The first time I made air fryer steak, I was skeptical. Could it really match the sear of a hot skillet or the flavor of a grill? Spoiler alert—it totally did. And it was shockingly easy. As a busy mom juggling dinner while managing homework chaos, the air fryer became my secret weapon for getting perfectly cooked steak on the table in under 15 minutes. Now, it’s my go-to method when I want steak without the mess.
💡 Morgan Tip: Take the steak out 20 minutes before cooking. Starting at room temperature helps it cook evenly and keeps it juicy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This air fryer steak recipe delivers all the bold flavor and tenderness you love—minus the hassle.
- No grill or pan needed – Minimal cleanup, no smoke
- Perfectly cooked every time – Medium-rare or well-done, it’s up to you
- Customizable flavors – From garlic butter to spicy rubs
- Ready in under 15 minutes – Seriously fast and foolproof
- Great for meal prep – Slice it for salads, bowls, or tacos
💡 Morgan Tip: Use a meat thermometer for perfect results. Pull at 130°F for medium-rare, and let it rest to finish cooking gently.
air fryer steak Ingredient
Here’s what you’ll need for delicious, juicy air fryer steak:
- 1 ribeye or sirloin steak (1–1.25 inches thick, about 8–10 oz)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Optional: ½ tsp paprika or steak seasoning
- Optional: 1 tbsp unsalted butter + fresh herbs (for serving)
💡 Morgan Tip: Choose a marbled cut like ribeye for maximum tenderness. The fat melts beautifully in the air fryer, keeping the steak moist.
Step-by-Step Instruction
Step 1 – Preheat Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Step 2 – Season the Steak
Pat steak dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil and season all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional spices.
Step 3 – Air Fry
Place steak in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8–10 minutes total, flipping at the halfway point. Internal temps:
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium: 135°F
- Well done: 145°F+
Step 4 – Rest & Serve
Remove from basket and rest on a plate for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with butter and herbs if desired.
💡 Morgan Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket. If you’re cooking two steaks, leave space for hot air to circulate. This ensures even browning.
My Air Fryer Steak Tips
- Room temp is key – Cold steak leads to uneven doneness
- Dry it well – Patting dry promotes browning
- Flip halfway – It helps both sides get crusty
- Let it rest – Juices redistribute for tender bites
💡 Morgan Tip: For extra flavor, mix softened butter with garlic, rosemary, and lemon zest, then melt it over the hot steak. Simple steakhouse vibes at home!
Serving Ideas
Your freshly cooked air fryer steak is a blank canvas—dress it up or down.
- Classic dinner – Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus
- Low-carb plate – Pair with garlic green beans and cauliflower mash
- Steak salad – Top romaine with sliced steak, feta, and balsamic
- Steak tacos – Dice and stuff into tortillas with avocado and salsa
- Quick lunch – Serve cold over quinoa or pasta salad
💡 Morgan Tip: Leftover steak? Slice thin and reheat in the air fryer for just 2 minutes. Great for wraps, grain bowls, or paninis.
💡 Morgan Tip: Want a crustier exterior? Add a light dusting of cornstarch to the steak before air frying—it creates a steakhouse-style crust with zero mess.
Recipe Help & FAQs
How long do you cook steak in the air fryer?
It depends on thickness and doneness, but generally:
For 1-inch steak (medium-rare): 400°F for 8–10 minutes (flip halfway)
Medium: 10–12 minutes
Well-done: 12–14 minutes
Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 160°F for well-done.
Is steak any good in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fryer steak turns out surprisingly juicy with a great sear. It locks in flavor, cooks evenly, and doesn’t require babysitting—making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll be shocked at how restaurant-quality it tastes!
Do you need to flip steak in an air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway through helps both sides develop a nice crust and cook evenly. It only takes a second and makes a big difference in texture!
Can you cook steak in an air fryer at 200 degrees?
200°F is too low to properly cook or sear steak—it will likely turn out gray and chewy. For best results, cook steak at 375°F to 400°F. High heat is key for locking in juices and developing that flavorful crust.
How do you cook a steak in an air fryer without it drying out?
Great question! Here’s how:
Don’t overcook: Use a thermometer for precision.
Let it rest: After cooking, rest the steak 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
Oil & season well: A light oil coating and salt-based rub help seal in moisture.
Avoid overcrowding: Airflow is key—cook one or two steaks at a time.
Can I cook frozen steak in the air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 370°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. Season after cooking for best results.
What cuts work best for air fryer steak?
Ribeye, sirloin, NY strip, and filet all work well. Choose cuts 1″ thick for best results.
How do I keep it from drying out?
Use a meat thermometer and don’t overcook. Also, rest after cooking—this step is crucial!
Can I marinate the steak beforehand?
Absolutely. A quick 30-minute marinade with soy sauce, Worcestershire, and garlic adds bold flavor.
Air Fryer Steak
Description:
Make juicy, perfectly cooked air fryer steak in just 15 minutes. Great for fast dinners with zero mess and maximum flavor.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 steak (2 servings) 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients:
1 ribeye or sirloin steak (1–1.25 inches thick)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
Optional: ½ tsp paprika or steak seasoning
Optional: 1 tbsp unsalted butter + herbs (for topping)
Instructions
Instructions:
Step 1 – Preheat the Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Step 2 – Season the Steak: Pat steak dry and rub with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional spices.
Step 3 – Air Fry to Perfection: Place in air fryer basket. Cook 8–10 minutes total, flipping halfway. Pull at desired internal temperature (130°F for medium-rare).
Step 4 – Rest & Serve: Remove and rest for 5 minutes. Top with butter and herbs if using.
Notes
Notes:
For extra crust, lightly dust steak with cornstarch before cooking.
Use tongs when flipping to avoid tearing.
Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ steak
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: air fryer steak, crispy steak, steak recipe, fast steak dinner
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Let’s make something amazing—even on the wild days.
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