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

The most common causes are overcooking or not allowing the steak to rest after cooking. Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness, and give your steak that crucial 5-10 minute rest period. Also, make sure your steak comes to room temperature before cooking for more even results.

Can I use frozen steak in this recipe?

For best results, fully thaw your steak before marinating. Frozen steak won't absorb the marinade well and will cook unevenly. If you need to use frozen steak, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before proceeding with the recipe.

My air fryer is smoking a lot when cooking steak. What can I do?

The smoking is likely caused by fat rendering from the ribeye. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the bottom of your air fryer basket before cooking to reduce smoke. Also, make sure your air fryer is clean from previous uses, as residual grease can contribute to smoking.

How do I know when my steak is done without a meat thermometer?

While a thermometer is best for precision, you can use the finger test: press the center of the steak and compare the resistance to pressing the base of your thumb. When touching your thumb to your index finger, the firmness at the base of your thumb is similar to rare steak. Middle finger is medium-rare, ring finger is medium, and pinky is well-done.

Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe

Name: Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound bone-in ribeye steak, 1 ½ inch thick; 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; 1 tablespoon butter; Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Description

This Marinated Air Fryer Ribeye Steak is the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. Seasoned with a simple blend of spices and marinated in Worcestershire sauce, this steak is cooked to perfection in the air fryer, making it juicy on the inside and charred on the outside. Ideal for a quick and impressive dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Steak

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

To Finish

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 comfortably. Sprinkle half of the brown sugar, pepper, kosher salt, and Montreal steak seasoning over one side of the steak. Rub it into the meat thoroughly. Flip the steak and repeat the process on the other side, ensuring to rub the seasoning into the sides of the steak as well.
Add Marinade
Pour half of the Worcestershire sauce over one side of the steak. Flip the steak and pour the remaining Worcestershire sauce on the other side. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Bring to Room Temperature
Remove the steak from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
Cook the Steak
Place the steak in the air fryer basket; no need to spray with cooking spray. Cook the steak for 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking process. Check for doneness using an instant-read meat thermometer—130°F for medium-rare or cook to your desired level of doneness.
Rest and Serve
Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat. Serve with a pat of butter on top and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

Ensure the steak is at room temperature before cooking for more even cooking results.
To avoid overcrowding the air fryer, cook steaks individually or in batches if necessary.
Avoid opening the air fryer during cooking as it releases the heat and affects cooking times.
Letting the steak rest before slicing helps retain its juices.
Works perfectly for boneless ribeye or other cuts of steak suitable for grilling.
If your steak is especially thick, additional cooking time may be required. Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
Adding 2 tablespoons of water to the air fryer basket can help minimize smoking while cooking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: Half the steak
Calories: 450kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 120mg