1. Prepare the Steaks
- Season the Steaks: Pat the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of each steak with olive oil. Season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Optionally, add dried rosemary and thyme for extra flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Cook the Steaks
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the steaks in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the steaks in batches.
- Air Fry: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Here are some approximate times for different levels of doneness:
- Rare: 8 minutes
- Medium Rare: 9 minutes
- Medium: 10 minutes
- Medium Well: 11 minutes
- Well Done: 12 minutes Flip the steaks halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
3. Check Doneness
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For the most accurate results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
- Rare: 120°F (49°C)
- Medium Rare: 130°F (54°C)
- Medium: 140°F (60°C)
- Medium Well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well Done: 160°F (71°C)
4. Rest and Serve
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.
- Serve: Slice against the grain, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and top with a pat of butter for extra richness. Serve with your favorite sides and sauces.
Tips for Success
- Thickness Matters: Ensure the steaks are of even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: If cooking multiple steaks, do so in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting step as it is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
Variations
Customize your Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with these variations:
- Marinated Steak: Marinate the steaks in your favorite steak marinade for added flavor before seasoning.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a spicy version.
- Herb Butter: Top the steak with a compound butter made with herbs like garlic, parsley, or chives.
Conclusion
You’ve just created a delicious Air Fryer Ribeye Steak that’s juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. This recipe makes enjoying a restaurant-quality steak at home easier than ever, with less mess and fuss.
Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor a perfectly cooked ribeye steak that’s sure to impress. Bon appétit!