Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Recipe: Easy 20-Min Crunch Hack

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces cube steak (about 5–6 oz each); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; salt and black pepper (to taste); 2 eggs (beaten); 1/2 cup buttermilk; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk (plus more if needed); cracked black pepper (to taste); hot sauce (optional, for a kick)

The Story Behind My Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Obsession

It all started on a rainy Sunday in Alabama, where the smell of my grandmother’s chicken fried steak would fill the house like magic. She didn’t use an air fryer, of course just a skillet, a mountain of oil, and a whole lot of Southern love. Fast forward to today, I’m a full-time parent trying to serve up the same nostalgia but in a healthier way. That’s when I discovered the air fryer chicken fried steak recipe a guilt-free version of that golden, crispy, cream-gravy-covered classic that I grew up with.

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Recipe served with gravy — Southern-style air fryer chicken fried steak topped with creamy gravy

I wanted that same flaky crust, tender meat, and peppery cream sauce, but I didn’t want the mess, grease, or calories. So, I set out to recreate the Southern masterpiece in my air fryer. After countless trials (and more than a few “almosts”), I finally nailed the ultimate air fryer chicken fried steak recipe. Now, I’m sharing it with you.

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Looking for another must-try air-fried beef dinner? Don’t miss our air fryer steak recipe for a juicy, tender classic done right.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Healthier Than the Classic

This air fryer chicken fried steak recipe slashes the oil but keeps the crunch. It’s a lighter version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. You get crispy texture without deep frying, thanks to the powerful convection heat in an air fryer.

Faster and Less Messy

Forget the splatter! Air frying means less cleanup and quicker cook times. The steak goes in crispy and comes out golden all without babysitting a skillet.

Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

This air fryer chicken fried steak recipe is a healthier take on the Southern classic crispy, golden steak with creamy pepper gravy, minus the mess and grease of deep frying. Perfect for comforting dinners, made easy in your air fryer.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Resting Time 3

Total Time 30

Course Dinner, Main

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 2 steaks

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

Air Fryer
Three Bowls
Saucepan

Ingredients

For the Steak

2 pieces cube steak about 5–6 oz each
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
salt and black pepper to taste
2 eggs beaten
1/2 cup buttermilk

For the Cream Gravy

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup milk plus more if needed
cracked black pepper to taste
hot sauce optional, for a kick

Instructions

Set up three bowls: one with flour, cornstarch, and spices; one with beaten eggs and buttermilk; and a third for final dredging.
Dredge each cube steak in flour, then egg mixture, then flour again. Press flour in firmly for a crispy coating.
Spray both sides of the steak with oil spray. Place into a preheated air fryer at 375°F and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and slowly add milk. Stir until thickened. Season with black pepper and optional hot sauce.
Let the steaks rest for 3 minutes before serving. Serve hot with cream gravy on top.

Notes

Cube steak is a must for this recipe—it’s tender and ideal for quick frying. Don’t skip the double breading or gravy. For spicy variation, add cayenne or hot sauce. Store gravy separately from steak when saving leftovers.

Keyword Air Fryer, Chicken Fried Steak, Comfort Food

Ingredients for the Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

The Steak

To make this air fryer chicken fried steak recipe, you’ll need cube steak. It’s pre-tenderized and ready to absorb all those delicious seasonings.

For the Breading

All-purpose flour
Cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
Salt and black pepper

For Dipping

Buttermilk
Eggs

Cream Gravy (Don’t Skip It)

Butter
Flour
Milk
Cracked black pepper
A dash of hot sauce (optional but recommended)

Don’t miss our How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread in the Air Fryer.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Cook the Best Chicken Fried Steak in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prep Your Station

Set up three bowls one for flour and seasoning, one for the egg-buttermilk mixture, and one for a quick double dredge.

Step 2: Bread the Steaks

Coat the steak in flour, dip in buttermilk and egg, then back in flour. This double coat is key to the crispiness in any air fryer chicken fried steak recipe.

Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Spray both sides of the steak with oil spray. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly pour in milk. Add pepper and a pinch of salt. Let it thicken.

Learn more about Crispy Air Fryer Red Potatoes as a great side option.

Tips and Tricks to Nail This Recipe Every Time

Double Coating = Extra Crunch

To perfect this air fryer chicken fried steak recipe, don’t rush the breading. Press that flour in like your Southern grandma taught you.

Don’t Skip the Gravy

Gravy is not optional. That creamy, peppery sauce defines chicken fried steak and adds the moisture you want without drenching the crust.

Use Cube Steak Only

It’s already tenderized and perfect for air frying. Don’t substitute with round steak or other cuts unless you’re willing to tenderize it manually.

Best Sides to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

Southern Comfort Pairings

Creamy mashed potatoes
Green beans with garlic
Buttermilk biscuits
Mac and cheese

Lighter Options

Garden salad with vinaigrette
Roasted asparagus
Steamed cauliflower rice

Check out our side dish ideas like Loaded Air Fryer Potato Wedges.

Variations to Try With This Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

Spicy Version

Add cayenne pepper to the flour or hot sauce to the egg mixture. It gives the air fryer chicken fried steak recipe a bold kick.

Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Make sure your gravy uses cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.

Dairy-Free Gravy

Swap the milk for oat or almond milk, and use vegan butter for a rich, creamy texture without dairy.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store It Right

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Always store the gravy separately.

Reheat Like a Pro

Use the air fryer again! Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to keep it crispy. Avoid microwaving it’ll ruin the crust.

Final Thoughts on This Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak Recipe

There’s something magical about recreating Southern classics without the guilt. This air fryer chicken fried steak recipe combines that nostalgic comfort with modern-day convenience. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’ve tried the skillet version a hundred times, this air-fried approach will change your game. The crisp, the flavor, the simplicity there’s no reason not to try it today.