Prime Rib in the Air Fryer
Prime rib in the air fryer works well for a small holiday dinner, a date night or any time you want a roast without turning on the big oven. A 3 lb boneless roast fits in a 5 to 6 qt basket and cooks in about 50 minutes at 350 °F, with a browned garlic herb crust and a pink center. This guide covers the size limit, the temperatures and the rest time.
- Temperature
- 350°F180 °C
- Total time
- 1:25hrs
- Prep time
- 15min
- Servings
- 6
- Internal temp
- 145°F63 °C
- Per serving
- 515kcal
Why the air fryer works for prime rib
A prime rib roast is the rib section of beef, with a thick fat cap and a tender, well-marbled center. In a regular oven, a small roast often takes more than two hours, and the oven ends up heating the kitchen. The air fryer uses a fan and a tight space, so it roasts a small cut faster, and the fat cap crisps.
There is one hard limit: size. The roast must fit in the basket with at least an inch of space on each side, which means about 3 lb for a 5 to 6 qt model and about 2 lb for a 4 qt basket. A larger roast is better in the oven. For smaller beef cuts, see steak in the air fryer, and for other roasts, roast beef in the air fryer.
How to make prime rib in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Bring to room temperature Take the roast out of the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Make sure the roast is tied with butcher twine in 2 or 3 places so it keeps its shape.
- Make the crust Mash the butter, mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary and thyme into a paste. Rub it over the top and sides of the roast.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F for . Measure first, because a roast must fit in the basket with space around it.
- Cook Place the roast fat side up in the basket. Cook at 350 °F for , then start checking the temperature every . For medium-rare, take the roast out at 120 to 125 °F, which usually takes 45 to . If the top browns too quickly, cover it with a small piece of foil tucked tightly around the roast so it cannot lift in the air flow.
- Rest Move the roast to a cutting board, tent it with foil and rest it for . The temperature rises about 10 degrees while it rests to 130–135 °F. The USDA recommends 145 °F with a 3-minute rest; cook another 5 to if you want it there.
- Slice and serve Remove the twine and slice the roast against the grain into ½-inch slices.
Times and temperatures
| Prime Rib | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 3 lb boneless roastPull at 120–125 °F | 350 °F (180 °C) | 45–50 min |
| 2 lb boneless roast | 350 °F (180 °C) | 30–35 min |
| Prime rib steak, 1 inchFlip halfway | 400 °F (200 °C) | 8–10 min |
| Reheating slicesHeat to 165 °F | 300 °F (150 °C) | 3–4 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. Done at 145 °F (63 °C) in the center. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Season ahead. If you have time, salt the roast and refrigerate it uncovered overnight. The meat is juicier and the surface dries for a better crust.
- Use a thermometer. Cooking by the clock is risky with an expensive roast. Insert the probe into the center, not touching fat.
- Do not skip the rest. Cutting early lets the juices run out onto the board.
What to serve with prime rib
Classic sides include creamy horseradish sauce, au jus, mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables. In the air fryer you can cook hasselback potatoes or asparagus while the roast rests, and brussels sprouts for a holiday plate. A glass of red wine finishes the meal.
Storing and reheating
Wrap leftover slices tightly and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the air fryer at 300 °F for 3 to 4 minutes, until they reach 165 °F in the center. The lower temperature keeps them from turning gray. Leftover prime rib is also good in a cold sandwich with horseradish mayonnaise.
Variations
- Horseradish crust: Replace the Dijon with 1 tbsp prepared horseradish.
- Garlic butter: Mash 4 cloves of minced garlic into the butter for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Prime rib steaks: Slice the raw roast into 1-inch steaks, which are essentially ribeyes, and cook at 400 °F for 8 to 10 minutes.
If it does not turn out right
- The outside is dark but the center is raw
- The roast started too cold or the fat cap was too close to the heating element. Rest the meat on the counter first and use foil on the top if it browns quickly.
- The roast is overcooked
- Roasts keep cooking while they rest. Pull the roast 10 to 15 degrees below your target and always use a thermometer.
- The crust slides off
- Pat the meat dry before adding the paste. A wet surface stops the butter from sticking.
Questions and answers
How long does prime rib take in the air fryer?
A 3 lb boneless roast takes about 50 minutes at 350 °F to reach 125 °F for medium-rare before resting. A 2 lb roast takes 30 to 35 minutes. Time per pound is only a guide, so use a thermometer.
What internal temperature should prime rib reach?
The USDA recommends 145 °F with a 3-minute rest. Many cooks take it out at 120 to 125 °F for medium-rare and let it rise to 130–135 °F while it rests.
Can I cook a bone-in prime rib in the air fryer?
Only a small one. Most 2-rib roasts weigh 4 to 5 lb and do not fit in a basket air fryer. Ask the butcher for a 1-rib or boneless roast of about 3 lb.
How do I reheat prime rib in the air fryer?
Slice the leftovers and heat them at 300 °F for 3 to 4 minutes, until they reach 165 °F. A spoonful of beef broth keeps them moist.
What did you think of this recipe?
Be the first to rate this recipe.
