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.
Why I love this recipe
If you’ve ever been skeptical about cooking steaks perfectly, the air fryer will be your new favorite way. Stop being intimidated by cooking this gorgeous cut of meat- it is SO easy. Here’s why I make it on repeat:
- It cooks in minimal time and keeps it noticeably juicy. It’s also lower in fat because you don’t need to add extra oil during cooking.
- Keep it simply seasoned, or add my family favorite 3 ingredient steak marinade to it.
- No marinating time is 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.
Table of Contents
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, 1 inch thick and about 1/2 pound. I’ve found these two cuts need the least babysitting and deliver consistent results every time.
- 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?
You’ve got plenty of good options for air fryer steak beyond what’s listed above, including 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 and doneness levels
The thicker the steak, the longer it will take to cook. Using 1-inch steaks as a base (and around half a pound), they require 10-12 minutes. For anything thicker, increase the cooking time accordingly.
To check whether the steak is done, use a meat thermometer to measure its internal temperature.
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: 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.
- Medium-well done: 150°F-155°F.
- Well done steaks: 160°F.
These are purposely about 5°F lower than the FDA recommendations for safe-to-eat doneness levels to account for the resting time, in which carryover cooking will raise it up by 5°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. I usually do this when I want something a little different.
- Marinate it in dressing or marinade for an extra juicy flavor punch. My 3 ingredient steak marinade is a favorite.
- 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. I 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: 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 recommend flipping the steak halfway through the cooking process, around the 5 minute mark, to let both sides develop a gorgeous crust and promote even cooking.
Simple vegetable side dishes are best, and my family enjoys salads, air fryer baby potatoes, air fryer asparagus, air fryer green beans, and of course, air fryer 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, crisp salmon.
- Chicken drumsticks– None of the mess, all of the flavor.
Perfect Air Fryer Steak
Video
Ingredients
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 5 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published June 2022
Steak is full of fat & over cooked
Hi Roger- that isn’t true about all steaks. And when cooked correctly, it shouldn’t be overcooked. I recommend using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Roger. Learn how to cook.
Great!!!!’
Thank you so much
You are welcome, Camelle.