Low Sodium Air Fryer Ribeye

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Satisfy the occasional steak craving with my Low Sodium Air Fryer Ribeye. Perfectly seasoned with my salt free steak rub, this recipe is quick, tender, and so flavorful without excess sodium. 

I was late to the air fryer game. Today, I’m a full-on fan despite the fact that I resisted the craze when it began because I “didn’t need another gadget.” I use mine so frequently that it’s become a go-to for busy days when I need to get something on the table quickly, and hot days when I don’t want to heat up my house by turning on the oven. Now that we’re empty nesters, our air fryer gets even more use. 

One of my favorite things to air fry is a ribeye steak. I can season it and air fry it to perfection in a matter of minutes. I’ve been a dedicated steak-on-the-stovetop girl for years and I was shocked that I could get the same juicy, tender steak with a delicious crust after just a few minutes in the air fryer. You’ll get maximum flavor with minimal effort, my favorite kind of recipe!

Is a ribeye a healthy option?

Steak is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of heart-healthy foods, and with good reason. The American Heart Association reports that red meats contain higher levels of saturated fats than lean and plant-based proteins. A diet high in saturated fats can cause high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease. They recommend choosing lean meats instead. 

Ribeye steaks are NOT a lean meat. They’re cut from the rib of the cow and are known for their marbling, the white streaks that run throughout the meat, which is actually intramuscular fat. As bad as some fats may be for us, it’s part of the reason why certain foods taste so good. When fats dissolve they concentrate the flavor of the food surrounding them.

Pay Attention to Portion Size

After my husband’s heart attack and subsequent heart failure diagnosis, we cut back on the amount of red meat we consumed and we continue to be mindful about it. But when we’re craving a nice, juicy ribeye, I typically prepare one 16-oz steak, remove the fat, and slice it, so at most, we’re each having an 8-oz serving. Not bad for the occasional splurge.

When cooking a ribeye, I leave the visible fat on the outside of the steak in place and cut the fatty bits away before I serve it. I also pay close attention to serving size. A typical portion of meat is three to four ounces. This is contrary to most advertising, which often shows a whole 16-oz or larger steak on a plate intended for one person.

Though not heart-healthy, ribeyes are not all bad. They’re high in protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Moderation is what works for our family. We don’t eat this regularly, but when we do we make it taste fantastic and enjoy it. Check with your doctor to make sure a ribeye is ok to incorporate into your diet occasionally.

Temperature

I cook my ribeye steaks in the air fryer for eight to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness, which is how long it takes in our air fryer to get to medium rare. I recommend using an instant-read meat thermometer to get your steak to your temperature of choice. 

Rare 125F

Medium Rare 135F

Medium 145F

Medium Well 150F

Well Done 160F

Pull your steaks out when they’re about 5 degrees below your ideal temperature. They’ll continue to cook after you remove them from the heat. (Learn more about carryover cooking here.) Keep in mind, that the USDA recommends cooking steak to a minimum internal temperature of 145F, which is medium, to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. 

Ingredients
Boneless ribeye steak – Look for a ribeye labeled USDA Prime or Choice. These steaks are known for their outstanding flavor, tenderness, and marbling. 

Olive Oil – A light coating of olive oil or olive oil spray will keep your steak from sticking to the air fryer basket. It also helps give your steak the tastiest crispy crust.

Salt Free Rub for Steak – This rub is so flavorful, but you can use your favorite salt free seasoning instead.

Tools

Pastry Brush – Using a pastry brush is the easiest way to make sure your steaks are evenly coated with oil before cooking.

Air Fryer – I love this Ninja Foodi air fryer. The dual frying baskets make it easy to a meal on the table in minutes. 

Instant Read Meat Thermometer – Make sure your steak is cooked to your liking with a meat thermometer.

How to Make a Low Sodium Air Fryer Ribeye 

1. Brush both sides of the steak with olive oil then season generously with a salt free rub or your favorite no salt seasoning. You can also spray your steak with nonstick spray. Place steak in air fryer basket.
2. Air fry steak for 4-5 minutes, flip, and cook an additional 4-5 minutes for medium rare.
3. Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Variations on a Delicious Theme

The easiest way to switch this recipe up is to use a different spice blend. Try one of my salt free seasoning blends for a different flavor profile.

 You can also use this method to cook other cuts of beef like New York Strip, Porterhouse, and T-Bones. You may need to adjust the cooking times depending on the thickness of the steak you choose. 

Low Sodium Air Fryer Ribeye FAQs 

How much sodium is in this Low Sodium Air Fryer Ribeye?

Ribeye steaks typically contain about 45 mg sodium per 4-ounce serving. This recipe contains 56 mg sodium per 4-oz serving, which is low enough that even an 8-oz serving will likely keep you within your daily sodium limit. 

The amount will vary depending on the brand of steak you purchase. Always check the nutrition label before purchasing steak to make sure there are no flavorings or additives that increase the sodium count. 

Do you need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating your air fryer is like preheating an oven. It allows the air fryer to reach the proper cooking temperature before you add your food to it. Each air fryer is different so check out your model’s instruction manual to determine if preheating is necessary and how to do it properly. 

Air fryers typically heat up faster than an oven so turning yours on for three minutes at the temperature of choice should get the job done.

Do I have to bring the steaks to room temperature before air frying them?

I like to take the chill off my steaks before I cook them, no matter how I’m preparing them. Cold meat will take longer to reach the proper cooking temperature, which can result in an unevenly cooked steak. If you cook steak immediately after removing it from the fridge, the center, which is typically the coldest part of the steak, can end up undercooked despite a beautifully browned outside. 

Allowing steaks to warm slightly makes it easier to cook them evenly. It also produces a juicier steak. Take your steak out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before you want to cook it. It’s unsafe to leave raw beef unrefrigerated or at temperatures above 40F for more than two hours. I do not recommend letting your steak sit at room temperature this long. Twenty to 30 minutes is enough time to raise the temperature enough for best results. 

Can I skip resting the steak?

Yes, but you’ll regret it! Resting a steak after cooking allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more flavorful and juicy steak. If you slice it immediately, the juices will escape, leaving the steak dry. You can learn more about the importance of resting meat and poultry here.

What to serve with this recipe?

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