This Air Fryer Ribeye Steak delivers restaurant-quality results without needing a grill! The air fryer creates a beautifully seared crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Serve it topped with melted butter and fresh herbs for an easy yet gourmet dinner that’s on the table in under 20 minutes.
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Why This Recipe Works
If you want to take the guesswork out of achieving a melt-in-your-mouth steak, this air fryer ribeye steak recipe is for you! The air fryer locks in moisture while creating a beautifully caramelized crust on the outside—a result you’d normally need a grill for.
Using this handy kitchen appliance also means quicker cooking and easier cleanup, which is always a bonus on busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. With just a few savory seasonings and a pat of butter, you’ll have a perfectly tender, juicy steak that’s sure to impress.
Pair it with a side of easy mashed potatoes, some crispy smashed potatoes, or a fresh butter lettuce salad with lemon chive dressing for a gourmet meal that’s simple enough for you to put together with your eyes (nearly) closed!
Ingredients
- Ribeye Steaks: Ribeye provides rich marbling and intense flavor, making it an excellent choice for air frying. You’ll need boneless steaks that are about 1 ½ – 2 inches thick. The average supermarket ribeye is usually less than an inch thick, so you may need to ask the butcher to cut you some steaks.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle savory flavor without overpowering the meat.
- Avocado Oil Spray: This helps create a crispy steak exterior and prevents sticking.
- Unsalted Butter: To melt over the hot steaks for added richness. Use unsalted butter for better control over the sodium content.
- Chives: Provides a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor that balances the richness of the ribeye steaks.
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat for 3 minutes. Preheating is essential to help the steaks sear as soon as they hit the basket, locking in their juices and creating a flavorful crust.
- Season the Steaks: Season the ribeye steaks with salt and garlic powder, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
- Prep the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil to prevent sticking, then place the steaks inside. Give the tops a quick spray as well to help with browning.
- Air Fry the Steaks: Cook the steaks for about 5-6 minutes on each side, flipping halfway through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature for your preferred doneness—aim for 130°F for medium-rare.
- Rest & Serve: Transfer the steaks to a cutting board, loosely cover them with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices time to redistribute inside the steaks instead of seeping out when you slice them. Serve your air fryer ribeye steaks with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of chives or herbs!
Substitutions & Variations
- Steak Cuts: If you don’t have ribeye steaks on hand, you can also air fry NY strip, porterhouse, or T-bone steaks with similar results.
- Garlic Powder: No garlic powder available? Use an equivalent amount of onion powder!
- Oil Options: If you don’t have any avocado oil, olive oil cooking spray works just as well.
- Herbs: Feel free to swap fresh chives with chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, or any other herbs you like.
- Spicy: Add a crack of black pepper or some cayenne for a bit of heat.
Storing & Reheating
To keep any leftover air fryer ribeye steaks nice and fresh, follow these simple storage guidelines:
- Fridge: Once cool, transfer the steaks to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the steaks tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze them in freezer bags or airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the steaks in the air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes until they’re warm again.
- Prep Ahead: You can season the steaks in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply let them come to room temperature and air fry them when you’re ready to serve.
Expert Tips
- Room Temperature: Before starting, let the steaks sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes. This helps them cook more uniformly and prevents the outside from overcooking before the inside is done.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Unlike many air fryer recipes, preheating is key for steaks to get a nice sear on the outside. Preheat it for at least 3 minutes before adding the steaks!
- Monitor the Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to avoid under or overcooking. Unless you’re a Michelin-star chef, the best way to get an accurate temperature reading is with a thermometer.
FAQs
Yes, you can! Just add about 3-5 minutes per side to the cooking time. You’ll still need to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steaks reach your preferred doneness.
For rare, aim for 125 degrees Fahrenheit (4-5 minutes per side). Medium requires 140 degrees Fahrenheit (6-7 minutes per side). For medium-well, cook to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (7-8 minutes per side), and for well-done, 160 degrees Fahrenheit (8-9 minutes per side). I still recommend using a thermometer for the most accurate results.
Yes! Flipping them halfway through helps ensure even browning on both sides and a consistent cook throughout the steaks.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this air fryer ribeye steak recipe, take a peek at some more crowd-pleasing steak recipes like these:
- Marinated Skirt Steak
- Smoked Ribeye Steaks
- Oven Cooked New York Strip Steak
- Garlic Butter Ribeye Steak and Shrimp
If you try this Air Fryer Ribeye Steak recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Easy Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks, 16 ounces each, 1 ½-2” thick, bring to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, or ½ teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- avocado oil spray
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided for serving
- 1 tablespoon chives, divided for serving or other fresh herbs
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Season both sides of the steaks with flaky sea salt and garlic powder.
- Spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil, then add the steaks. Lightly spray the top of the steaks as well, this will help with getting the meat crispy.
- Air fry for about 5-6 minutes per side, flipping the steaks halfway through cooking. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steaks. Use a digital instant read meat thermometer to cook to your liking. For medium-rare, remove the steaks from the air fryer at 130°F.
- Transfer the ribeye steaks to a cutting board and let rest, loosely covered with foil for 5 minutes.
- Serve with a pat of butter and garnish with finely chopped chives.
Notes
Preheat the air fryer: Most air fryer recipes don’t warrant preheating, but when making steak, preheating is a must to get that nice sear on the outside of the meat. Look for thick steaks: The average supermarket ribeye is usually less than 1″ thick. Look for steaks around 1 ½ -2″ thick which may mean asking the meat counter butcher to get some freshly cut steaks. Room temperature steak: Always allow steak to come to room temperature before air frying or grilling. This ensures more even cooking. Don’t eyeball it: The instant meat thermometer is your friend. It’s the only way to get an accurate temperature and a steak that’s cooked exactly to your liking. Let it rest: Let the steaks rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute into the steak instead of seeping out when you cut into it.
Marina S
I couldn’t resist to try this recipe and it turned out amazing! Delicious, fast and easy to make!
lena gladstone
So good to hear that you enjoyed the recipe Marina. Thank you for sharing your review.
Nikita
First time I’ve tried steak this way but after trying it I’ll definitely be using this method more
checka
This was so easy and delicious, easy way to cook my steak.
Shey Gladstone
I was a little skeptical, but after the first bite, I was sold! Great flavor, perfectly cooked, and so easy to make!
lena gladstone
So happy that you enjoyed this easy recipe.