When it comes to cooking the perfect ribeye steak, it’s time to think outside the box. Forget about the traditional grilling methods and embrace the wonders of your air fryer. Yes, you read that correctly. With just a few pantry-friendly ingredients and a trusty air fryer, you can create a tender, juicy, and mouthwatering ribeye steak that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Key Takeaways
Air Fryer: More Than Meets the Eye
You might associate your air fryer with chicken nuggets and fish sticks, but it’s time to expand your horizons. The air fryer acts as a mini convection oven, circulating superheated air to give your food that crispy exterior. It may not replicate the smoky flavors of a grill, but it will still deliver a beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Choosing the Perfect Steak
For our air-fried masterpiece, we recommend using ribeye steak. This cut is popular for a reason—it boasts excellent marbling, ensuring juiciness and flavor. And let’s not forget about its tenderness. A ribeye steak is the perfect canvas for our air fryer wizardry.
The Seasoning Game
Now that we have our steak, let’s dive into the seasoning. Don’t worry; it’s nothing complicated. Get your hands on some coarse salt, coarse ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and a touch of brown sugar. Yes, you heard that right—brown sugar. It may sound unconventional, but trust us, it enhances the flavors, adds a touch of caramelization, and makes your steak truly exceptional.
Prepping for Success
Before you start cooking, ensure your steaks are at room temperature. This step is crucial for optimal results. Unwrap the steaks, pat them dry, and lightly brush each side with extra virgin olive oil. Then, generously season both sides of the steaks, making sure to coat every inch. Don’t forget the sides too. Your steaks are now ready for the air fryer.
The Art of Cooking in an Air Fryer
It’s time to let your air fryer work its magic. Preheat it to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This step ensures those steaks sizzle as soon as they touch the tray or basket. Now, the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your steaks. However, the holy grail is the internal temperature. Here’s a quick guide:
- Rare: 125°F (cool to warm red center)
- Medium Rare (ideal): 135°F (warm center with 75% red)
- Medium: 145°F (hot, pink center with a firmer texture)
- Medium Well: 155°F (hot center with a hint of pink)
- Well Done: 160°F+ (hot center, no pink, drier texture)
Remember, the cooking time can range from 8 to 16 minutes, so keep an eye on that internal temperature. An instant-read food thermometer is your best friend here.
Patience is a Virtue
Once your steaks reach the desired temperature, it’s time to let them rest. Remove them from the air fryer and allow them to rest for about 10 minutes. This crucial step allows the internal muscle fibers to relax, the juices to redistribute, and the temperature to rise a few degrees. Cover the steaks loosely with foil while they rest.
Serving Suggestions
Your perfectly air-fried ribeye steaks are now ready to be devoured. Serve them as the star of the show or pair them with your favorite sides. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Instant Pot Parmesan Ranch Potatoes: Cheesy, ranch-flavored red potatoes cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot pressure cooker. The ideal side dish that complements your steak.
- Air Fryer Roasted Lemon Pepper Broccoli: Seasoned with lemon pepper, this crispy roasted broccoli is the perfect way to enjoy fresh greens.
- Oven Roasted Asparagus: Elevate your meal with garlic and parmesan-infused oven-roasted asparagus. It’s a quick and delicious side that complements your steak perfectly.
Leftovers? No Problem!
If you have any leftovers (unlikely, but just in case), don’t worry. You can enjoy your steak later too. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, along with any juices that may be left on the plate. When it’s time to reheat, you have a few options:
Microwave:
- Moisten the steak with any leftover juices or steak sauce.
- Place it in a dish that can be covered with plastic wrap.
- Reheat in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Remember to bring the steak to room temperature for best results.
Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 250°F.
- Place the steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Check regularly for doneness, and aim for an internal temperature of 110°F.
- Once again, bring the steak to room temperature before reheating.
Air Fryer (Our Favorite):
- Bring your leftover steak to room temperature.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
- Place the steak in the air fryer, use the air fry setting, and set the timer for 2 minutes.
- Check for doneness and continue heating in 1-minute intervals if needed.
Don’t hesitate to savor your mouthwatering ribeye steak once again, even as leftovers.
Now that you have unlocked the secrets of air-fried ribeye steak, it’s time to channel your inner culinary artist. Embrace the possibilities of your air fryer and create a masterpiece that will impress both your taste buds and your dinner guests. So, fire up that air fryer, season your steak with love, and get ready for a dining experience like no other.
