If you are craving a steak that is bursting with flavor, tender to the bite, and cooked quickly to perfection, you must try this Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe. It’s an absolute game changer for steak lovers looking to enjoy all the savory goodness of a perfectly marinated ribeye cooked in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, this recipe brings out the best in ribeye with a simple yet incredibly flavorful marinade followed by air frying to lock in juices and create a delicious crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe plays a crucial role, balancing sweet, salty, and umami flavors to enhance the natural richness of the ribeye. The combination is simple but packs a punch, allowing the meat to shine while adding a perfect caramelized finish.
- 1 pound bone-in ribeye steak, 1 ½ inch thick: Choosing a thick cut ensures your steak stays juicy and tender inside after air frying.
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar, packed: Adds just the right hint of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper: Provides a sharp, spicy contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the steak’s natural flavors and aiding in crust formation.
- ½ teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning: A classic blend that adds depth and savory notes, boosting the steak’s meaty flavor.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings an irresistible tangy umami kick that marinates deep into the meat.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Melted on top after cooking, it adds richness and a velvety finish.
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional): Adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the steak perfectly.
How to Make Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Steak
Start by combining the light brown sugar, cracked black pepper, kosher salt, Montreal steak seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. This mixture will be your marinade that gives the steak its signature bold and slightly sweet flavor. Rub this marinade thoroughly over both sides of your ribeye steak, making sure every inch is coated. This step is key to infusing your steak with layers of flavor before the quick air fryer magic begins.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for searing your steak. This helps lock in the juices for a tender and juicy result, while creating that gorgeous crust that steak connoisseurs crave.
Step 3: Cook the Ribeye Steak
Place the marinated ribeye steak in the air fryer basket, making sure it’s not crowded to allow air to circulate evenly. Cook it for about 8 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 8 minutes. This timing is perfect for a medium-rare finish on a 1 ½ inch thick steak, but feel free to adjust based on your preferred doneness.
Step 4: Add Butter and Rest the Steak
Once cooking is complete, carefully remove your steak from the air fryer and immediately top it with a tablespoon of butter. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes; this resting period allows the juices to redistribute, giving you a moist and flavorful bite every time.
How to Serve Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh, herbaceous layer that balances the rich, meaty flavors. You can also add a squeeze of lemon if you want a little zing that cuts through the butteriness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This steak pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh mixed greens salad to add some crunch and freshness. If you’re feeling indulgent, garlic butter mushrooms or crispy air-fried potatoes make perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, slice the ribeye against the grain and fan it out on a wooden board or rustic platter. Drizzle any leftover butter or pan juices over the slices, and nestle your sides around it for a steakhouse feel in your own home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Be sure to cool down your leftover steak before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to 3 days while maintaining its flavor and juiciness.
Freezing
If you want to save your Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe for longer, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy later without losing quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) until heated through, or use the air fryer at a lower temperature to avoid overcooking. Adding a little butter or drizzle of olive oil while reheating helps keep the steak moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe shines with ribeye’s marbling and richness, you can try it with sirloin, strip steak, or even filet mignon. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and cut.
How long should I marinate the ribeye?
This recipe is designed for a quick marinade right before cooking, about 10-15 minutes, which works great for infusing flavor. For deeper flavor, you can marinate in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
What if I don’t have Montreal steak seasoning?
No worries! You can substitute with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to replicate similar flavors.
Is butter necessary after cooking the steak?
Butter adds richness and enhances the steak’s flavor, but if you prefer, you can skip it or use a flavorful oil instead. It’s a lovely finishing touch but not mandatory.
Can I cook the steak from frozen in the air fryer?
It’s best to thaw the steak before marinating and cooking for even cooking and better flavor absorption. Cooking from frozen might lead to uneven results.
Final Thoughts
This Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want something decadent yet easy to whip up. Its rich flavors, juicy texture, and quick cooking time make it a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy that perfect steak experience at home, no fancy grill required!
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Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful steak cooked to perfection using an air fryer. The ribeye is marinated briefly with a blend of brown sugar, black pepper, kosher salt, Montreal steak seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce, then air fried to achieve a tender, slightly charred crust with a buttery finish. Ideal for a quick, restaurant-quality steak at home.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 pound bone-in ribeye steak, 1 ½ inch thick
Marinade & Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Finishing
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribeye Steak: Pat the ribeye steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the marinade stick better and promotes even cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the light brown sugar, fresh cracked black pepper, kosher salt, Montreal steak seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Marinate the Steak: Rub the marinade mixture all over both sides of the ribeye steak, ensuring an even coating. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the ideal cooking temperature.
- Air Fry the Steak: Place the marinated ribeye steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 8 minutes on one side. Flip the steak and cook for an additional 8 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness, adjusting time based on thickness or preference.
- Rest and Butter: Remove the steak from the air fryer and immediately top it with 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, allowing the butter to melt and juices to redistribute.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the steak for a fresh finish. Slice against the grain if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Letting the steak rest before cooking allows for more even cooking throughout.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and steak thickness; use a meat thermometer aiming for 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
- Feel free to adjust seasoning amounts to your preference, especially salt and pepper.
- Optional garnish with parsley adds a pop of color and freshness but can be omitted.
- Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
