Air Fryer Steak Recipe
Cooking steak in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a flavorful dinner without using the grill or stovetop.
The hot circulating air cooks the steak evenly, helping create a browned outside while keeping the center tender and juicy.
Ready in less than 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, smaller households, or anytime you want a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Serve it with crispy potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or garlic bread for a simple steak dinner the whole family can enjoy at home any night of the week.
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Why You’ll Love Cooking Steak in the Air Fryer
- Ready in less than 20 minutes
- Uses only a few simple ingredients
- No grill or cast-iron skillet needed
- Easy to adjust for different cuts of steak
- Simple enough for a weeknight dinner
- Produces tender, flavorful results with minimal cleanup
What Is the Best Steak for the Air Fryer?
- Ribeye, New York strip, sirloin and filet mignon are all good choices for cooking steak in an air fryer.
- Look for steaks that are approximately 1 inch thick so the outside has time to brown before the center becomes overcooked.
- Steaks with some marbling, such as ribeye or New York strip, tend to stay especially juicy.
- Leaner cuts like sirloin also work, but watch the internal temperature closely because they can dry out more quickly.
- Avoid steaks that are extremely thin. Thin steaks cook so fast that it can be difficult to keep the center from becoming overdone.
How to Air Fry Steak
Don’t miss the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for a complete list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this dish a breeze!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Steak
You only need a few basic ingredients:
- Steak
- Melted butter
- Steak seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
The butter helps the seasonings stick while adding richness to the finished steak. You can also use a light coating of olive or avocado oil if preferred.
How to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer
- For the best results, remove the steak from the refrigerator approximately 20 minutes before cooking. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the outside brown instead of steam.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Brush both sides of the steak with melted butter and season with steak seasoning, salt and black pepper.
- Place the steak in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave space around each piece so the hot air can circulate.
- Air fry the steak for a few minutes. Flip it and continue cooking to your desired doneness.
- Check the center using an instant-read meat thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time.
- Rest the cooked steak for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices time to settle back into the meat.
Don’t Forget To…
- Scroll down to print the full recipe with step-by-step instructions and exact measurements.
- Check out my Kitchen Essentials for the pans, mixing bowls, and baking tools I use to make this recipe a breeze.
- Save or share this recipe on Pinterest!
Yes. Air fryers cook steak quickly and evenly using circulating hot air. They are especially convenient when you don’t want to use an outdoor grill or clean a skillet. For the best results, use a steak approximately 1 inch thick, preheat the air fryer and check doneness with a meat thermometer.
A 1-inch steak generally takes 8–14 minutes at 400°F. Exact cooking time depends on the cut, thickness and air fryer model. Use an instant-read thermometer to determine when it is done.
The regular air-fry setting at 400°F works best. This high temperature cooks the steak quickly and helps brown the exterior.
You can cook frozen steak in an air fryer, but a thawed steak will cook more evenly and is easier to season. For this recipe, thaw the steak completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
Common mistakes include placing a wet steak in the basket, overcrowding the air fryer and relying only on cooking time. Pat the steak dry, leave space around each piece and use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Avoid very thin steaks, which can overcook quickly, and preheat the air fryer to 400°F for consistent cooking. Once the steak is done, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing so the juices can settle back into the meat.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Steak
- Slice against the grain for more tender bites.
- Choose steaks that are similar in thickness so they finish cooking at the same time.
- Preheat the air fryer for better browning.
- Begin checking the temperature several minutes before the expected finish time.
- Insert the thermometer into the center of the thickest portion.
What to Serve With Air Fryer Steak
- Pair your steak with crispy potato wedges, mashed potatoes or a baked potato for a classic dinner.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts, baked carrots or another simple oven roasted vegetable can balance the richness of the meat.
- A Caesar salad is another easy side dish option when you want something fresh and crunchy.
- Add homemade garlic bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Don’t stop at just one—give these recipes a try and discover even more delicious ways to enjoy steak with herbs, marinades, and hearty sides!
- Elevate your steak with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Enjoy a hearty and easy dinner with this one-pan steak and potatoes recipe, perfect for busy weeknights!
Air Fryer Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- Steaks
- Melted Butter
- Steak Seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Pre-heat air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
- Brush both sides with melted butter.
- Season the steaks with steak seasoning, salt and black pepper.
- Arrange the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving room around each one.
- Air fry for 5 minutes.
- Flip the steaks and continue cooking for another 3–9 minutes, depending on their thickness.
- Check the center with an instant-read meat thermometer. For food safety, cook beef steak to at least 145°F.
- Remove the steaks from the air fryer and rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Cooking time will vary based on the steak’s thickness and your air fryer model.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches when necessary.
- Check the temperature early to avoid overcooking.
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak.
- Slice the rested steak against the grain.
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