These mouthwatering air fryer ribeye steaks are cooked perfectly medium rare every single time and coated in the most delicious homemade herb and garlic butter that melts into every bite. This quick and easy recipe will become a family favorite in no time! This dish is incredibly flavorful, quick to make, and perfect for a special family dinner.
Air Fryer Ribeye
This air fryer ribeye steak is so good, it’s seriously the best you’ll ever make! This ribeye recipe has quickly become one of my favorites, and I’m so excited to share this foolproof method to cook a thick cut, boneless ribeye in the air fryer to perfection.
Cooking steak in the air fryer is the best. It’s easy, less messy, and it cooks the steak evenly every time, giving you that perfect medium-rare steak just the way you like it. Plus, you can reheat your leftover steak in the air fryer without losing its juiciness and flavor!
Ribeye is known for its rich and beefy flavor. Whether it’s on the bone or boneless, the ribeye steak’s marbling melts during cooking, making it extremely tender, juicy, and giving it a depth of flavor that’s so irresistible.
The steak is seasoned with just olive oil, salt, and pepper. It’s brought to room temperature to make sure the steak cooks evenly, then it’s cooked in the air fryer to a perfect medium-rare in just 12-14 minutes. Then it’s finished with the garlic and herb butter made with garlic, rosemary, and thyme. The garlic herb butter soaks into the meat as it rests, getting into all the tender, pull apart cracks.
This ribeye in the air fryer pairs perfectly with a microwave baked potato and some greens. It’s a great and easy dinner idea for your family any night of the week, and it’s special enough to make for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Father’s Day. Whenever you choose to make this ribeye steak in the air fryer, this recipe is sure to impress and become a favorite in your home!
While you’re here, be sure to check our air fryer steak recipe. It’s so delicious!
Ingredients
Boneless Ribeye Steaks: Ribeye steaks are known for their marbling, tenderness, and flavor. Look for steaks with a good amount of marbling. As the fat melts, it adds flavor and juiciness.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps prevent the steak from sticking to the air fryer, helps the steak develop a nice brown crust, and helps the salt and pepper stick to the steak better.
Salt: Salt enhances the meat’s natural flavors and creates a nice crust when the steak is cooked. Either sea salt or kosher salt work well for seasoning steak.
Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a nice depth of flavor. Keep in mind that freshly ground black pepper will be spicier than pre-ground pepper.
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter is used to make the herb and garlic butter topping for the steak. It provides a creamy, rich base that carries the flavors of the herbs and garlic.
Fresh Thyme and Rosemary: Fresh thyme and rosemary infuse the butter with a fragrant, earthy flavor that complements the steak perfectly. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use a teaspoon each of dried rosemary and dried thyme leaves.
Garlic: Garlic adds a savory flavor to the herb butter. I prefer the flavor of garlic powder because it’s a bit more mellow, but if you prefer garlic cloves, the heat of the steak will mellow out the flavor of raw garlic if you mince it finely enough.
How To Make Air Fryer Ribeye
Prepare the Steaks: Rub the steaks on all sides with olive oil, then season them to your preference with salt and pepper. Next, bring your steaks to room temperature, this makes sure they cook evenly. (See the recipe card below for the full printable instructions.)
Prepare the Herb and Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together the thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and softened butter. Set this aside for later.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Once the steaks are at room temperature, preheat the air fryer.
Arrange the Steaks in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket. Make sure to not overcrowd them and that they have space for the air to circulate.
Cook the Steaks: Start cooking the steaks, flipping them over halfway through.
Add the Herb and Garlic Butter: Once the steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and immediately top each one with a generous dollop of the prepared herb and garlic butter.
Rest the Steaks: Tent the steaks with aluminum foil and let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier steak. See the recipe card below for the full written instructions, including ingredient amounts, and helpful tips, etc.
Pro Tips
- Room Temperature Steak: Start with a steak at room temperature for even cooking.
- Rest Your Steak: Always let your steak rest after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute and results in a juicier steak.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure your steaks have plenty of space in the air fryer for the air to circulate.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best way to make sure your steak is cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Ribeyes In An Air Fryer?
The exact time will depend on how well-done you like your steak. Generally, a 1-inch thick ribeye will be perfectly medium-rare after around 10-14 minutes in the air fryer. Always use a meat thermometer to check for desired doneness!
Is An Air Fryer Good For Steak?
Absolutely! Air fryers are excellent at cooking steak. The high heat and rapid air circulation create a perfectly seared exterior while keeping the inside tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Do I Need To Flip Steak In The Air Fryer?
