Air Fryer Steak (Juicy & Tender)

By Valentina Dimitrova | Updated on October 31, 2026

Steak night gets easier with Air Fryer Steak, made with juicy, tender ribeye, homemade taco seasoning, and Italian herbs for a flavorful dinner without the mess of pan-searing.

Whole ribeye steaks with melted butter and thick slices of pink-centered beef on a white plate with tomatoes and fresh herbs.

Air fryer ribeye steak is an easy alternative to grilled or pan-seared steak, with a browned surface and a juicy, tender center. The ribeye's natural marbling gives it a rich beef flavor that pairs well with homemade taco seasoning and Italian herbs. Finish with a pat of herby butter for extra richness, without the mess of stovetop cooking. Pair with air fryer asparagus, roasted carrots and parsnips, or yuca fries for a satisfying dinner.

Quick Look: Air Fryer Steak

  • ⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • 🔥 Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • ⏲️ Preheating and Seasoning Time: 10 minutes
  • 🕒 Total Time: 25 minutes
  • 🍽️ Servings: 4 steaks
  • 🥩 Flavor Profile: Rich, savory beef with taco seasoning, Italian herbs, and herby butter
  • 🍴 Texture: Browned surface with a juicy, tender center
  • 👌 Difficulty: Easy
  • ❤️ Best For: Family dinners and date nights
  • 🍳 Cooking Method: Air fryer at 400°F
  • 🧂 Key Ingredients: Ribeye steaks, olive oil, taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, and optional herby butter
  • Why This Recipe Works: The air fryer's circulating heat cooks the ribeye without a skillet or grill, and a little olive oil helps it brown. Ribeye's natural marbling contributes to a juicy, tender steak, especially after a short rest before slicing.

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Chef's Notes from Valentina

  • Ribeye is ideal for this recipe because its natural marbling keeps the steak juicy and tender. Boneless steaks that are 1 inch thick work best, but bone-in ribeye is also an option.
  • The homemade taco seasoning and Italian herbs give the steak its savory flavor. Taste the taco seasoning first and adjust the salt if needed.
  • A little olive oil helps the steak brown, but patting the meat dry is just as important. Excess moisture can prevent a good sear.
  • Finish with a pat of herby butter for extra richness. Serve with crispy smashed potatoes or mashed pumpkin for a complete dinner.

Ingredients

  • Ribeye steaks – 4 boneless steaks, 1 inch thick. Their natural marbling gives the meat a rich beef flavor and juicy, tender texture. Bone-in ribeye also works but may need a little longer to cook.
  • Homemade taco seasoning – 3 tablespoons. A blend of spices that gives the steak a savory, slightly smoky flavor with a little heat. Use my homemade keto taco seasoning and adjust the salt to taste.
  • Italian seasoning – 1 tablespoon. Dried herbs add an earthy flavor that complements the taco spices without overpowering the beef.
  • Olive oil – 2 ½ tablespoons. Helps the steak brown and gives the seasoned surface a lightly crisp texture.
  • Herby butter – 1 pat per steak, optional. Melts over the steak for a rich, buttery finish with a hint of herbs.

Substitutions And Additions

Classic Steak Seasoning: Replace the taco and Italian seasonings with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a traditional steakhouse flavor.

Montreal Steak Seasoning: Use Montreal steak seasoning instead of the original spice blend. Its coarse black pepper, garlic, and coriander give the ribeye a savory, peppery crust.

Other Steak Cuts: Try 1-inch-thick New York strip, sirloin, top sirloin, flat iron, or chuck eye steaks instead of ribeye. Filet mignon and bone-in ribeye also work, but thicker cuts may need more cooking time. Check the internal temperature since cooking times vary depending on the cut and thickness.

Chimichurri Sauce: Replace the herby butter with chimichurri made from fresh parsley, garlic, oregano, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Spoon it over the cooked steak for a fresh, tangy finish.

Blue Cheese Butter: Mash softened butter with crumbled blue cheese and a little black pepper. Add it to the cooked ribeye for a creamy, tangy finish that pairs well with the rich beef.

How to Make Air Fryer Steak

  1. Prepare the steaks: To cook steak in air fryer, remove the ribeye steaks from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and help them brown evenly.
  2. Preheat and season: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5–10 minutes. Brush the steaks all over with olive oil and season well with a mixture of homemade taco seasoning and Italian seasoning. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to absorb the seasonings.
  3. Arrange in the basket: Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them for hot air to circulate. Cook in batches if necessary, depending on the size of your air fryer.
  4. Cook the steaks: Air fry for approximately 8–10 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through cooking.
    Note: Check the internal temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of each steak. It should reach 135–145°F (57–63°C). Avoid touching the bone if using bone-in ribeye, which may need a few extra minutes to cook.
  5. Rest the steaks: Remove the steaks from the air fryer, cover loosely with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices.
  6. Serve: Top each steak with a pat of herby butter, if desired, and serve with your favorite sides, such as cooked low-carb vegetables.
Browned ribeye steaks with melted butter on a plate.

Air Fryer Steak Cooking Time and Temperature

The air fryer steak cooking time depends on the thickness of the ribeye and how you like your steak cooked. For boneless steaks that are 1 inch thick, use these approximate cooking times at 400°F (200°C).

