Coffee and Aleppo Pepper Rubbed Steak

Name: Coffee and Aleppo Pepper Rubbed Steak (Air Fryer)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless ribeye steak; 1/4 cup ancho chile powder; 1/4 cup ground espresso; 2 tbsp paprika; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp dry mustard; 1 tbsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp black pepper; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 2 tsp ground ginger; 2 tsp aleppo pepper; 1 tbsp compound butter, for topping

This Coffee and Aleppo Pepper Rubbed Steak combines ground espresso, ancho chile powder, and warm spices into a bold crust, cooked quickly in an air fryer and finished with compound butter for restaurant-quality results at home.

🌍American 🏷️Steak 🏷️Ribeye 🏷️Coffee rub 🏷️Espresso Aleppo pepper

🏷️

🏷️Spicy

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TikTok

Total

20 min

Servings

1

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

-0:00

TikTok

Ingredients

1 lb boneless ribeye steak
1/4 cup ancho chile powder
1/4 cup ground espresso
2 tbsp paprika
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp dry mustard
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp black pepper
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp aleppo pepper
1 tbsp compound butter, for toppingoptional

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Instructions

1
In a small bowl, combine the ancho chile powder, ground espresso, paprika, brown sugar, dry mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, ground ginger, and aleppo pepper. Mix well to create the spice rub.
2
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for at least 3 minutes.
3
Generously coat the boneless ribeye steak on all sides, including the edges, with the spice rub. Press the rub into the meat to adhere.
4
Let the seasoned steak rest for a few minutes while the air fryer finishes preheating.
5
Place the steak in the preheated air fryer basket.
6
Cook at 390°F for 8 minutes for a medium-rare finish.
7
Remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes before slicing.
8
Slice the steak against the grain. Top with compound butter if desired, and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat the steak completely dry before applying the rub—moisture prevents crust formation in the air fryer.
Let the rubbed steak rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even doneness.
Don't skip the compound butter topping; it adds richness and helps the spice rub flavors bloom on the hot steak.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium. The steak will rise 5°F after resting.

Substitutions

Ground espresso → instant coffee powder or finely ground coffee beans (same ratio)
Ancho chile powder → guajillo powder or pasilla powder (similar heat and fruity notes)
Brown sugar → coconut sugar or regular granulated sugar (adjust to taste for sweetness level)

Storage & make-ahead

Slice leftovers and store in an airtight container up to 3 days; reheat gently in a 275°F oven for 5-10 minutes to avoid toughening.

Equipment

air fryer · instant-read meat thermometer

Common Questions

Can I make this steak on the stovetop or grill instead of an air fryer?

Yes. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot, then sear the rubbed steak 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. You can also grill it over high heat for similar timing.

What does the ground espresso do in the rub?

Ground espresso adds depth and umami to the crust without making it taste like coffee. It enhances the savory, charred flavors from the other spices.

How far in advance can I apply the rub?

Apply the rub up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. This lets flavors penetrate the meat, but bring it to room temperature 15-20 minutes before cooking for even doneness.

What is compound butter and how do I make it?

Compound butter is softened butter mixed with herbs and seasonings. Simply blend softened butter with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, then chill. Top the hot steak with a slice to melt.