Can you air fry rib eye steak? Absolutely! Try my air fryer rib eye steak recipe and enjoy steak when the weather’s not good for grilling. You’ll love the delicious and juicy steak that results when you air fry ribeye – no steak sauce needed! This easy main dish is low carb and keto. Learn how long to cook steak in the air fryer, picking the right steak for the air fryer, and more!
Have you tried cooking ribeye in the air fryer yet? If not, consider this your sign to try it!
When you cook your ribeye steak in the air fryer right, it turns out amazingly moist and tender. Your steak will have a nice sear on the outside, as good as if it were on the grill. A simple marinade and steak seasoning is all that’s needed; save your money on sauces and other condiments.
The number one thing you need for success with this recipe is to choose the right steak. We’re making air fryer boneless rib eye steak. Look for well-marbled rib eye that is cut THICK.
And when I say thick, I mean really thick. Don’t try to use 1-inch (2.54 cm) steaks in this recipe; the air frying time will be much shorter. Go for the 1.75-inch (4.4 cm) thick cuts.
The combination of the marinade and the fat in the steak will keep your ribeyes from drying out. Unlike sirloin, rib eye is definitely not a lean cut of beef. It’s a fatty meat that I tend to reserve as an entrée for special occasions.
I can tell you, this rib eye air fryer recipe will make any gathering a little more special. We thought it was spectacular. I hope you enjoy this easy recipe as much as we did!
Jump to:
🥩 What is a ribeye steak?
Ribeye (AKA Scotch fillet in Australia and New Zealand) is a boneless steak cut from the rib section of the cow. Ribeyes tend to be around 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) thick, but if you can find thicker, that’s better! Rib eye is known for being an extremely flavorful, juicy, tender cut.
📋 Calories, Net Carbs, Protein
One generous serving of air fryer rib eye has 478 calories, 0 grams net carbs, and 51 grams protein. This nutrition information accounts for estimated cooking losses. I did not include the marinade in the nutrition stats, since it is not eaten.
⭐ Benefits
What are the nutritional benefits of rib eyes? Admittedly, there are other cuts of red meat that are much lower in saturated fat and calories. However, rib eye provides a lot of nutrient benefits, such as:
- Packed with B vitamins: Rib eye provides significant amounts of most of the essential B vitamins, particularly niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. If you are looking to get B vitamins from whole food sources (not fortified foods) steak is a super choice.
- Fat-soluble vitamins: You also get small amounts of essential fat-soluble vitamins from rib eye, including vitamin D.
- Highly bioavailable minerals: Rib eye steaks are a rich source of several essential minerals, including iron, zinc, and phosphorus. The iron and zinc in steak is highly bioavailable, meaning it’s more readily absorbed by your body than when it’s sourced from certain other foods (particularly grains and legumes).
- Protein: Steak is a solid member of the protein group, providing lots of this filling macro to keep you going strong.
- Keto, low carb, and gluten free: Rib eyes are compatible with a number of special diets, including very low carb and GF diets. (To make the marinade gluten-free, you can use GF coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.)
- DELICIOUS: As I’ve said before, it doesn’t matter how nutrient-packed a food is if it tastes gross. (You’ve got to eat the food to derive the benefits!) Ribeye is the best steak, IMVHO, in terms of taste. I think a well-prepared rib eye might cause you to rethink any self-imposed diet restrictions you have involving beef.
🥘 Ingredients
A good cut of beef (not just rib eye) needs little in the way of adornment! Here's what you need to make the best rib eye steaks in an air fryer:
- Ribeye steaks
- Balsamic vinegar
- Reduced-sodium soy sauce (you may substitute with coconut aminos, wheat-free tamari, etc.)
- Minced garlic cloves
- Onion powder
- Liquid smoke
- Black pepper
- Steak seasoning
As mentioned above, choosing the right steaks is EVERYTHING to this recipe. Get well-marbled ribeyes that are a little over 1-lb. (454 grams) each and 1.75-inches (4.4 cm) thick. If you don’t want to go to the grocery store or butcher, you can get nice ribeyes online here.
🍽 Equipment
You’ll need an air fryer and a meat thermometer to make this rib eye steak air fryer recipe. The meat thermometer is critical to ensure you get the ribeyes to your desired level of doneness.
I use a 10-Quart Kalorik Digital Air Fryer Oven, and was able to fit both steaks on one air fryer tray. If you have a large air fryer basket, you may be able to air fry two steaks at once as well. You’ll need to air fry one steak at a time if you have a small air fryer.
