Name: Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (about 1 inch thick) Ribeye steak (frozen); 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil as an alternative); Generous amount of coarse salt or steak seasoning

You’re going to love this Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe—it’s one of those surprisingly easy ways to get a perfectly cooked, juicy steak without firing up the grill or heating up the whole kitchen. I honestly didn’t expect an air fryer to handle a thick ribeye as well as it did, but this method locks in flavor and cooks the steak evenly from edge to edge. If you’re short on time or just want a fuss-free, delicious dinner, this recipe is a total game changer.

What makes this air fryer ribeye steak recipe stand out for me is the use of a frozen steak—it might sound unusual, but cooking from frozen actually helps keep the outside from overcooking while the inside reaches that tender, juicy medium doneness. Plus, using avocado oil and a generous amount of seasoning really elevates the flavor and creates a steakhouse-quality crust right in your kitchen. If you want to impress yourself (and whoever’s eating with you), this is the way to do it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients work perfectly together to bring out the best in your ribeye when using the air fryer. Just a few staples you likely already have, plus some tips to help you pick the best steak and seasoning for your taste buds.

Ribeye steak: Choose a steak about 1 inch thick and frozen solid. Cooking from frozen helps you avoid overcooked edges and uneven doneness.
Avocado oil: This oil has a high smoke point, perfect for the high heat in the air fryer. Olive oil works fine too if that’s what you have on hand.
Coarse salt or steak seasoning: I like using coarse salt or a bold steak seasoning for an intense, savory crust. Remember to season generously because some seasoning cooks off during air frying.

Variations

I love making this Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe my own by switching up seasonings or trying different finishing touches. Don’t be afraid to experiment based on what you have and what you like—personalizing your steak is part of the fun!

Garlic butter finish: Sometimes I melt a bit of garlic butter on top right after the steak rests—talk about next-level flavor!
Spicy rub: Add smoked paprika, cayenne, and black pepper for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the rich ribeye.
Herbs: Fresh or dried rosemary and thyme sprinkled on after cooking adds a lovely aromatic twist.
Lower fat option: Swap ribeye for sirloin or strip steak for a leaner cut; just adjust cook time since these are thinner.

How to Make Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe

Step 1: Season your frozen ribeye generously

Start with a completely frozen ribeye steak—don’t thaw it. This helps the steak cook more evenly in the air fryer. Brush both sides with avocado oil to help the seasoning stick and promote a nice crust. Then sprinkle a generous amount of coarse salt or steak seasoning on both sides. You’ll want to use about twice as much as usual because some seasoning naturally falls off during cooking, especially from a frozen surface.

Step 2: Preheat your air fryer for best results

Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and let it preheat fully. This step is key to getting that beautiful sear and consistent cooking temperature. I usually give mine 3-5 minutes to come up to heat before adding the steak.

Step 3: Cook your steak in the air fryer

Place the seasoned frozen ribeye into the preheated basket. Cook it for 8-12 minutes on one side, then flip carefully and cook the other side for the same amount of time. For a 1-inch thick ribeye, I find 10 minutes per side typically hits medium doneness. Adjust the time slightly if your steak is thinner or if you like it rarer or more well-done. Resist the urge to poke the steak to check early—it will be ready when the time is up and you’ve flipped once.

Step 4: Let your steak rest before slicing

This is the step many overlook but it makes a huge difference. After cooking, move the steak to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat so every bite stays juicy and tender instead of leaking all over your cutting board.

How to Serve Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface with four food items arranged on it. There is one large raw red steak with visible marbling and bits of white fat around the edges, lightly sprinkled with salt, positioned on the right side of the plate. On the upper left corner of the plate, there is a halved avocado showing its green flesh and large brown seed. Next to the avocado on the right, a small white bowl filled with yellow olive oil sits. Below the avocado, there is a larger white bowl filled with coarse white sea salt, and below it, a smaller white bowl contains more coarse salt. The setup is clean and bright, highlighting fresh ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few cracks of fresh pepper over the steak right before serving. Sometimes I add a dollop of herb butter or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten things up—totally depends on my mood!

Side Dishes

One of my favorite combos is a crisp air fryer asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts alongside garlic mashed potatoes. It balances the richness of the steak beautifully. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a creamy mac and cheese on the side is always a winner.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like slicing the steak thinly and fanning it out on a warmed platter, topped with fresh herb sprigs or some sautéed mushrooms. It looks impressive but is totally easy—and everyone loves digging into it family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover ribeye tightly in plastic wrap or foil and stash it in an airtight container. It lasts well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

While I usually prefer fresh-cooked steak, this air fryer ribeye freezes well if you wrap it tightly in freezer paper or heavy-duty foil and place in a zip-top bag. It’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat the steak without drying it out is using the air fryer at a lower temperature, around 300°F, for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, quickly warming it in a skillet with a little butter over medium heat works wonders for keeping juices locked in.

FAQs

Can I use a thawed ribeye instead of frozen in the air fryer?

Yes, but cooking from frozen helps ensure the steak cooks evenly without the outside overcooking. If you use thawed steak, you’ll want to reduce the cooking time and watch closely to avoid overcooking.
How do I know when my ribeye is done in the air fryer?

Cooking times vary based on thickness and air fryer model, but a general guideline is about 10 minutes per side at 400°F for medium doneness on a 1-inch steak. Using an instant-read thermometer is helpful—130°F for medium rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium well.
Can I use olive oil instead of avocado oil?

Absolutely! Olive oil is a fine alternative. Just keep in mind avocado oil has a higher smoke point, so it’s slightly better for high-heat cooking like air frying, but olive oil works well, too.
Should I flip the steak during air frying?

Yes, flipping the ribeye halfway through cooking ensures both sides get an even crust and cook evenly, which is key to a perfectly cooked steak.
Is resting the steak after cooking really necessary?

Definitely. Resting for at least 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making each bite juicy and tender rather than dry.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe has become my secret weapon for a quick, satisfying steak night any day of the week. It’s so simple, and the results consistently impress me with how tender and flavorful the steak turns out. If you’ve been intimidated by cooking ribeye or worried about overcooking it, give this frozen-to-perfection air fryer method a try—you’ll be amazed how easy and delicious it is. Trust me, once you start making steak this way, you won’t look back!