1. Prepare Steak and Air Fryer:

• Take the ribeye steak out of the refrigerator about 30-60 minutes before cooking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly.
• Pat the steak completely dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture is crucial for developing a good crust.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 5 minutes. Preheating is important for a good initial sear.
• Season the steak generously on all sides (including the edges) with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Gently press the seasoning onto the meat.

2. Cook Steak – First Side:

• Carefully place the seasoned steak in the preheated air fryer basket. Ensure there’s space for air to circulate around it.
• Cook at 390°F (199°C) for 6 minutes.

3. Flip Steak and Cook – Second Side:

• Using tongs, carefully flip the steak over in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for an additional 6 minutes at 390°F (199°C). The recipe notes this timing results in a medium-rare ribeye steak (internal temperature approx. 130-135°F before resting). Adjust timing slightly for different thickness or desired doneness (see Tips).

4. Rest the Steak:

• Open the air fryer basket and immediately transfer the cooked steak to a clean plate or cutting board. Do not skip this step!
• Let the steak rest undisturbed for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy steak rather than having all the juices run out when cut.

5. Serve:

• After resting, you can slice the steak against the grain or serve it whole.
• Optional: Top the hot, rested steak with a pat of butter, allowing it to melt over the surface. Garnish as desired (e.g., fresh parsley).
• Serve immediately.