Can I cook a frozen steak in the air fryer?

While possible, it's not recommended for this recipe. The marinade won't penetrate frozen meat, and you'll miss out on that perfect crust and even cooking. Always thaw completely before marinating and cooking for best results.

Why is my steak tough after cooking in the air fryer?

This usually happens when the steak is overcooked or wasn't brought to room temperature before cooking. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, and always let your steak sit out for at least 30 minutes before air frying. The marination process also helps tenderize the meat, so don't rush that step.

Can I use this recipe for thinner steaks?

Absolutely! For thinner steaks (less than 1 inch), reduce the cooking time significantly—start checking at 8-10 minutes total. Remember that the internal temperature continues to rise during resting, so pull it slightly before your target temperature.

Is the air fryer better than grilling for ribeye steaks?

Each method has advantages. The air fryer excels in convenience, consistency, and clean-up, making it perfect for weeknight cooking or bad weather. Grilling provides smoky flavor that's hard to replicate. This recipe gives you steakhouse quality without firing up the grill—perfect when you want great steak with minimal effort.

Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe

Description

This Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak recipe is a game-changer for steak lovers. The ribeye is marinated with a flavorful blend of seasonings and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. The method ensures a juicy, tender, and delicious steak while adding a delightful char on the outside. Serve it as an indulgent main course for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Steak and Seasoning

1 pound bone-in ribeye steak, 1 & 1/2 inch thick
2 teaspoons light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

For Serving

1 tablespoon butter
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Steak
Pat the ribeye steak dry with paper towels and place it in a dish that can hold it securely. Sprinkle one side of the steak with half of the brown sugar, black pepper, kosher salt, and Montreal steak seasoning. Rub the seasonings into the meat.
Flip and Marinate the Steak
Flip the steak over and repeat the process with the remaining seasonings. Ensure to rub the seasoning mixture on the sides of the steak as well. Drizzle half of the Worcestershire sauce on one side, flip the steak again, and add the remaining Worcestershire sauce. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
Bring to Room Temperature
Remove the steak from the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures the steak cooks evenly and faster.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes while the steak acclimates to room temperature.
Air Fry the Steak
Place the steak in the air fryer basket (no need to add cooking spray) and cook at 400°F for 12-16 minutes, flipping halfway through. The steak is perfectly cooked when it achieves a nice char and reaches an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare. Adjust doneness according to your preference using a meat thermometer.
Rest and Serve
Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. During this time, the juices will redistribute for a juicier steak. Serve with butter melted on top and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Always ensure the steak is at room temperature before cooking for even doneness.
Overcrowding the air fryer can lower the cooking temperature and result in uneven cooking. If making multiple steaks, cook them in batches.
Avoid opening the air fryer during cooking to maintain optimal heat levels.
Letting the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing prevents excessive juice loss and keeps the meat juicy.
If you don’t have bone-in ribeye, boneless ribeye or other steak cuts work well in this recipe.
Add 2 tablespoons of water to the air fryer basket before cooking to minimize smoking.
Keep in mind that the thickness of the steak can influence the cooking time.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 steak
Calories: 480
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 120mg