This Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter is the juiciest, most flavorful steak you’ll ever make in your air fryer. If you’re a meat lover, this quick and easy recipe will become a go-to for perfectly cooked ribeye steaks. With a crispy outside and tender, juicy inside, it’s a fantastic way to prepare steak with minimal effort.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 ribeye steaks (minimum 1 ½ inch thick)

• 2 tbsp neutral oil (e.g., avocado oil)

• 2 tbsp salted butter (optional)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to Broil or 400°F (200°C) and preheat for a few minutes.

2. Prepare the Steaks: Rub the avocado oil evenly over both sides of the steaks. Season generously with salt and pepper, or any other preferred seasonings.

3. Cook the Steaks: Place the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes on each side. Check the internal temperature with a digital meat thermometer:

   • Medium-rare: 130°F

   • Medium: 140°F

   • Medium-well: 150°F

   • Well-done: 160°F

4. Add Butter: For the last minute of cooking, add a tablespoon of butter on top of each steak to melt into the meat.

5. Rest the Steaks: Once cooked, remove the steaks from the air fryer. Let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing to ensure the juices redistribute and the steak remains tender.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 600-700 kcal (depending on the thickness of the steak and butter)

• Protein: 45-50 g

• Carbohydrates: 0-1 g (very low in carbs)

• Fat: 50-60 g

  • Saturated Fat: 20-25 g

• Cholesterol: 130-160 mg

• Sodium: 500-700 mg (from seasoning and butter)

• Iron: 2-3 mg (good source due to the ribeye)

This nutritional estimate assumes 2 tablespoons of butter are used. If you use less butter or a different type of oil, the values will adjust accordingly. The ribeye steak is a rich source of protein and fats, making it a hearty, high-calorie meal.

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Steak?

The air fryer is an incredibly versatile kitchen appliance that cooks food quickly by circulating hot air around the food. When it comes to steak, the air fryer is a game-changer. It mimics the high heat of a grill or stovetop, giving the steak a crispy, caramelized exterior while locking in juices for a tender, flavorful interior. With the air fryer, there’s no need to worry about splattering oil or tending to the stove; it simplifies the process and delivers a steak that’s just as good, if not better, than traditional cooking methods.

Another advantage of using the air fryer is the ability to cook the steak evenly on both sides with little to no effort. The constant flow of hot air ensures that the steak cooks quickly and evenly, giving you consistent results every time. Whether you’re cooking a thick ribeye or a thinner cut, the air fryer ensures that the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness with minimal supervision.

Key Ingredients: Simple Yet Flavorful

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a steak that’s bursting with flavor.

• Ribeye Steaks: Ribeye is a popular cut known for its marbling, which adds both flavor and tenderness. It’s an excellent choice for air frying, as the fat renders during cooking, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful. Opt for steaks that are at least 1 ½ inches thick to ensure they cook to perfection in the air fryer.

• Neutral Oil: A high-heat oil, such as avocado oil, is used to coat the steaks before cooking. This ensures that the steaks sear nicely and develop a crispy exterior. Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for air frying.

• Salt and Pepper: A generous seasoning of salt and pepper is all you need to bring out the natural flavors of the ribeye. You can also experiment with other seasonings or steak rubs, depending on your preference.

• Butter (Optional): A tablespoon of salted butter is added during the last minute of cooking to melt into the steak, adding richness and flavor. You can also add garlic or herbs to the butter for extra depth.

How to Cook Ribeye Steak in the Air Fryer

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by setting your air fryer to Broil or 400°F (200°C). Preheat it for a few minutes so the cooking chamber is hot and ready to sear the steaks.

2. Prepare the Steaks: Rub the steaks with avocado oil, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. Season generously with salt and pepper, or your favorite seasonings. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or a steak seasoning mix for additional flavor.

3. Cook the Steaks: Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6 minutes on each side. For accurate results, it’s best to use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The following temperatures will guide you to your desired doneness:

   • Medium-rare: 130°F

   • Medium: 140°F

   • Medium-well: 150°F

   • Well-done: 160°F

4. Add Butter: During the last minute of cooking, place a tablespoon of butter on top of each steak. The heat from the air fryer will melt the butter, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that soaks into the meat.

5. Rest the Steaks: Once the steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result when you slice into it.

Tips for Perfect Ribeye Steaks

• Thickness Matters: Thicker steaks (at least 1 ½ inches) will cook more evenly and remain juicy. If your steaks are thinner, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: A digital meat thermometer ensures that your steak is cooked exactly to your liking. This is the most accurate way to measure doneness, especially when using the air fryer, which can cook quickly.

• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After cooking, let your steaks rest before slicing. This ensures the juices stay inside the meat, making it more flavorful and tender.

• Experiment with Seasonings: While salt and pepper are classic, you can elevate your ribeye by adding seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even a steak rub. You can also incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma and flavor.

Conclusion: The Easiest Way to Cook Ribeye Steak

This Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter recipe is a fantastic way to prepare a flavorful, juicy steak in no time. The air fryer gives the steak a beautifully crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality steak at home. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a casual weeknight dinner, this ribeye steak recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. So fire up your air fryer, grab a ribeye, and enjoy the juiciest, most flavorful steak you’ll ever make!