A Word from Our Satisfied Cook

A home cook, Meranda, shared her delight: “I love the taste of the steak; it came out real good and tender.” This sentiment echoes many who discover the magic of air-frying steak.

Choosing the Perfect Bone-In Ribeye for Your Air Fryer

The foundation of a great steak starts with the quality of the meat itself. For your air fryer bone-in ribeye, select a steak that is approximately 1-inch (1.9-2.54 cm) thick. This thickness is ideal for achieving a consistent cook and a desirable sear in the air fryer. Look for excellent marbling—those fine streaks of fat woven throughout the muscle. Marbling is key to a ribeye’s famous tenderness and flavor, melting during cooking to keep the steak moist and rich. While the recipe is designed for bone-in cuts, which impart additional flavor and moisture, you can adapt it for boneless ribeye as well (more on that in the FAQ section).

Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Ribeye Steak

Our marinade is designed to enhance the natural richness of the ribeye without overpowering it. It adds layers of savory, tangy, and subtly smoky notes, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Here’s what you’ll need for this irresistible air fryer ribeye recipe:

• 1-lb. (454g) bone-in ribeye steak: Opt for a steak that is ¾-1 inch thick (1.9-2.54cm) with good marbling for optimal tenderness and flavor.
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy depth and helps tenderize the meat.
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce: Provides umami richness. For a gluten-free option, substitute with coconut aminos.
• 6 minced garlic cloves: A generous amount for an aromatic punch that infuses deeply into the steak.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile.
• ½ teaspoon liquid smoke: Crucial for imparting that coveted smoky, grilled flavor without a charcoal grill.
• Black pepper: To taste, adding a subtle spice.
• Montreal steak seasoning: To taste, for a classic, robust steak flavor. Alternatively, a mixture of coarse salt, black pepper, and garlic powder works wonderfully.

This simple yet effective combination of ingredients ensures a deeply flavorful steak. The recipe card below contains full details for easy reference.

Essential Equipment for Air Frying Ribeye

To prepare your succulent rib eye steak in the air fryer, you’ll need a reliable air fryer and a good meat thermometer. Most air fryer models, including popular brands like Ninja Foodi, Cosori, Pampered Chef Air Fryer, Actifry, Nuwave, Instant Vortex, Cuisinart, Philips, and Power Air Fryer, are suitable for cooking steak. However, it’s worth noting that air frying times can vary slightly between different brands and models due to differences in heating elements and circulating fan power. Therefore, familiarizing yourself with your specific air fryer’s performance is beneficial.

While most air fryers deliver excellent results, some may create a more pronounced sear than others. If you’re using a large cut like a tomahawk steak, you might need to trim the bone down to ensure it fits comfortably within your air fryer basket. What remains will essentially be a luxurious bone-in ribeye, perfectly sized for your appliance.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Air Fry Bone-In Ribeye Steak

Achieving a restaurant-quality steak at home is easier than you think with an air fryer. Follow these detailed steps to master your air fryer ribeye steak. Remember, starting the marinade process in advance is key to maximizing flavor and tenderness.

1

Prepare the Flavorful Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, reduced-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option), minced garlic cloves, onion powder, and liquid smoke. Add black pepper to taste. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. This mixture will penetrate the steak, adding moisture and a complex flavor profile.

2

Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Place your ribeye steak in a shallow, food-safe container. Pour the prepared marinade over the steak, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. For optimal flavor infusion and tenderness, allow the steak to marinate in the refrigerator for 4-12 hours. If possible, flip the steak every few hours to ensure all sides absorb the rich flavors of the marinade evenly. This extended marination time is crucial for tenderizing the meat and creating a deeply flavorful crust during air frying.

5

Rest and Serve Your Perfect Steak

Once your steak reaches its desired internal temperature, remove it from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent the steak loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and moist steak when sliced. After resting, slice against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer ribeye!

