Perfect Air Fryer Ribeye

This recipe shows you how to make a thick, juicy steak with a perfectly seared outside and charred edges using your air fryer. In under 20 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality steak even if you don't have a grill or much experience cooking steak. The key is using the right temperature and simple seasoning along with a touch of garlic herb butter for an irresistible finish.

I was skeptical if an air fryer could really cook a steak well, but after testing different cuts and methods, this became a favorite. Now I make it when I want steak without heating the grill or oven.

Ingredients

• Ribeye steaks: Two ribeye steaks about an inch thick thick enough for juicy interior, thin enough to cook evenly in air fryer. Choose steaks with good marbling for flavor
• Olive oil: One tablespoon olive oil to lightly coat steaks for crisping and even seasoning adherence
• Kosher salt: One teaspoon kosher salt is preferred for its coarse texture and clean flavor
• Black pepper: Half teaspoon freshly ground black pepper adds mild heat and depth
• Garlic powder: Half teaspoon garlic powder for subtle garlic aroma
• Water: Two tablespoons water added to air fryer basket helps reduce smoke and gently steams the steak for juiciness
• Garlic herb compound butter: Garlic herb compound butter for serving adds rich and aromatic finish optional but highly recommended for flavor boost

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Pat the ribeye steaks dry thoroughly on both sides with paper towels to ensure a good sear and prevent steaming. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes to make sure the air fryer is hot enough to give the steaks a nice crust

Season the Steaks:

Brush both sides of the steaks evenly with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and promote browning. Season all over with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to let the steak flavor shine

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:

Spray the inside of the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Add about two tablespoons of water to the bottom of the basket to help reduce smoke by catching rendered fat and to add a bit of steam for juiciness

Cook the Steaks:

Place one steak in the basket with space around it for air circulation. Air fry the steak at 400 degrees for 5 minutes then flip carefully. Continue cooking on the second side for 6 to 8 minutes depending on preferred doneness and aim to remove the steak at an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for medium

Rest and Serve:

Remove the steak and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and serve topped with a slice of garlic herb compound butter if desired

I love how the garlic herb compound butter adds that restaurant touch right at home. One memorable dinner I made this for friends and they thought I'd grilled it outside because of the superb crust and juicy interior.

Storage Tips

Once cool enough, store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped tightly for up to three months and reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to preserve texture while being aware reheating will continue cooking the steak and may push it toward well done. Leftovers are also great cold in salads or sandwiches.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ribeye, try New York strip or filet which work well with similar cooking times and adjust thickness accordingly. If garlic powder is not available, minced fresh garlic can be mixed into the olive oil coating. Instead of garlic herb butter, plain butter or other flavored compound butters like shallot or chive can be used for serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this steak with creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh mixed vegetable medley, or roasted potatoes tossed with garlic and herbs. For a lighter option, serve with steamed green beans or a crisp summer corn salad and try a side of homemade French fries or collard greens for a full American steakhouse feel.

This air fryer steak recipe has become a household favorite for days when I want a nofuss dinner with impressive results. The combination of simple seasoning, the water steam trick, and the garlic herb butter at the end makes every bite feel special without much effort.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Do I need to sear the steaks before air frying?

No searing is necessary if the air fryer is preheated properly to ensure a nice color and texture.

→ Can I cook multiple steaks at once in the air fryer?

It's best to avoid overcrowding to allow hot air circulation; cooking in batches may be needed depending on steak size and air fryer capacity.

→ How do I know when to remove the steak from the air fryer?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature and pull slightly before your target to allow carryover cooking.

→ Why add water to the air fryer basket?

Water reduces smoke by catching grease and also helps steam the steak, keeping it juicy and tender.

→ What cuts of steak work well with this method?

Ribeye is preferred, but NY strip, filet, T-bone, flat iron, and skirt steak also cook well when timed by internal temperature.