Air Fryer Steak

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5 from 156 votes
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Enjoy this easy air fryer steak recipe: seared on the outside, juicy inside! Simple ingredients, easy steps, and healthier than grilled steak!

air fryer steak.

What is the most foolproof way to cook steak? Put a steak in the air fryer

If you’ve ever been skeptical about cooking steaks perfectly, this will be your new favorite way to cook them. I used to be intimidated by cooking steak, so much so that I only ever ate it out at restaurants. Luckily, thanks to the air fryer, it could not be any more simple. 

This air fryer steak recipe ticks all the boxes.

It cooks in minimal time, keeps ALL the juices, and is lower in fat. Don’t let that detract you, though: It’s juicy, tender, and easy to customize. Keep it simply seasoned or add my famous 3 ingredient marinade to it.

If you’re a steak expert, you’ll enjoy other methods of cooking it, like pan seared steak, sous vide steak or cast iron steak.

Ingredients needed

Like any good steak, this one needs just a handful of ingredients to let the meat shine. Here is what you’ll need: 

  • Steaks. Choose a porterhouse or sirloin steak with 1-inch thickness and around 1/2 a pound in weight with no bones. These two cuts of steak need the least amount of babysitting which is perfect with the air fryer.
  • Olive oil. For cooking steaks. Butter or any other neutral oil works too.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper. To season.
  • Garlic herb butter. Or compound butter to serve.

Find the printable recipe in the recipe card below.

What cut of steak is best for the air fryer? 

Choosing the best cut of steak for the air fryer is a hassle-free process because you have multiple options. Some of the best options (besides the ones listed above) are New York strip, ribeye, t-bone, top sirloin, and filet mignon.  

How to air fry steak 

Cooking steak in the air fryer is simple: You’ll just need to let the steak rest for 10 minutes before serving it to retain all the juices!

Step 1- Prep. Preheat the air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2-Season. Season the steaks with oil, salt, and pepper on the steaks.

Step 3- Air fry. Cook steaks in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes and flip after half cooking time.

Step 4- Serve. Serve after letting the steaks rest for 10 minutes. Add a pat of garlic butter on top.

how to make air fryer steak.

Ideal cooking time

The thicker the steak is, the greater the cooking time will be. Using 1-inch steaks as a base, they require 10-12 minutes. Anything more than that and you’ll need to increase the cooking time accordingly.

A way to check if the steak is done is to check its internal temperature using a meat thermometer.

Steak doneness levels

If you are like me, you love your steak cooked a certain way. You can cook your steak a little longer/quicker if you want it rare or well done. Here are the internal temperatures the steaks should be for different cooked levels:

  • Rare steaks: Steak should have an internal temperature between 125F and 130F. 
  • Medium-rare steaks: Internal temperature between 130F and 140F.
  • Medium steaks: 140F-150F. 
  • Well done steaks: 160F. 

Tips to make the best recipe 

  • Don’t use steaks that are less than an inch in thickness. Thin steaks are prone to overcooking quickly and becoming chewy. 
  • To enjoy the best flavor and texture, allow the steaks to come to room temperature at least 30 minutes before cooking them in the air fryer. I typically remove them before I do any prep.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, and leave some space between the steaks for airflow to cook evenly. If needed, cook the steaks in batches.
  • Pat dry the steaks before seasoning them.

Flavor variations 

This air fryer steak recipe is made with simple ingredients, but it’s easy to customize. Here are some ideas: 

  • Add a steak rub from your grocery store or specialty spice shop. 
  • Marinate it in dressing or marinade for an extra juicy flavor punch. 
  • Add a pinch of sugar to balance the salty flavors and give it a gorgeous caramelized crust (like a sear!).
  • Cover it in creamy sauces for a comforting meal, like alfredo sauce, cheese sauce, or even gravy. 
  • Add spices like smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for a smoky flavor hit. 
  • Use fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, thyme, or oregano.

Storage instructions

Wondering what’s the best way to store leftover steak? Here are best practices for steak storage: 

To store: Place the steak and any excess juices in a shallow container and store it in a refrigerator for up to three days. 

To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled steak in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. 

Reheating: Either microwave the steak for 20-30 seconds or reheat in a non-stick pan until hot. 

steak in air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when steak is fully cooked?

The color of the well-cooked steak is brown. You can also check the internal temperature of the steak. 

Do you need to flip a steak in the air fryer? 

You have to flip a steak in the air fryer to cook both sides. 

What to serve with this dish?

Simple vegetable side dishes are best, and my family enjoys salads, potatoes, asparagus, green beans, and of course, French fries.

More air fryer recipes to try

air fryer steak recipe.

Perfect Air Fryer Steak

5 from 156 votes
Enjoy this easy air fryer steak recipe: seared on the outside, juicy inside! Simple ingredients, easy steps, and healthier than grilled steak!
Servings: 4 steaks
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 11 minutes

Video

Ingredients  

  • 4 sirloin steaks 4-6 oz each
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions 

  • Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
  • Rub oil, salt, and pepper on the steaks.
  • Air fry the steaks for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes.

Notes

TO STORE: Place the steak and any excess juices in a shallow container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. 
TO FREEZE: Place the cooked and cooled steak in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. 
TO REHEAT: Either microwave the steak for 20-30 seconds or reheat in a non-stick pan until hot. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1steakCalories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 28gFat: 16gSodium: 710mgPotassium: 780mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 3IUCalcium: 66mgIron: 4mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Recipe originally posted June 2022, but updated to include new information and a recipe video for your benefit!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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Comments

  1. 5 stars
    What an easy and delicious way to make steak! I love finding new air fryer recipes because they are so easy and perfect, especially for busy weeknights and this one is a winner! Super juicy and cooked perfectly and cleanup is quick, which I love.

  2. 5 stars
    Thank you Thank you Thank you its the best steak I’ve ever cooked and using your temperature guide for medium rare 130 /140 was a great help. Got a kiss and a hug from my old man weepee

  3. 5 stars
    THE BEST LOOKING STEAK F MY LIFE MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmMMMMM

    1. Yes! I’ve cooked it before- Just need to keep an eye on the cooking time because it can dry out very quickly!

  4. 5 stars
    It looks so good! Nice to know there’s another recipe & way to use my air fryer! We’ll make it soon!!

  5. I’m puzzled about you saying a steak must be flipped halfway through the cooking process to cook completely. I have never flipped mine in my 26 quart Kalorik when airfrying and they come out absolutely perfect.