Storing and Reheating Leftover Ribeye

Should you have any delicious leftovers, store the cooked ribeye in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place the steak back in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 2-5 minutes, or until heated through to your preference. Leftover steak also freezes exceptionally well; vacuum seal it or double-wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Repurpose leftover steak by slicing it into thin strips for salads, fajitas, or burritos. You can also dice it into small air fryer ribeye steak bites to add a protein boost to soups, stews, and casseroles, transforming simple meals into something special.

FAQ: Do you need to flip steak in air fryer?

Yes, in most cases, flipping your steak halfway through the air frying process is essential to achieve an even sear and cook on both sides. The vast majority of air fryers have a primary heating element at the top. Flipping ensures that both surfaces get direct exposure to the heat, creating that desirable crust. The only exception would be for specialized air fryer ovens that feature heating elements on both the top and bottom.

Perfect Timing: How Long to Cook 1-Inch Ribeye in Air Fryer?

The total cooking time for a bone-in ribeye steak in an air fryer typically ranges from 9-16 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This estimate is for a 1-inch thick (2.54cm) steak aiming for medium-rare doneness. Remember to flip the steak and sprinkle more seasoning after the initial 8 minutes of cooking.

Achieving your preferred doneness is crucial. Here’s a helpful temperature chart to guide you:

It’s important to note that the minimum safe internal temperature for beef steaks and roasts, according to food safety guidelines, is 145°F (63°C). This temperature typically yields a medium to medium-well steak. While many steak enthusiasts prefer a rarer cook, it’s wise to consider food safety recommendations, especially for those at higher risk of severe foodborne illness. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Air Fryer Bone-In Ribeye Steak Recipe (with Calories)

Watch How to Make It! (Video Coming Soon)

Recipe by Summer Yule

This air fryer bone-in ribeye steak recipe is your ultimate solution for cooking a perfect steak, especially when outdoor grilling isn’t an option. Expect a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful result.

Current Rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 3 votes.

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Recipe Overview

• Course: Dinner
• Cuisine: American
• Cook Time: 9-16 mins
• Total Time: 4-12 hours (marinating) + 9-16 mins (cook time)
• Servings: 2
• Calories: 425 kcal (per serving)

Ingredients

• 1 lb. bone-in ribeye steak (454g), ¾-1 inch thick (1.9-2.54cm), look for good marbling
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce (use gluten-free coconut aminos for GF)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Montreal steak seasoning (to taste, or a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder)

Love this recipe? Please leave a comment below 😊

Instructions

1. To make the marinade, combine the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, onion powder, liquid smoke, and black pepper in a small bowl.
2. Place the steak in a shallow, food-safe container. Pour the marinade over the steak and allow it to marinate for 4-12 hours in the refrigerator. Flip the steak every few hours if possible to ensure even absorption.
3. Remove the steak from the marinade and place it in the air fryer basket. Season the top generously with steak seasoning.
4. Air fry the ribeye steak for 8 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Then, flip the steak, sprinkle with more steak seasoning, and continue to air fry until cooked to your desired doneness (e.g., 1-8 more minutes for medium to medium-rare, depending on your air fryer and steak thickness). Use a meat thermometer to check.
5. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes, tented loosely in foil, before slicing and serving.

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Equipment

• Small Air Fryer
• Kitchen Thermometer

Notes from Dietitian Summer Yule

This is a level 3 recipe (suitable for weight maintenance and active lifestyles).

What are the nutritional benefits of ribeye? While other cuts of red meat might be lower in saturated fat and calories, ribeye offers a wealth of essential nutrients:

• Packed with B vitamins: Ribeye is an excellent source of most essential B vitamins, especially niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, crucial for energy metabolism and nervous system health.
• Fat-soluble vitamins: It also provides small but significant amounts of essential fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin D.
• Highly bioavailable minerals: Ribeye steaks are rich in iron, zinc, and phosphorus. The iron and zinc from steak are highly bioavailable, meaning your body absorbs them more efficiently compared to sources like grains and legumes.
• Protein powerhouse: Steak is a superb source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and prolonged satiety.
• Keto, low carb, and gluten-free friendly: This recipe is naturally compatible with various special diets. Ensure you use gluten-free coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and a GF steak seasoning if following a strict gluten-free diet.
• DELICIOUS: Beyond its nutritional merits, the unparalleled taste of ribeye makes it a favorite. A well-prepared ribeye is a culinary delight that might just convince you to reconsider any previous dietary restrictions involving beef.

