Air Fryer Ribeye Steak

🥩 Introduction

There’s something undeniably satisfying about slicing into a thick, juicy ribeye steak. With its rich marbling, mouthwatering flavor, and tender texture, the ribeye stands as a prized cut among steak lovers. Traditionally cooked on a grill or in a sizzling cast-iron pan, this carnivore’s favorite has found a surprising and efficient partner in the kitchen—the air fryer.

Yes, your air fryer isn’t just for fries, nuggets, or reheating leftovers. It’s a game-changer when it comes to preparing steak, especially ribeye. The intense circulating heat of an air fryer creates a beautiful outer crust while locking in all the juicy goodness inside. And the best part? There’s no smoke, no mess, and no guesswork. You don’t need a thermometer and you don’t need to be a grillmaster—just a few ingredients, a great cut of steak, and your air fryer.

In this detailed guide, we’ll show you how to make the perfect air fryer ribeye steak. We’ll cover everything from selecting your cut, seasoning tips, step-by-step cooking, to how to make a compound garlic herb butter to melt on top. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this air fryer ribeye recipe will give you steakhouse quality in under 15 minutes.

🔪 Selecting the Perfect Ribeye Steak

Before we jump into the cooking process, let’s start with the most critical ingredient—the ribeye steak. The quality of your steak determines the success of the final dish. Here’s what you should look for:

✅ Ribeye Selection Tips:

• Marbling: Look for plenty of white fat streaks throughout the meat. This marbling is what makes the ribeye incredibly juicy and flavorful.

• Thickness: Aim for 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker steaks cook more evenly in the air fryer without overcooking the interior.

• Bone-in vs Boneless: Both work, but boneless ribeyes cook a bit faster. Bone-in adds flavor but may require a minute or two extra in the air fryer.

• Fresh vs Frozen: Fresh steaks are ideal, but if using frozen, thaw completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and a perfect sear.

🍽️ Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need to make air fryer ribeye steak with garlic herb butter:

For the Ribeye Steak:

• 2 ribeye steaks (10 oz each, about 1-1.5 inches thick)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)

• 1 tablespoon steak seasoning (or use a mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika)

For Garlic Herb Butter:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

• Pinch of salt and black pepper

• Optional: lemon zest for brightnes

🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Cook Ribeye Steak in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Let the Steaks Come to Room Temperature

Take the steaks out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout and a better sear.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for 5-10 minutes. Preheating is crucial for developing a nice crust on the steak.

Step 3: Pat Steaks Dry and Oil

Use paper towels to pat both sides dry. This helps achieve that beautiful browned crust. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and promote browning.

Step 4: Season Generously

Sprinkle your steak seasoning all over both sides. Don’t be shy—this is your flavor foundation. If you’re using individual spices, season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to taste.

Step 5: Air Fry the Steaks

For Medium-Rare (Recommended):

• Place the steaks in the air fryer basket without overlapping.

• Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 9–10 minutes, flipping halfway at 5 minutes.

• Internal temperature should reach 130–135°F (55–57°C).

For Medium:

• Cook for 11–12 minutes, flipping at 6 minutes.

• Internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).

For Well Done:

• Cook for 13–14 minutes (not recommended for ribeye).

• Internal temperature: 155–160°F (68–71°C).

⚠️ Tip: Use an instant-read thermometer if you want perfect accuracy.

Step 6: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

While your steak is cooking, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and herbs in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. You can even add a touch of lemon zest for a fresh kick. Mix well.

Step 7: Rest the Steaks

Once the steaks are cooked, remove and place on a plate. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 5–7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat.

Step 8: Add the Butter and Serve

Top each steak with a generous dollop of garlic herb butter while still warm. Let it melt luxuriously over the steak. Serve with your favorite side dishes.

🧈 Bonus Tips & Tricks

🔥 Don’t Skip the Preheat

Preheating your air fryer mimics the searing effect of a hot grill or skillet. It ensures you get a flavorful, browned crust.

🧂 Season Simple and Well

If your ribeye is high quality, it doesn’t need much—just salt and pepper will do. But the garlic butter brings it over the top.

🧈 Make Compound Butter Ahead

You can make the butter in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Shape it into a log with plastic wrap and slice it onto the steak when ready.

🕒 Adjust Cooking Time by Thickness

• ¾-inch thick: Reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes.

• 1½-inch thick: Increase time by 1-2 minutes and check internal temp.

🧼 Clean-Up Tip

Let the air fryer cool, then wipe the basket with a paper towel before washing. Cooking steak can leave fat drippings—easy to clean when warm.

🍷 Serving Suggestions

Air fryer ribeye is fantastic on its own, but here are some classic and modern pairings:

Classic Sides:

• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes or French Fries

• Creamed spinach

• Grilled or air-fried asparagus

• Garlic mashed potatoes

Modern Pairings:

• Sweet potato fries

• Roasted brussels sprouts with balsamic

• Cauliflower mash

• Quinoa salad with herbs and lemon

Perfect Beverages:

• A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec

• Craft beer like a porter or stout

• Sparkling water with lime for a non-alcoholic option

🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per 10oz Steak + Butter)

🏁 Conclusion

Cooking a ribeye steak in an air fryer may sound unconventional, but it delivers unbelievably delicious results with minimal effort. The air fryer produces a crispy, flavorful sear while keeping the inside juicy and tender—just like your favorite steakhouse. No grill? No problem. With this method, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality steak at home, all year round, regardless of weather.

Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for guests or treating yourself after a long day, this air fryer ribeye steak recipe is sure to impress. Add the garlic herb butter, your favorite sides, and you’ve got a meal that’s indulgent, elegant, and effortless. Once you try it, you may never go back to pan-frying or grilling again.

So grab those steaks, fire up your air fryer, and enjoy every juicy bite. Your taste buds—and your kitchen—will thank you. 🥩✨