Bella’s Air Fried Ribeye
Using an air fryer for a ribeye is a surprisingly effective way to achieve an even, edge-to-edge cook while rendering the fat cap to buttery perfection. Because the air fryer acts like a powerful convection oven, it surrounds the meat with intense heat, meaning you don't even have to flip the steak to get a great result. It is a fantastic, mess-free alternative to stovetop searing that delivers a tender, juicy steak with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time 18 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
- 1 ribeye steak 12 to 16 ounces
- Salt and seasonings to taste (optional)
- Butter for serving (optional)
Preheat your air fryer to 450°F and allow it to run empty for about 5 minutes. Ensuring the basket is hot before the meat touches it helps mimic a traditional sear.
While the air fryer preheats, pat the ribeye dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt or your choice of spices.
Place the steak directly into the center of the air fryer basket. Cook at 450°F without flipping.
Follow these timing guidelines based on your preferred level of doneness: cook for 8 minutes for blue rare, 10 minutes for rare, or 12 minutes for medium. For thicker steaks, you may need to add 1 to 2 minutes to these ranges.
Carefully remove the steak from the air fryer and transfer it to a plate. Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak.
Top with a pat of butter or additional seasoning to your liking. Serve warm. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.