your steak thickness and air fryer model for perfect results.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the air fryer and place them on a plate. Let them rest for 3-4 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the muscle fibers to relax, resulting in a tender and flavorful steak.
- Serve: Serve your perfectly cooked air fryer steaks as is, or with your favorite sauce or sides. This resting period is ideal for preparing any accompanying sauce while the steak rests.
Notes
- Allow steaks to come to room temperature before cooking by taking them out of the fridge 20-25 minutes prior; this helps them cook more evenly and stay tender.
- Flipping the steak midway through cooking ensures an even cook and sear on both sides.
- Resting the steak after cooking is crucial for a juicy, flavorful result.
- Use a thermometer to check internal temperature if desired: Rare (125°F/52°C), Medium Rare (135°F/57°C), Medium (145°F/63°C), Well Done (160°F/71°C).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (up to 12 minutes for well-done)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer steak, rib-eye steak, easy steak recipe, air fryer recipes, quick steak, juicy steak
