I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical the first time I tried making steak in the air fryer. For me, steak was always about the grill or a hot cast-iron pan. But after testing it a few times, I was surprised by how quick, clean, and consistent it can be. No splattering oil, no smoke filling up the kitchen, and yet you still get a beautifully browned outside with a juicy center.
This has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners when I don’t want the mess but still crave that steakhouse feel at home.
Why You’ll Love Cooking Steak in the Air Fryer
-
Fast & Fuss-Free: No need to heat up the grill or scrub pans afterward.
-
Even Cooking: The air fryer gives you a consistent sear without constant flipping.
-
Customizable Doneness: Whether you like it rare or medium-well, you can control it precisely with a meat thermometer.
-
Great for Lean Cuts: Sirloin and other lean steaks benefit from the air fryer since you can lock in moisture with a rub and quick cooking time.
-
Perfect for Small Kitchens: If you don’t have space (or weather!) for outdoor grilling, this is a game changer.
Ingredients and Seasoning Ideas
-
Steak: I usually go with sirloin because it’s lean and affordable, but this method works beautifully with ribeye, strip steak, or filet mignon. Just make sure it’s at least 1 inch thick.
-
Oil: A light rub of olive oil helps the steak brown better.
-
Seasoning: Keep it simple with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a steak seasoning blend.
-
Optional Finish: A pat of garlic butter right before serving makes the steak feel like restaurant quality.
Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned
-
Room Temperature is Key: Letting the steak sit out for 30 minutes before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
-
Pat Dry Before Seasoning: Removing surface moisture means your steak will sear instead of steam.
-
Oil for Browning: Even a lean cut develops a nice crust with a little oil.
-
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give the steaks room for airflow so the hot air can circulate properly.
-
Rest Before Serving: Tent with foil and let it rest 5–7 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute instead of spilling out on the plate.
Cooking Time and Doneness Guide
For a 1-inch steak in a preheated air fryer:
-
Rare (125°F): About 8 minutes, flipping halfway
-
Medium-Rare (135°F): About 10 minutes, flipping halfway
-
Medium (145°F): About 12 minutes, flipping halfway
-
Medium-Well (155°F): About 14 minutes
-
Well Done (160°F): About 15–16 minutes
Always use a meat thermometer and pull the steak out about 5°F before your target temp since it continues to cook while resting.
Make Ahead Tips
-
Dry Rubs: Mix up your seasoning blend and store in a small jar. Then you’re just a quick sprinkle away from steak night.
-
Meal Prep: Cook a couple of steaks, slice them thin after resting, and use them through the week in wraps, salads, or even with eggs at breakfast.
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how I love to serve my air fryer steak:
-
Classic Combo: With baked potatoes or mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus or green beans.
-
Low Carb Option: With garlic butter mushrooms and a crisp salad.
-
Special Touch: Add a drizzle of chimichurri or blue cheese butter if you want to turn a simple dinner into something that feels like a steakhouse meal.
Storage
-
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
-
Reheat: Slice thinly and warm gently in a skillet or air fryer for a couple of minutes. Avoid microwaving too long or it will toughen.
-
Freezer: Cooked steak can be frozen for up to 2 months. Slice before freezing so it’s easier to reheat and use in meals.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen steak in the air fryer?
Yes, but it won’t brown as nicely. If you must, increase cooking time and check with a thermometer.
Do I need to flip the steak?
Yes, flipping halfway ensures even cooking on both sides.
What air fryer works best for steak?
High-wattage models (around 1800 watts or more) give the best sear. Lower wattage may not brown as well.
Can I use this method for pork chops?
Absolutely. The same rules about thickness, patting dry, and oil apply.
What’s the best cut of steak for the air fryer?
Sirloin, ribeye, and strip steak all work beautifully. Filet mignon also cooks well but watch closely since it’s smaller.
Air Fryer Steak
Cooking steak in the air fryer is a game-changer—beautifully seared on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, all without the mess of stovetop splatter.
Ingredients
- 4 sirloin steaks, about 1 inch thick (1½ lbs total)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Lightly spray both sides of the steaks with olive oil, then coat evenly with the seasoning blend.
- Preheat the air fryer so the basket is hot. Place the steaks inside and cook at 400°F. For medium-rare, cook about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. For medium, increase to around 12 minutes, flipping at the halfway mark. Adjust as needed depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your steaks.
- When done, remove the steaks and let them rest under a loose foil tent for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Finish with a touch more salt and pepper before slicing.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer and pull the steak about 5 degrees before your desired doneness, as the temperature will rise slightly while resting.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 240Total Fat 16gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 78mgSodium 363mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 23g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
Cooking steak in the air fryer has completely changed how I handle weeknight dinners. It’s quick, it’s clean, and the results are consistently good — juicy inside, with a golden crust on the outside. Whether you’re making a simple meal for yourself or setting the table for family, this method proves that a great steak doesn’t always need a grill or a pan. Try it once, and you might find yourself keeping steaks in the freezer just for your air fryer.
