My juicy air fryer ribeye steak is made with simple ingredients but delivers maximum flavor. I make this recipe whenever I’m craving steak because it turns out juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked every time!
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An Easy Recipe for Ribeye Steak in the Air Fryer
Ribeye is such a beautiful cut of steak, so I always want to make sure it’s cooked to perfection. When I got the idea to try making air fryer ribeye steak, my husband Ben was skeptical. He swore you couldn’t beat a classic grilled steak.
Since this cut already has so much flavor, I kept it really simple with the seasonings. I let the steak sit out at room temperature for about half an hour so it would cook evenly, then air fried for 10 minutes so the ribeye would be medium-rare, just how we both like it.
Waiting while the steak rested was agonizing. It smelled so good, but I was dying to cut into it to see how it had cooked! And, of course, to try that first bite.
When it was finally time, I watched my Ben’s face very closely. I knew he wanted to prove that grilling a steak would always be best. But as soon as he took that first bite, he had absolutely no choice but to admit it: air fryer ribeye steaks are the best he’d ever tried! He is now a full believer in air frying over grilling.
For more air fryer steak recipes that will have even the most skeptical grill-master husbands admitting the air fryer is the best, be sure to try my air fryer sirloin steak, air fryer flank steak, air fryer London broil, and air fryer steak bites.
Air Fryer Ribeye Ingredients
- Ribeye steak – I used boneless ribeye steaks but have used bone-in as well
- Montreal Steak Seasoning – Salt and pepper will work too to keep things simple
How to Cook Ribeye Steak in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Remove the rib-eyes from the fridge and season it with the Montreal Steak Seasoning. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes to allow the steak to come to room temperature.
STEP TWO: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees.
STEP THREE: Place the steak in the air fryer basket or tray and cook it for 10-12 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through until cooked to 130 -135 degrees at its thickest point.
STEP FOUR: Remove the ribeye steak from the air fryer and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes, cut, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Rib Eye Steak
- I always salt and season my steak at least 20 minutes before cooking to help draw the moisture out, which is then absorbed by the salt and reabsorbed by the steak to bring out maximum flavor! It also tenderizes the meat for a more juicy steak.
- Preheat the air fryer to allow the steak to get a seared-like outside. I’ve tried air frying it without it preheated and it’s just not the same.
- Ribeye steak is best served between rare and medium for the juiciest steak possible. I’ve noticed that cooking it past medium causes the steak to become tough and dry.
- Monitor the steak closely to avoid overcooking. It can only take a minute or two to overcook, so I check on mine often!
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. This is my secret to cooking my steak to my perfect level of doneness every time!
- Let the steak rest after cooking. This allows the juices to fully reabsorb in the steak for a true juicy ribeye steak.
Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Cooking times
- Rare: 125-130 degrees F internal temperature, 8-10 minutes
- Medium-rare: 130-135 degrees F internal temperature, 10-12 minutes
- Medium: 140-145 degrees F internal temperature, 12-15 minutes
I wouldn’t recommend cooking ribeye steak past medium or it will lose its juiciness and become tough.
Air Fry Ribeye Steak Variations and Substitutions
- I like to switch up the seasoning depending on the flavor profile of my meal. Italian seasoning or a simple garlic and herb rub are great variations!
- Top the steak with a dollop of homemade herb butter right before serving. My family loves when I mix in a little rosemary and thyme, which also keeps it gluten-free.
- To mimic that smokey grilled flavor, add a drop of liquid smoke to the seasoning. I do this before adding the seasoning to the steak to help distribute the flavor.
- After the ribeye steak has finished cooking, I sometimes add some blue cheese crumbles or gorgonzola on top for a creamy, earthy finish.
- Drizzle the steak in a balsamic reduction just before serving for a sweet and tangy flavor. This is my go-to when I’m serving steak for guests!
What to serve with Steak
This air fried ribeye steak is so good, I usually stick with a simple, hearty side dish like potatoes to let the main course shine. Some of my favorites are air fryer baked potato, diced potatoes in the air fryer, and mashed potatoes. Air fryer asparagus is another classic side.
I also love serving ribeye steak with my easy steak marinade as a dipping sauce or drizzled over the meat!
Air Fryer Ribeye Steak FAQs
Why isn’t my steak juicy?
Cooking a ribeye steak in the air fryer past medium will cause the steak to dry out and become tough. I recommend using an Instant Read Thermometer and making sure the internal temperature doesn’t go past 145 degrees F.
How do I store leftover ribeye steak?
I store my leftover ribeye steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The steak will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
What is the best way to season an air fryer ribeye steak?
Ribeye is one of my favorite cuts of steak because it’s already so flavorful. I usually stick to simple seasonings like Montreal Steak Seasoning or even just salt and pepper to let the natural flavor shine.
Should I marinate my ribeye steak?
I don’t recommend marinating ribeye because it can actually pull the flavors out of the steak. Ribeye is already so tender and flavorful, I don’t think it gains anything from the marinating process.
Do I need to use oil when cooking steak in an air fryer?
Not all meats need oil to cook in the air fryer, and I usually skip the oil when I’m making this air fryer ribeye steak recipe. I just add a little seasoning and let the air fryer handle the rest!
How to cook frozen steak in the air fryer
When I want to make ribeye steak from frozen in the air fryer, I start by preheating the air fryer to 400 degrees F. I cook the steak for 5 minutes, then quickly season with Montreal Steak Seasoning on both sides.
After that, I air fry the steak for an additional 15-19 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 130-135 degrees F at its thickest point.
How to reheat ribeye steak in the air fryer
I love reheating my leftover ribeye in the air fryer! I preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees F, then air fry the steak for 3-5 minutes until it’s warmed all the way through. It tastes pretty much just as amazing as when it was first cooked and much better than when reheated in an oven.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air fryer chicken tenders
- Air fryer salmon
- Air fryer meatloaf
- Air fryer chicken legs
- Pork loin in the air fryer
- Air fryer brats
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Juicy Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
Ingredients
- 1 ribeye steak 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon Montreal Steak seasoning
Instructions
- Season the steak with the Montreal steak seasoning on both sides and let it sit for about 20 minutes to come to room temperature (optional, but allows for more evenly cooked steak).
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Place the ribeye in the air fryer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes (for medium rare), flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time.
- Remove the steak from the air fryer and let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Salt or season the steak at least 20 minutes before cooking to help draw the moisture out, which is then absorbed by the salt and reabsorbed by the steak to bring out maximum flavor.
- Ribeye steak is best served between rare and medium for the juiciest steak possible.
- Cooking time are as follows:
- Rare: 125-130 degrees F internal temperature, 8-10 minutes
- Medium-rare: 130-135 degrees F internal temperature, 10-12 minutes
- Medium: 140-145 degrees F internal temperature, 12-15 minutes
- Monitor the steak closely to avoid overcooking.
- Let the air fryer ribeye steak rest after cooking. This allows the juices to fully reabsorb in the steak for super tender meat, so I never skip this step.
- Cook frozen steak in the air fryer at 400 degrees for about 25 to 35 minutes, adding the seasoning after it’s been cooking for 5 minutes to allow it to stick to the steak.
- Reheat leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
Can this method be user for other cuts of steak?
Yes! You can also search air fryer steak using the search function on their site for other cuts too. I have recipes with other steak cuts in the air fryer with different flavors, etc.
I suggest trying Montreal Smoky flavored steak seasoning with this. It tastes like it just came off the grill!
Thanks, Fred! I’ll have to get some!