How to Cook Ribeye Steak - No Cast Iron (Air Fryer)

Air fryer ribeye steak is the quickest way to get a delicious steak in a fraction of the time of grilling or oven baking. It could be the best cooking method for a perfectly cooked steak!

The air fryer provides a perfect sear on the outside of the steak while maintaining a juicy and tender inside. You'll be shocked at how delicious air-fried ribeye can be!

If you like steak recipes and other healthy beef recipes, try our crock pot roast or our hearty beef stew recipe.

Why You Should Make This Juicy Ribeye Steak

These are the top 6 reasons you should make delicious ribeye steak recipe:

1. Air fryer ribeye steak is easy to air fry or pop in the Ninja Foodi - no cast iron skillet or special equipment needed!
2. Best flavorful steak recipe that is quick to make - no marinating needed!
3. Cooking steak in the air fryer gives you the perfect steak sear on the outside and juicy inside.
4. Convenient to eat with a veggie side dish like sweet potatoes or cut into steak bites for a salad, steak quesadilla, or tacos.
5. One bowl for easy cleanup - no grill and no oven to clean.
6. An indoor steak recipe perfect for months when you use an outdoor grill.

For this air fryer ribeye steak, we used the Aldi thin boneless ribeye, about ½ inch to ¾ inches thick. This air-fried ribeye was also tested using 1-inch thick steaks from the butcher at Whole Foods.

For time and grocery savings, we recommend the Aldi ribeyes. They cook in half the time of the 1-inch thick ribeyes and are still deliciously juicy and tender.

Fresh herbs, garlic, and unsalted butter create a compound butter topping similar to steaks served at a steakhouse. You can use extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil (a high smoke point oil), however, butter gives it that steakhouse flavor.

Simple seasonings like coarse sea salt and black pepper give the steak the best flavor. You could always use additional seasoning like garlic powder or onion powder, but you don't need it!

Step 1 - Allow the Steak to Come to Room Temperature

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for 30 minutes.

Step 2 - Preheat the Air Fryer

During the last 5 minutes of the steaks coming to room temperature, preheat the air fryer to 390F for 5 minutes. This will help to sear the steaks.

Step 3 - Seasoning

Pat the meat with paper towels on both sides to dry it. Generously season the steak on both sides with salt, pepper, and steak seasoning.

I generally start with a teaspoon of kosher salt and go from there.

Step 4 - How Long Does it Take to Cook Ribeyes in the Air Fryer?

How long to cook ribeye steak in the air fryer depends on the steak doneness you are trying to achieve. Also, the steak thickness and the air fryer model you are using will impact cook time.

Below is a guide for cooking thin ribeyes with notes on thicker cuts and steak doneness recommendations regarding internal temp and doneness.

Also, note that cooking times will vary depending on the specific size and model of the air fryer used. We used the Ultrean air fryer to make this recipe.

How to Air Fry Ribeye Steak

Place steak onto air fryer basket and air fry ribeye at 390F for 4 minutes for medium-rare. Check the internal temperature of the steak using an instant-read meat thermometer.

Depending on your desired doneness of the steak, either move to a plate to rest or flip the steak and continue air frying for up to 5 additional minutes.

It generally takes between 9 and 12 minutes total to cook the steaks.

How to Air Fry 1-inch or 2-inch Ribeyes

Cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak.

For thicker steaks, 1-inch or 2-inch ribeyes, increase the time to 8 minutes per side or more depending on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak.

Thinner steaks will take less time.

What is the Internal Temp for Steak?

According to Thermoworks, these are the temperatures for levels of steak doneness:

• Rare: 120F
• Medium Rare: 130F
• Medium: 140F
• Medium Well: 150F
• Well: 160F

The best way to tell if a steak is done is to use an instant-read meat thermometer to temp your steak. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading.

Step 5 - Make the Herb Compound Butter

While the steak is cooking, combine the softened butter, herbs, and garlic in a small bowl. Once the steak is done cooking and resting, top each steak evenly with the garlic butter.

After the steak is done cooking, allow the meat to rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes for a delicious, juicy steak.

Expert Tips

• IMPORTANT! Cooking times will vary depending on the specific size and model of air fryer you are using, as well as the thickness of the steak. It's always best to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for further guidance and to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your personal preference of doneness.
• Err on the low end of the cooking times. You can always add more time, but you cannot un-cook an overcooked steak.
• Take your ribeye from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to ensure even cooking.
• Allow room between steaks in the air fryer basket to ensure proper hot air circulation and even cooking.
• My preferred doneness for the perfect ribeye steak is a perfect medium rare steak with an internal temperature of 130 F.
• Allow steak to rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. You can tent it with aluminum foil to help the steak to be juicy.
• Don't skip the herb butter as a topping. It will help to give the steak the steakhouse flavor.