Air Fryer Prime Rib (Tasty Recipe)

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Air Fryer Prime Rib takes very little time to prepare but offers a superbly amazing taste. My recipe will save you precious time and provide juicy, succulent, and delicious results. This mouthwatering treat is ready to make your regular meals special.

You can serve this juicy cut of meat on any occasion, gathering, or party, it will not disappoint you. Your whole family, especially kids, will enjoy its rich flavors and taste. Air fryer is the magician behind this juicy recipe, it will provide you restaurant-like food at your home.

Here, we will explore how to cook prime rib in air fryer in minimum time, tips for success, recipe variations, and much more.

Why My Air Fryer Prime Rib Is Special

The union of prime rib's natural tenderness and air frying offers a roast that's incredibly juicy and bursting with flavor.
The air fryer's rapid circulation of hot air creates a delightful crispy crust on the prime rib. So, you will enjoy a combo of crispness and juiciness on each bite.
With my simple steps for marinating, seasoning, and air frying, you can achieve restaurant-quality results without any special cooking skills.
You can play with seasonings to achieve your desired results. Try your favorite seasoning combination and enjoy a unique taste and flavor each time.
Air frying requires minimal oil, which makes it a healthier alternative to traditional frying while maintaining the desired textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Prime rib roast (bone-in) - 6 pound
Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
Minced garlic - 3 cloves
Dried Rosemary - 1 tablespoon
Dried Thyme - 1 tablespoon
Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon
Kosher salt - 2 tablespoons
Black pepper - 1 tablespoon
Smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon

Equipment

Air fryer
Meat thermometer
Mixing bowl
Cooking spray

How To Cook Air Fryer Prime Rib

Take the prime rib roast out of the refrigerator and let it cool at room temperature for about 1 hour before cooking. This method will help to cook the meat more evenly.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
Now, evenly rub the seasoning mixture all over the prime rib. Make sure to coat it evenly on all sides.
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray, it will help to avoid sticking.
Place the seasoned prime rib roast in the air fryer basket and cook for about 20 minutes. This initial high heat will help to crisp the outside and lock in juices.

Now reduce the air fryer temperature to 325°F (163°C).
Continue cooking the prime rib at a lower temperature for about 40 to 45 minutes. It will offer you a medium-rare to medium doneness. For a more well-done roast, cook for a few extra minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the roast. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130°F to 135°F (54°C to 57°C), and for medium, it should be 140°F to 145°F (60°C to 63°C).
Once the desired internal temperature is reached, carefully remove the prime rib from the air fryer and let it rest for about 15 to 20 minutes to redistribute juices throughout the meat.

After the resting period, slice the prime rib and serve it with your favorite side dishes, and enjoy!

Prime Rib Doneness Levels

There are different levels of doneness for prime rib, so you can go with your desired one.

Rare: Internal Temperature → 120°F to 125°F
Medium-Rare: Internal Temperature → 130°F to 135°F
Medium: Internal Temperature → 140°F to 145°F
Medium-Well: Internal Temperature → 150°F to 155°F
Well-Done: Internal Temperature → 160°F and above

Use these temperatures as a guide to achieve your preferred level of doneness when cooking prime rib in the air fryer.

Tips For Perfect Results

Allow the prime rib to sit at room temperature for an hour. It helps to cook the meat evenly and enhances the final result.
Make sure to rub the marinade mixture all over the roast thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
The initial 20-minute high-temperature cook helps create a flavorful crust and seals in the juices.
Lowering the temperature (325°F) for the rest of the cooking time ensures the roast cooks through without overcooking the exterior.
Always use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. It allows you to achieve your desired level of doneness.
Use a sharp knife to slice the prime rib against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Serving Suggestions For Air Fryer Prime Rib

Serve slices of prime rib with sweet potato fries, air fryer red potatoes, air fryer potato slices, and air fryer sweet potato cubes for a classic combination.
Roasted vegetables such as carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add color, flavor, and a nutritious element to your plate.
Serve it with a light and refreshing salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to boost the taste and flavor.
Air fryer prime rib goes well with creamy peppercorn sauce, béarnaise sauce, chimichurri sauce, and honey mustard sauce.

Variations For This Recipe

Before seasoning, rub the prime rib with lemon or orange zest to add a zesty and refreshing twist.
Replace the herbs with ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flavor.
Use a mixture of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a fragrant and flavorful coating.
Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika and add a pinch of cayenne for a smoky and spicy kick.
Brush the prime rib with a mix of maple syrup and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Replace this olive oil with unsalted butter for a unique buttery flavor.

What About Leftovers

Storing:

Place the sliced prime rib in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Make sure it's sealed well to prevent air exposure.
Store the prime rib in the refrigerator. It's best to consume the leftovers within 3 to 4 days to maintain optimal quality.

Reheating:

For reheating, place the leftover prime rib in a single layer in the air fryer basket at 250°F (120°C).
Place the basket in the air fryer and reheat the prime rib slices for about 3 to 5 minutes. Check the slices periodically to prevent overcooking.

Other Air Fryer Recipes

FAQ's

Can I Use A Boneless Prime Rib For This Recipe?

Yes, you are free to use a boneless prime rib for this recipe. But if you use bone-in roast, it will offer more flavor and juiciness.

Can I Marinate The Prime Rib Overnight?

While marinating for a few hours can enhance flavor, marinating overnight might result in an overly salty or intense flavor. It's best to stick to the recommended marinating time.

Can I Cook A Larger Prime Rib In The Air Fryer?

If your air fryer can accommodate a larger roast, you can adjust cooking times accordingly. Just ensure the roast fits comfortably without overcrowding.

How Do I Prevent The Prime Rib From Sticking To The Air Fryer Basket?

Lightly coating the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the prime rib can help prevent sticking.

Can I Use A Rub Instead Of A Marinade?

Yes, a dry rub can also be used for seasoning the prime rib. Just make sure to press the rub into the meat well before cooking.