Doneness Cooking Time Internal Temperature
Rare 5–6 minutes 120–129°F (49–54°C)
Medium-rare 8–10 minutes 130–134°F (54–57°C)
Medium 12–14 minutes 135–144°F (57–62°C)
Medium-well 16–18 minutes 145–154°F (63–68°C)
Well-done About 20 minutes 155°F (68°C) or higher

Check the thickest part of the steak with a meat thermometer rather than relying on cooking time alone. Cooking times can vary between air fryers, and the internal temperature may rise a few degrees as the steak rests.

Food Safety: The USDA recommends cooking whole beef steaks to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C), followed by a minimum 3-minute rest before slicing or serving.

Close-up of thick, pink-centered ribeye steak slices with browned edges, herbs, and melted butter.

Expert Tips for Air Fryer Steak

  • Trim thick pieces of fat. Cut away any large strips of fat around the ribeye's edges, but leave the marbling intact. Less excess fat means less grease dripping into the air fryer and a lower chance of smoking.
  • Start with a clean basket. Remove old grease and food residue before cooking. Ribeye releases fat as it cooks, and leftover residue can burn and leave an unpleasant smell.
  • Keep the seasoning from scorching. Spread the taco seasoning and Italian herbs in a thin, even layer rather than leaving thick clumps on the meat. The spices are less likely to burn before the steak finishes cooking.
  • Drain excess grease between batches. Let the air fryer cool enough to handle safely, then carefully empty accumulated fat from the drawer before cooking the next batch. This reduces smoking as more fat renders from the ribeye.
  • Slice against the grain. Look at the direction of the muscle fibers and cut across them after the steak has rested. Shorter fibers make each slice more tender and easier to chew.

FAQ About Air Fryer Steak

Can I cook frozen steak in an air fryer?

Yes. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the frozen steak for about 5–10 minutes until the surface has thawed enough to pat dry and season. Continue cooking until the steak reaches the desired internal temperature. Frozen steaks need more time and may not brown as evenly.

Why is my air fryer steak tough or chewy?

The steak may have cooked too long, especially if it's thinner than 1 inch. Check its internal temperature early and slice against the grain after resting for a more tender texture.

Can I use an air fryer oven instead of a basket-style air fryer?

Yes. Place the ribeye steaks on the air fryer oven's rack or tray, with enough space between them for air to circulate. Use the air fry setting and check the steaks early, since cooking times vary by appliance.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Steak

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Thick slices of ribeye steak with pink centers, browned edges, and fresh herbs.
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5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Steak (Juicy & Tender)

Steak night gets easier with Air Fryer Steak, made with juicy, tender ribeye, homemade taco seasoning, and Italian herbs for a flavorful dinner without the mess of pan-searing.
Course:Main Course
Cuisine:American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Preheating and Seasoning 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 steaks
Calories556.1 kcal
Cost $ 12.00 per steak

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless ribeye steaks – 1-inch thick
  • 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons homemade keto taco seasoning – adjust the salt to your preference
  • 1 tablespoon store-bought Italian seasoning
  • 1 pat of herby butter per steak – store-bought or homemade, optional

Instructions

  • Prepare the steaks: To cook steak in air fryer, remove the ribeye steaks from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and help them brown evenly.
  • Preheat and season: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5–10 minutes. Brush the steaks all over with olive oil and season well with a mixture of homemade taco seasoning and Italian seasoning. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to absorb the seasonings.
  • Arrange in the basket: Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them for hot air to circulate. Cook in batches if necessary, depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • Cook the steaks: Air fry for approximately 8–10 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through cooking.
    Note: Check the internal temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of each steak. It should reach 135–145°F (57–63°C). Avoid touching the bone if using bone-in ribeye, which may need a few extra minutes to cook.
  • Rest the steaks: Remove the steaks from the air fryer, cover loosely with foil, and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices.
  • Serve: Top each steak with a pat of herby butter, if desired, and serve with your favorite sides, such as cooked low-carb vegetables.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Allow 20–30 minutes for the steaks to sit at room temperature before cooking and 5 minutes to rest afterward. Preheating and seasoning can overlap with the preparation time.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool slightly before storing, and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
Freeze: Wrap each steak tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
Thaw: Transfer frozen steak to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Keep it refrigerated until ready to reheat.
Reheat: Warm the steak in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) or in the microwave in short intervals until heated through to 165°F (74°C). Check frequently to avoid drying out the meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 556.1kcal | Carbohydrates: 1.9g | Protein: 45.6g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 15.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21.8g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 138.4mg | Sodium: 270.9mg | Potassium: 621.6mg | Fiber: 0.9g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 237.3IU | Vitamin C: 0.9mg | Calcium: 35.9mg | Iron: 4.5mg

** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.

Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.

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3 Comments

  1. Your steak looks perfectly cooked. No air fryer here, we sear it on the stovetop and finish it in the oven. We had one last night that looked just like yours, delicious.

  2. 5 stars
    My air fryer experience is limited to vegetables only but you made me think what I have been missing.......

    1. Davorka, I made this steak in the air fryer for the first time and it was so good that I got obssessed with it. My family loved it so much that they asked me to do it again.