Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Ribeye Steak Recipe

These air fryer bacon-wrapped ribeye steaks come out incredibly juicy and flavorful, and they cook in under 15 minutes. They’re a perfect quick, low-carb dinner when you want something impressive without a lot of fuss.

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steak

Bacon-wrapped ribeyes in the air fryer are an easy way to get restaurant-style results at home. The air fryer crisps the bacon perfectly while keeping the ribeye tender and medium-rare inside. This method eliminates the need to grill and keeps cleanup simple.

If you enjoy cooking steaks in the air fryer, this recipe is a great addition to your rotation. It’s ideal for a tasty, low-carb meal with minimal prep and fast cook time.

Ingredients

Grass-fed ribeye steaks (about 1.5 pounds total; 2 steaks at room temperature)
Uncured bacon (6 pieces)
Seasonings: kosher salt (½ teaspoon), ground black pepper (⅛ teaspoon)

Tips & Tricks

These ribeyes were slightly smaller than a full 1-pound cut, so I did not preheat the air fryer. If you use larger steaks (around 1 lb each) or thick-cut bacon, preheating the air fryer is recommended. With thinner or uncured bacon, skip preheating so the bacon doesn’t burn before the steak reaches your preferred doneness.

Always let steaks sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking and pat them dry if they are wet — this helps the bacon and steak brown evenly.

Tools to make this easy recipe

An air fryer with a roomy basket works best so the steaks have space for air circulation. Choose a model with a 5–7 quart basket for easy handling of two ribeyes.

How to make Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steak

Bring the ribeyes to room temperature and season both sides with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Stretch the bacon pieces slightly to make wrapping easier.
Wrap the steaks: start with one strip of bacon around the steak, then overlap a second strip tucking one end under the first. Add a third strip, tucking the end under to secure the bacon. Repeat with the second steak.
Place the wrapped steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 390°F (199°C) for 7 minutes, flip, and cook an additional 6 minutes for medium-rare. Adjust time slightly for thicker steaks or preferred doneness.
Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate for 5 minutes. Top with a pat of butter or your favorite finishing touch, then slice and serve.

Salt and pepper the steak. Wrap bacon around the steak until it’s fully covered.

Place steaks in the air fryer basket and cook at 390°F: 7 minutes, flip, then 6 more minutes for medium-rare.

Let steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving. Add butter or desired toppings.

Substitutions

If you don’t have ribeye, NY strip steaks are an excellent substitute. For a more tender, pricier option, try filet mignon — adjust cook time for thickness.

What to serve with Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Ribeye Steak

This steak pairs beautifully with low-carb sides. Cheesy mashed cauliflower is a favorite replacement for mashed potatoes. For something lighter, a cucumber salad or roasted air fryer vegetables like baby potatoes, asparagus, or broccolini also work well.

How to store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Sliced leftover steak works great in breakfast burritos, salads, or fried rice.

How to reheat

To reheat, pop the steak in the air fryer at 390°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1–2 minutes if you need it quickly.

FAQs

Can I use any type of steak for this recipe?

Yes — you can use other steaks, but cook time and temperature may need to be adjusted depending on thickness and cut.

Can I cook the steak without the bacon?

Absolutely. Cooking without bacon will reduce cook time slightly and will change the flavor profile.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

If your steaks are small and wrapped in bacon, preheating isn’t required. For larger cuts or thick-cut bacon, preheat to ensure even cooking.

How long should I cook the steaks?

As a guideline, 12–15 minutes at 390°F typically yields medium-rare to medium, but thickness and bacon type will affect timing.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon can be used, though it may not crisp as much as pork bacon.

Can I marinate the steak before cooking?

Yes — marinating adds flavor. Pat the steak dry before wrapping with bacon so the bacon adheres and crisps properly.

Air Fryer Steak Recipes

If you like this bacon-wrapped ribeye, try other air fryer steak recipes for variety, such as New York strip, T-bone, or chuck tender filets prepared the same way.