The Ninja Foodi, Cosori, Pampered Chef Air Fryer, Actifry, Nuwave, Instant Vortex, Cuisinart, Philips, Power Air Fryer, etc. can all cook steak. However, may need to make slight adjustments to the air frying time depending on the air fryer you use. Some air fryer brands don’t appear to get as good a sear on steaks as others.
🔪 How to Make
Want to know how to air fry rib eye steak? We’re going to be marinating the steak, so you’ll need to start this recipe early. You can start marinating either the night before or in the morning on the day you plan to have the steaks.
Begin by mixing up your marinade. Combine the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, onion powder, liquid smoke, and black pepper in a small bowl. (There’s no need to use additional salt with the soy sauce plus steak seasoning we’re using later.)
Put the steaks in a single layer in a shallow food-safe container. Pour the marinade over the steaks and allow to marinate for anywhere from 4-12 hours in the fridge. Flip the steaks every few hours to allow all sides of the steak to soak up the marinade.
If you start marinading the steaks in the morning before work and can’t flip them often, no big deal. Everything should still work out fine.
Next, remove the steaks from the marinade and put them in a single layer on an air fryer rack. Season the steak generously with your favorite steak seasoning. I only season the tops of the steaks; we’ll get to the other side when we flip them!
️⏲ Cooking Time and Temperature
How long do you air fry a rib eye steak? How long do you cook a ribeye on each side? Air fry rib eye steak for a total of 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200C). Flip the steak and sprinkle on more steak seasoning halfway through cooking time (i.e., after 10 minutes).
This is how long to cook ribeye medium-rare. If you want a different level of doneness, you will need to adjust the air frying time.
Are you wondering how long to cook steak in air fryer for medium-well? Or how to get air fryer rib eye steak well done? Here’s a temperature and time chart by doneness that you may find helpful:
| Doneness | Finished Internal Temp | Total Cooking Time at 400F (200C) |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120-125F (49-52C) | 17 minutes |
| Medium Rare | 130-135F (54-57C) | 20 minutes |
| Medium | 140-145F (60-63C) | 22 minutes |
| Medium Well | 150F (66C) | 24 minutes |
| Well Done | 160F (71C) | 26 minutes |
These times are general guides for 1.75-inch (4.4 cm) thick boneless steaks only. Your cooking times may vary based on the air fryer you are using. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked just how you like it.
Note: I’ve seen variations from different sources on doneness temps (i.e., some list well done steak as 170F/77C). Just an FYI.
One more thing to note is that the minimum safe internal temperature for beef steaks and roasts is 145F (63C). This temp gives you a rib eye that is medium to medium-well done.
This tends to be a little overdone for my tastes. However, I’m providing this information so that you can make an educated decision about steak cookery. Those at higher risk of being severely affected by food poisoning would be wise to adhere to the food safety rules.
️🌡️ Leftovers
How long does air fryer rib eye last? Leftover rib eye will keep in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Leftover steak also freezes very well (vacuum seal or double wrap it).
You can use leftovers to top salads, in fajitas or burritos, or in soups, stews, and casseroles. Cut the steak into pieces, and use you air fryer ribeye steak bites to add protein to a variety of meals.
🥗 Side Dishes
What to serve with air fryer steak? Air fryer rib eye steak and potatoes is a very popular option.
I served our steaks with roasted potatoes and carrots. Mashed potatoes are another great side dish for steaks. Here are some more ideas for things that go with rib eye:
- Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
- Air Fryer Squash
- Loaded Air Fryer Radishes
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
💭 Expert Tips from a Dietitian
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). IMVHO, beef steaks are one of the most filling sources of protein to be found. That said, rib eyes have a high fat content that make them a higher calorie steak than some other options. For that reason, I’m placing this entrée at level 3.
To demonstrate, 4 ounces of beef ribeye with visible fat eaten provides 283 calories, 30 grams protein, and 17 grams fat (7 grams saturated). Four ounces of sirloin provides 182 calories, 34 grams protein, and 5 grams fat (2 grams saturated). (Nutrition information per Cronometer, and assumes sirloin steaks were trimmed of visible fat- typical of my local stores.)
In this case, choosing a lean cut of beef would save you around 100 calories and 5 grams of saturated fat per serving. If you are trying to lose weight, switching from fatty to lean cuts of meat may help you to maintain a calorie deficit. You don’t even need to eat a smaller volume of food!
It’s easy to find lean and extra lean ground beef, because the packages are clearly marked. Lean beef cuts often have “loin” or “round” in the name.
I eat sirloin a lot more often than rib eye because it is both leaner and less expensive. However, rib eye is sooooo delicious, and I definitely find it worth splurging on (price-wise and calorie-wise) on occasion. If I were trying to lose weight, I’d pair it with low-oil (and low-calorie) non-starchy veggies rather than starchy foods.