Yes, you should flip your steak halfway through the cooking process. This makes sure that it cooks evenly on both sides and achieves a nice, even sear.
Do I Need To Sear Steak Before Air Frying?
No, there’s no need to sear a steak before air frying. The air fryer gets hot enough to sear the steak as it cooks, giving you a beautiful browned outside and a perfectly cooked inside all in one step.
How To Make The Most Tender Steak In An Air Fryer?
The key to tender steak is to not overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to make sure you cook your steak to just the right temperature, then allow it to rest so the juices can redistribute.
What Setting Is Best For Steak In An Air Fryer?
I recommend using the regular setting and heating the air fryer to 400F. This helps to sear the outside of the steak quickly while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Do Steaks Brown In The Air Fryer?
Yes, steaks do brown in the air fryer. The hot circulating air in the air fryer sears the outside of the steak, creating a deliciously browned crust.
How To Season A Good Ribeye Steak?
A ribeye steak doesn’t need much seasoning. A generous sprinkling of salt and pepper is often enough to bring out the natural flavors of the steak.
Should I Season My Ribeye The Night Before?
While it’s not necessary, seasoning a ribeye up to 24 hours in advance can help the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful steak.
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead Of Fresh Ones?
Dried herbs are a great alternative when fresh ones aren’t available. You will need to use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs per 1 Tablespoon of fresh herbs the recipe calls for.
Should You Put Oil On A Ribeye?
Yes, rubbing oil on a ribeye before cooking helps to create a sear on the outside of the steak. Plus, it helps the seasoning stick to the steak better.
Can I Freeze The Herb And Garlic Butter?
Yes, you can! Shape the leftover butter into a log, wrap it in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and put it in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw so that it’s safe to slice. It’s perfect for adding a quick flavor boost to steaks, chicken, or even vegetables.
How Can I Reheat Leftover Steak?
You can easily reheat your leftover steak in the air fryer. Just preheat your air fryer to 350F, then heat your steak in 2-3 minute intervals until heated through.
Why Is My Steak Chewy In The Air Fryer?
If your steak turns out chewy, it was probably overcooked. To avoid this, use a meat thermometer to monitor it, and take it out of the air fryer when it reaches your desired internal temperature.
Keep In Touch
I’d love to hear what you thought of this recipe in the comments or on Instagram! @KeyToMyLime #KeyToMyLime
Dinner Recipes
If you like this recipe, be sure to check out all of our other dinner recipes. Some reader favorites are:
- Air Fryer Steak
- Pork Ribeye Roast
- Cajun Butter Steak Bites
- Boneless Prime Rib
- Broiled Pork Chops
- Instant Pot Frozen Roast
- Air Fryer Prime Rib
BEST Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe
Mouthwatering air fryer ribeye steaks are cooked perfectly medium rare every single time and coated in delicious homemade garlic herb butter.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless ribeye steaks, about 1-inch thick (about 1 pound each)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter, softened (1/4 cup)
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 4 medium cloves of minced garlic)
Instructions
- Optional: Bringing the steaks to room temperature before cooking helps them cook more evenly. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you plan to cook them if you have the time.
- In a small bowl, mix together the thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and softened butter until well combined. Set aside.
- When you’re ready to cook the steaks, preheat the air fryer to 400F.
- Rub the steaks on all sides with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper (you may not need to use all of the salt and pepper, it’s based on your preference).
- Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded and have space for the air to circulate. You may need to cook the steaks in batches depending on the size of your air fryer (I can fit two in an air fryer with a square basket, but have to cook in batches for an air fryer with a round basket).
- Cook the steaks for 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. It’s important to check the internal temperature at the lower end of the cooking time range. The ones in the photos were taken out when they reached an internal temperature of 130F, but if you’d like yours a bit more pink you could take them out at 125F.
- Once the steaks are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and immediately top each steak with a generous dollop of the herb and garlic butter.
- Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier steak.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness of your steaks and the make/model of your air fryer. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steaks as it cooks. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135F after resting, keeping in mind that carryover cooking will raise the internal temperature roughly 3-6 degrees as it rests.
- The herb and garlic butter can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Leftover steaks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steaks in a preheated air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
- For an extra flavor boost, try marinating the steaks for a few hours or overnight in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Feel free to customize the herb and garlic butter to your taste. Other delicious additions include chopped shallots or chives.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1/4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 533Total Fat: 28.6gCarbohydrates: 1.9gFiber: 0.8gSugar: 0gProtein: 68.2g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
I hope you enjoy making and eating this air fryer ribeye as much as I do!
