Perfect Ribeye Steak in the Air Fryer: Juicy, Quick Method

Make a delicious Air Fryer Ribeye Steak that’s juicy, tender, and packed with savory beef flavor. This quick and easy steak cooks in about 15 minutes using just a few simple ingredients and is finished with a garlic herb butter for an elevated, restaurant-style result at home.

rib eye steak with garlic herb butter in the air fryer.

Skip the grill—season ribeye steaks and cook them in the air fryer for a tender, flavorful steak with a beautiful crust. Top with garlic herb butter for a classic finish that brings out the meat’s rich flavor.

The air fryer is a great alternative to grilling, especially when weather or time won’t cooperate. With high heat and short cooking time, you can get a perfectly cooked steak any time of year.

Ingredient Notes

ingredients for air fryer ribeye steak.
Air fryer ribeye steak ingredients
  • Ribeye steak – Choose steaks about 8–10 oz and roughly 1 inch thick. Thinner cuts will cook faster, so reduce cooking time if needed.
  • Steak seasoning – A good steak seasoning adds depth; use your favorite blend or simple kosher salt and black pepper.
  • Oil – Not required, but brushing the steak lightly with olive oil helps the seasoning adhere and promotes browning.

Seasoning Options

A few simple seasoning ideas to enhance flavor:

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Montreal steak seasoning
  • Prepared steak seasoning
  • Italian seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper

How To Make Air Fryer Ribeye Steak

Scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements.

brushing oil on the steak.
coating the steak with spices.

STEP ONE: Remove steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps them cook evenly.

STEP TWO: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes. Pat steaks dry with paper towels while the air fryer heats.

STEP THREE: Brush both sides of each steak with a little olive oil. Sprinkle with steak seasoning and press gently so the seasoning adheres to the meat.

steak coated with spices.
steak in the air fryer.

STEP FOUR: Place steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 minutes for medium doneness, adjusting time for thickness and desired doneness.

STEP FIVE: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature: 125°F rare, 135°F medium-rare, 145°F medium, 155°F well done.

STEP SIX: Remove the steaks and let them rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Top with slices of garlic herb butter and serve.

air fryer steak with mashed potato and green beans.

How To Make Garlic Herb Butter

ingredeints for garlic herb butter.
refrigerated garlic herb butter for steak.

STEP ONE: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley until smooth.

STEP TWO: Place the mixture on plastic wrap or parchment and roll into a log. Chill in the fridge about 30 minutes to firm up; if short on time, freeze 5–10 minutes then transfer to the fridge.

STEP THREE: Slice into rounds and place atop the hot steak just before serving.

Steak Temperature Chart

High heat and quick cooking give the best texture and flavor. Because air fryer performance varies by model, always confirm doneness with an instant-read thermometer.

Rare 125℉
Medium rare 135℉
Medium 145℉
Well Done 155℉

Tips for Success

  • Use a meat thermometer — insert the probe into the thickest part for an accurate reading.
  • Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
  • Slice against the grain into thin slices for the most tender bites.
sliced air fryer-ribeye steak.

Side Dishes For Air Fryer Ribeye Steak

Classic pairings include garlic mashed potatoes and green beans, roasted or smashed potatoes, or potato wedges. For low-carb options, serve with a crisp salad or mashed cauliflower. Choose sides that complement the rich steak and garlic butter.

Searing and Flipping

You don’t need to sear before air frying if your air fryer reaches high heat; preheating creates a good crust. If you prefer a skillet sear, do it before or after air frying but adjust air fryer time since the steak will be partially cooked. Flipping is optional—turn once halfway or finish with an extra minute on the second side for even browning.

Recipe

Air Fryer Ribeye Steak

air fryer ribeye steak with green beans and mashed potatoes.
Quick, flavorful ribeye cooked in the air fryer and served with garlic herb butter.
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Servings 2

Equipment

  • Air Fryer

Ingredients

  • 2 Ribeye steaks (about 10 oz each, 1-inch thick)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp steak seasoning

For Garlic Herb Butter

  • 3 tbsp softened butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Take the steaks out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 10 minutes. Pat steaks dry while it preheats.
  • Brush steaks with olive oil, season on both sides with steak seasoning, and press the seasoning into the meat.
  • Place steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook about 10 minutes for medium, or until internal temperature reaches desired doneness.
  • Remove steaks and rest 5 minutes. Top with garlic herb butter and serve with your favorite sides.

Garlic Herb Butter

  • Combine softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Roll into a log in plastic wrap or parchment and chill about 30 minutes until firm. Slice and serve on top of the steak.

Notes

Steak Temperature Guide

  • Rare – 125℉
  • Medium rare – 135℉
  • Medium – 145℉
  • Well Done – 155℉

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 5–6 days.
  • Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F for a few minutes until warm.
  • Freeze cooked steak up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 494 kcal |
Total Carbs: 1 g |
Protein: 46 g |
Fat: 34 g