This air fryer ribeye steak is everything you love about steak night, without dealing with the weather. The air fryer locks in the juices so each bite melts a little. And that rosemary butter? That’s the part that makes you stop for a second and congratulate yourself on a job well done. I’ve made it enough times now that I can’t believe I ever thought steak was just for weekends.
Air Fryer Ribeye Steak cooks up beautifully every time! We start with a quick dry rub, and finish with a rosemary compound butter. The result is simply spectacular.
It is quickly becoming one of my favorite air fryer recipes. I’ve made it enough times now to wonder why I ever thought steaks were just for weekends.
Most of your favorite side dishes will go well with this air-fried ribeye. I love to pair it with air fryer mushrooms, Blackstone asparagus, and Sous Vide mashed potatoes.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
I’ve tested this recipe with boneless and bone-in cuts, and while both work beautifully, boneless ribeye steaks cook a little more evenly in the air fryer. (By the way, one of my kids doesn’t like the fatness from all the marbling in a ribeye - we sub in NY strip for him with no issues.)
I add a touch of brown sugar to the seasoning blend. If you’re watching sugar or want to keep things low carb and keto, sub in a brown sugar substitute or omit.
The cayenne gives a subtle kick, and my daughter loves it that way. If you prefer it mild, just skip it or use smoked paprika instead. I would recommend a teaspoon.
Step by Step
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Steak
Thin steaks are not your friend.
I've been there. You find a sale on thin-cut ribeyes and think you’ve scored. But air fryers cook fast. Anything thinner than 1 inch dries out before you flip it. For a thinner steak, go for a lower temp and shorter time. You don’t need the most expensive steak for this recipe, but you are going to be happier with a little thickness.
The smoke issue nobody tells you about.
Ribeyes have a lot of fat, and fat means smoke. You know what makes my kids complain loudly? The smell of burnt grease. Add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of the air fryer before cooking—it keeps the drippings from smoking.
Air Fryer Ribeye Steak with Compound Butter
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ - 2 pounds ribeye steak
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 ½ to 2 teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt 1 teaspoon per pound of meat
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Compound Butter
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Pat the steaks dry. In a small bowl combine the salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, black pepper and cayenne pepper.
- Coat the steak with the seasoning blend. Place on a wire rack set on top of a baking sheet. Let sit at room temperature for an hour, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. If refrigerated, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
- Meanwhile, combine the butter, rosemary and salt in a small bowl. Stir well and then form into a log. Roll up in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of it.
- Add the steaks, and cook for 6 minutes. Flip, and cook for another 4 minutes for medium-rare, 6 minutes for medium, or 9 minutes for well-done. The actual time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your steak; use a meat thermometer to ensure the perfect cook and make sure you give thicker steaks a little extra time.
- Remove the steaks. Slice the compound butter and place on top of the steaks. Tent with foil, and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe