The air fryer is a game-changer for anyone following a carnivore diet. It delivers perfectly cooked, juicy steaks with a crisp outer sear—all in just minutes.
With no need for excessive oils or unnecessary ingredients, it keeps your meals simple, clean, and delicious.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or meal-prepping for the week, the air fryer makes high-fat, protein-rich meals quick and effortless.
The Perfect Ribeye for the Carnivore Diet
Ribeye is one of the best cuts of beef for a carnivore diet due to its high fat content and rich flavor. The marbling ensures every bite is tender and juicy.
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Cooking it in an air fryer locks in moisture while giving it a beautifully seared crust. Paired with clarified butter or ghee, it enhances the natural flavors of the meat without the need for marinades or excessive seasoning.
Variations to Enhance Your Air Fryer Ribeye
The beauty of carnivore diet air fryer recipes is their versatility. While a simple salt-and-butter ribeye is perfect, you can experiment with different variations to keep meals interesting.
Try These Flavor Variations:
- Garlic Butter: Mix minced garlic into melted butter before drizzling over the steak.
- Herbed Butter: Stir in thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a fragrant finish.
- Peppered Ribeye: Add cracked black pepper before air frying for a subtle kick.
- Cheesy Steak: In the last minute of cooking, top with grated Parmesan or blue cheese.
Each variation keeps the meal within carnivore-friendly guidelines while adding delicious depth to the dish.
Best Tips for Cooking Ribeye in an Air Fryer
To achieve the best results, follow these simple tips:
- Preheat the air fryer to ensure an even sear.
- Use clarified butter or ghee to grease the basket for extra richness.
- Flip the steak halfway through cooking for even doneness.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare and 140°F for medium
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
These small steps make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your steak.
Pairing Your Ribeye with Other Carnivore Diet Staples
While ribeye steak with butter is a meal on its own, you can add other carnivore-friendly foods for variety:
- Eggs: A side of scrambled or fried eggs adds extra protein and fat.
- Bone Broth: A warm, nutrient-rich broth complements the richness of the steak.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon bits on top of the steak elevate the flavor and texture.
- Beef Tallow Dipping Sauce: Melted beef tallow mixed with a little salt makes a perfect dipping sauce.
These additions help keep meals satisfying and aligned with carnivore diet principles.
Ribeye Steak with Butter Air Fryer Recipe
Equipment
- 5-quart air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks about 10 oz each
- 2 tbsp clarified butter or ghee for greasing
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp clarified butter for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Season the steaks by generously sprinkling salt on both sides.
- Grease the air fryer basket with clarified butter or ghee, then place the ribeye steaks inside.
- Cook the steaks in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium.
- Prepare the butter topping by melting 2 tbsp of clarified butter while the steaks cook.
- Rest and serve by letting the steaks rest for a few minutes, then drizzling with the melted butter before serving hot.
Notes
Variations (Flexible Carnivore Diet):
- Garlic Butter: Add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter for extra flavor.
- Herbed Butter: Stir fresh thyme or rosemary into the melted butter for a fragrant touch.
- Peppered Ribeye: Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper on the steaks before air frying for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Steak: In the last minute of cooking, top the steak with grated Parmesan or blue cheese for a cheesy finish.
Nutrition
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.