By non-starchy veggies, I’m talking green leafy veggies, broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, peppers, onions... As an added benefit, they all happen to be tasty alongside steak!
FAQs
In the United States, “ribeye” refers to a type of steak cut from the rib section of the cow. “Sirloin” is cut from the sirloin section, which is posterior to the short loin section. In the UK and Australia, “sirloin” is cut from what Americans call the short loin section. In those countries, American sirloin is referred to as the “rump.” (Confused yet? Haha)
The time it takes to make air fryer bone-in ribeye depends on the thickness of your steaks and the level of doneness you want. For standard 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) thick ribeyes, air fry at 375F/191C for 16 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check with a meat thermometer, and add more cooking time as needed.
It’s not difficult to learn how to make frozen rib eye in the air fryer. To air fry frozen ribeye steaks that are thin (1-inch/2.54 cm thick), cook for about 25 minutes at 400F (200C). You can season the outside of the steaks after they have thawed a bit in the air fryer.
One-inch ribeyes are really thin! I recommend air frying them at 400F (200C) for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. Check the internal temp of your steaks, and add air fryer time as needed to get your preferred doneness.
To get a reverse sear on air fryer rib eye steaks, simply follow the steps of this recipe. You don’t have to do anything extra to get beautiful seared steaks. Easy!
👩🏻🍳 Other Air Fryer Beef Recipes
Want more ideas for ways to cook beef in an air fryer? Don’t miss these:
- Air Fryer Roast Beef
- Air Fryer Burgers Stuffed with Cheese
- Meatloaf in Air Fryer
- Frozen Meatballs in Air Fryer
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The Disclaimer…
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be wildly inaccurate, so please don't sweat the numbers too much.
For more information on how the three recipe levels may help with a weight management goal, refer to my overnight oats no sugar post. Let's get cooking!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Rib Eye Steak
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 rib eye steaks 2.25 lbs. (1 kg) total; steaks should be 1¾-inches (4.4 cm) thick and well-marbled
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce (use gluten-free coconut aminos for GF)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- black pepper (to taste)
- steak seasoning (to taste)
Instructions
- To make the marinade, combine the balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, onion powder, liquid smoke, and black pepper in a small bowl.
- Put the steaks in a single layer in a shallow food-safe container. Pour the marinade over the steaks and allow to marinate for anywhere from 4-12 hours in the refrigerator. If possible, flip the steaks every few hours to allow all sides of the steak to soak up the marinade.
- Remove the steaks from the marinade and put them in a single layer on an air fryer rack. Season the tops of the steaks generously with steak seasoning.
- Air fry rib eye steak for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) using the top rack in an air fryer oven. Then flip the steaks, sprinkle with more steak seasoning, and air fry an additional 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This should get you a medium-rare steak. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your steak (details on temperatures, total cooking times, and doneness in above article).
- After the steak is done cooking, let it rest for 10 minutes (tented in foil) before slicing and serving.
Video
Notes
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). IMVHO, beef steaks are one of the most filling sources of protein to be found. That said, rib eyes have a high fat content that make them a higher calorie steak than some other options. For that reason, I’m placing this entrée at level 3. To demonstrate, 4 ounces of beef ribeye with visible fat eaten provides 283 calories, 30 grams protein, and 17 grams fat (7 grams saturated). Four ounces of sirloin provides 182 calories, 34 grams protein, and 5 grams fat (2 grams saturated). (Nutrition information per Cronometer, and assumes sirloin steaks were trimmed of visible fat- typical of my local stores.) In this case, choosing a lean cut of beef would save you around 100 calories and 5 grams of saturated fat per serving. If you are trying to lose weight, switching from fatty to lean cuts of meat may help you to maintain a calorie deficit. You don’t even need to eat a smaller volume of food! It’s easy to find lean and extra lean ground beef, because the packages are clearly marked. Lean beef cuts often have “loin” or “round” in the name. I eat sirloin a lot more often than rib eye because it is both leaner and less expensive. However, rib eye is sooooo delicious, and I definitely find it worth splurging on (price-wise and calorie-wise) on occasion. If I were trying to lose weight, I’d pair it with low-oil (and low-calorie) non-starchy veggies rather than starchy foods. By non-starchy veggies, I’m talking green leafy veggies, broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, peppers, onions... As an added benefit, they all happen to be tasty alongside steak! Nutrition information is for one generous serving (half a steak). This nutrition information accounts for estimated cooking losses. I did not include the marinade in the nutrition stats, since it is not eaten. Sodium content will vary based on how liberally you sprinkle on the steak seasoning.
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