Nutrition information is an estimate for one serving and excludes the marinade since it is not consumed.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 425 kcal
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 25.7g
• Saturated Fat: 10.1g
• Potassium: 578.3mg
• Calcium: 3.7% DV
• Iron: 15.4% DV

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to make air fryer boneless ribeye steak?

For boneless ribeye steaks, especially very thick ones (around 1¾-inch), you can typically air fry them for 18-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C) in an air fryer oven. For thinner boneless steaks, such as a ½-inch ribeye, the cooking time can be as short as 5-8 minutes. Generally, no preheating is needed for boneless cuts, and you can season the steak once it has thawed slightly during the initial cooking phase if starting from frozen. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

How do you cook a 1.5 inch ribeye steak?

For a thicker 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) bone-in ribeye, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 16 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. This will likely yield a medium-rare to medium doneness. Always verify the internal temperature with a meat thermometer and add more cooking time in 1-2 minute increments until your desired doneness is reached.

How to cook frozen rib eye steak in air fryer?

Cooking a frozen ribeye in the air fryer is surprisingly effective. For thin, 1-inch (2.54 cm) frozen ribeye steaks, cook them for about 25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). You can apply your seasoning once the steak has had a chance to thaw slightly in the air fryer, typically after the first 10-12 minutes, allowing the seasoning to adhere better.

How to reverse sear steak in air fryer?

Achieving a reverse sear on air fryer ribeye steaks is quite straightforward with this recipe. The method of cooking at a moderate temperature initially, followed by a slight increase (or just letting the circulating hot air do its job), naturally creates a beautiful, even sear. You don’t need to implement any extra steps beyond following this recipe to get perfectly seared steaks with a tender interior.

What is the difference between a ribeye and a sirloin steak?

The distinction between ribeye and sirloin steak primarily lies in their cut location and, sometimes, regional terminology. In the United States, a “ribeye” is cut from the rib section of the cow, known for its rich marbling and tenderness. “Sirloin” is cut from the sirloin section, located posterior to the short loin. However, in the UK and Australia, “sirloin” refers to what Americans call the short loin section, while American sirloin is often referred to as “rump.” This difference in nomenclature can indeed be confusing!

Delectable Side Dishes for Air Fryer Ribeye

What complements a perfectly cooked air fryer steak? Classic pairings like air fryer ribeye steak and potatoes are always a hit. You can also elevate your meal with caramelized onions and mushrooms, roasted sweet potatoes, or steamed broccoli. My personal favorites include serving steak with creamy mashed potatoes and glazed carrots, finished with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. Here are some more inspiring ideas for side dishes that perfectly pair with ribeye:

• Smoked Mac and Cheese: A rich and creamy indulgence.
• Air Fryer Frozen French Fries: Crispy, golden, and super easy.
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash: A sweet and savory fall favorite.
• Loaded Air Fryer Radishes: A surprisingly delicious low-carb alternative.
• Air Fryer Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery, and packed with flavor.

More Irresistible Air Fryer Beef Recipes

If you’re eager to explore more ways to cook beef in your air fryer, these recipes are a must-try. Expand your culinary repertoire with these delicious and easy air fryer beef dishes:

• Air Fryer Roast Beef: Perfect for sandwiches or a hearty meal.
• Air Fryer Stuffed Burgers with cheese: Juicy burgers with a gooey surprise inside.
• Meatloaf in the Air Fryer: A comforting classic made effortlessly.
• Frozen Meatballs in the Air Fryer: Quick and convenient for busy weeknights.