Air Fryer Steak
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Enjoy this easy air fryer steak recipe: seared on the outside, juicy inside! Simple ingredients, easy steps, and faster than grilling.
If you’ve ever been skeptical about cooking steaks perfectly, cooking them in the air fryer will be your new favorite way. Stop being intimidated by cooking this gorgeous cut of meat- it is SO easy.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- 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 steak marinade to it.
- There is no marinating time needed, so it’s perfect for a high-protein weeknight dinner.
- As much as I love pan seared steak, sous vide steak or cast iron steak, the air fryer is the easiest cooking method.
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 babysitting, which is perfect for 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.
What cut of steak is best for the air fryer?
Choosing the best cut of steak for the air fryer is hassle-free, as 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.
If you only have frozen steaks, check out how to cook frozen steak in the air fryer.
How to air fry steak
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Step 2-Season. Season the steaks with oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 3- Air fry. Cook steaks in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4- Serve. Serve after letting the steaks rest for 10 minutes. Add a pat of garlic butter on top.
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 whether the steak is done is to use a meat thermometer to measure its internal temperature (see below).
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 (check using a meat thermometer):
- Rare steaks: Steak should have an internal temperature between 125°F and 130°F.
- Medium-rare steaks: Internal temperature between 130°F and 140°F.
- Medium steaks: 140°F-150°F.
- Well done steaks: 160°F.
Tips to make the best recipe
- Don’t use steaks that are less than 1 inch thick. 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 for 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; leave some space between the steaks to allow for even cooking. If needed, cook the steaks in batches.
- Pat the steaks dry before seasoning them. This ensures it crisps on the outside straight away, giving them a gorgeous crust.
Flavor variations
This air fryer steak recipe uses 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
To store: Place the steak and any excess juices in a shallow container and refrigerate for up to 3 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 it in a non-stick pan until hot with a drop of water.
Frequently asked questions
I do recommend flipping the steak during the air frying process, which allows both sides to achieve a gorgeous crust and promotes even cooking.
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
- Chicken breast– Ready in just 8 minutes and super juicy.
- Chicken thighs– Crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Pork chops– My family LOVES pork chops this way.
- Salmon– Foolproof method for perfectly flaky and crisp salmon.
- Chicken drumsticks– None of the mess, all of the flavor.
Perfect Air Fryer Steak
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
Nutrition
Originally published June 2022
We use Garlic Olive Oil. Works well, and is delicious.
Thanks so much! Glad you both enjoyed this recipe 🙂
Came out great.thx Arman..
You are so welcome, Sherry. I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I just tried this today. My first time cooking any type of meat in my air fryer, I normally only do frozen items. This was absolutely fabulous! I will be doing this again and trying other types of meat as well!
Billiejo- Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. I’m so glad this has inspired you to try other air fryer proteins. I have a ton of them on the website, so please check them out and enjoy 🙂 – https://thebigmansworld.com/category/air-fryer-recipes/
Going to try this method this eve.! Thx!
A 6oz steak is much more than 174kcal
Hi Nicholas- that is true! The nutritional calculation is basing it off a 4-ounce serving 🙂
Would love to get all your recipes so yummy
Thank you Christina, plenty of air fryer recipes to try. Hope you find everything you’re looking for.
I never even thought of trying steak in the air fryer, this one surprised me! 5 stars.
Thank you, Susan! It’s funny, isn’t it- you wouldn’t think steak in the air fryer would turn out as well as the grill or pan-searing, but it really does (and cooks much more evenly!).
East straight to the point! Thank you
Is 10-12 minutes for rare, medium, well done, etc ?
Hi Sheryl- 10-12 minutes with a 1-inch steak will be medium-rare to medium. I recommend using a meat thermometer to double check, especially if your steak is thicker or you prefer it to be more well done.
This was such an easy way to prepare steak. Thanks for this.
You are welcome, Steven. My team and I have recently been testing out other cuts of steak in the air fryer, including Filet Mignon and Ribeye- please do check them out if you want to try another cut 🙂
I tried this but the meat was so hard maybe. I think I cooked it for too long…
It sounds like it, Mario. Do you have a meat thermometer? I find that a non-negotiable when cooking proteins to know when they’re done.
I love that I can make a steak that tastes amazing in my air fryer!
This was quite literally the best steak I have eaten hands down! Perfectly cooked. I will never use a pan to fry steaks again! So delish! THANK YOU Arman 😊
Really amazing! Super juicy and delicious
Wow I never knew sirloim steak can also be made in aird fryer.
I want to try it for the first time.
Tried the steak recipe tonight.
Just have to tweak time for my AF.
Still happy with the results.
Cheers, Bruce
This is seriously the BEST air fryer steak recipe ever!! So juicy and tender.
Absolutely fantastic,much easier than the outdoor grill, super easy and quick clean up . Best of All is the fantastic taste of
This recipe turned out so well that I doubt I’ll ever use my gas grill to cook steaks again! I made a butter/garlic sauce and spread some on the top of the meat, and then used the rest to dip each bite in. Over the top good!
So good…perfectly medium cooked
I’ll never cook steak any other now.
Thank you
🙂 love that, Julia!
So do u have to watch the time? I find air fryer Dries meat out. Do u turn down after preheating? I want a melt in yr mouth steak!!! Ty for recipe.
Hi! Always use a meat thermometer to prevent it drying out 🙂
delicious and so quick and easy!
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.
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
That means so much, Thanks Carmen!
THE BEST LOOKING STEAK F MY LIFE MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmMMMMM
Will Roo steak.work the same?? It is good n healthy alternative to steak.
Yes! I’ve cooked it before- Just need to keep an eye on the cooking time because it can dry out very quickly!
It looks so good! Nice to know there’s another recipe & way to use my air fryer! We’ll make it soon!!
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.
You don’t need to, but it really helps with cooking.
Everytime I made steak it came out a mess. For years I stopped. I got my Air Fryer today and I did what you said to the letter. I was in doubt for this is my first Air Fryer as well. You nailed it. This Rump I made was spectacular.
You are a legend.
Thanks so much, Garret!!!