Air Fryer Steak Recipe Guide: How To Make It Perfect Every Time
How I Mastered the Air Fryer Steak Recipe – A Home Cook’s Story
I still remember the first time I attempted an air fryer steak recipe. It was a cold Sunday evening, and I had nothing but a frozen ribeye in the fridge, a brand-new air fryer on the counter, and zero confidence in my cooking skills. I Googled “Air Fryer Steak Recipe” in desperation, hoping for a miracle. What I found were fragmented tips, vague directions, and countless steak disasters from others. But through trial and error, seasoning blunders, and overcooked mistakes I mastered it. Now, I bring you the ultimate air fryer steak recipe that’s tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Looking for inspiration? Try this high-protein summer dinner guide that pairs perfectly with steak sides.
Best Amazon picks:
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Cut for Your Air Fryer Steak
Best Steak Cuts for Air Frying
The Air Fryer Steak Recipe starts with the cut. Ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, and sirloin work best due to their fat content and tenderness. Avoid overly thin or lean cuts, as they dry out quickly. Find out which cuts work best in the air fryer in our Best Cuts of Steak for Air Fryer Cooking guide.
Thickness Matters
When following an Air Fryer Steak Recipe, aim for steaks between 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This thickness ensures a crispy exterior and juicy interior exactly what your air fryer is built for.
Prepping the Steak for the Air Fryer
Room Temperature Is Key
A common rookie mistake in any air fryer steak recipe is skipping the rest. Bring your steak to room temperature for 20-30 minutes to promote even cooking.
Seasoning for Maximum Flavor
For a perfect Air Fryer Steak Recipe, season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of smoked paprika. You can even try a dry rub or marinade if you’ve got the time. For flavor inspiration, explore our complete list of Air Fryer Steak Marinade Ideas to take your steak to the next level.
Air Fryer Steak Recipe
Equipment
- Tongs
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks 1 to 1.5 inches thick, or use sirloin, strip, or filet mignon
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil spray
- 1 tsp kosher salt or to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
Optional Toppings
- 2 tbsp garlic herb butter for serving
Instructions
- Bring steaks to room temperature for 20–30 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush steaks lightly with oil and season all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Place steaks in air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook according to desired doneness, flipping halfway:
- Rare: 5 min per side (125°F)
- Medium Rare: 6–7 min per side (135°F)
- Medium: 8 min per side (145°F)
- Well Done: 9–10 min per side (160°F)
- Remove steaks and let rest 5–10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Top with garlic herb butter and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Nutrition
Try something new with our Beef Chuck Roll Steak Air Fryer Recipe or go tender with our Beef Chuck Roast Steak in Air Fryer.
Setting the Right Air Fryer Temperature and Time
Ideal Temperature
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This high heat allows your Air Fryer Steak Recipe to develop that gorgeous sear on the outside.
Cooking Time Based on Doneness
Here’s a quick table for reference:
| Doneness | Time (per side) | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 5 minutes | 125°F |
| Medium Rare | 6-7 minutes | 135°F |
| Medium | 8 minutes | 145°F |
| Well Done | 9-10 minutes | 160°F |
Use a meat thermometer to nail your air fryer steak recipe every time.
Not sure how long to cook your steak? Check our detailed guide on How Long to Cook Steak in Air Fryer for perfect results every time.
The Flip and Rest Method (Don’t Skip This!)
Flip Halfway Through
No matter the doneness, flip the steak halfway through cooking to ensure an even sear in your Air Fryer Steak Recipe.
Let It Rest
After removing your steak from the air fryer, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This step allows juices to redistribute essential for any air fryer steak recipe that wants rave reviews.
Air Fryer Steak Recipe Variations to Try
Garlic Butter Steak
Add a pat of herb garlic butter post-cook for a restaurant-style Air Fryer Steak Recipe.
Steak with Veggies
Toss in mushrooms, green beans, or even asparagus with olive oil in the same basket for a one-pan air fryer steak recipe twist.
Check out this air fryer green beans guide for a perfect steak side option.
Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Air Fryer Steak
Skipping Preheat
A cold fryer results in a rubbery air fryer steak recipe. Always preheat.
Overcrowding
Avoid putting more than two steaks at a time. Airflow is vital in any air fryer steak recipe for that golden crust.
Don’t miss our tips on how long to cook sausages in an air fryer for mastering temperature control.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Steak
Sauces and Sides
Pair your air fryer steak recipe with chimichurri, peppercorn sauce, or even steak butter. For sides, roasted carrots or garlic potatoes are unbeatable.
Discover great ideas like crispy red potatoes in the air fryer a perfect pairing!
Make It a Meal Prep Winner
Reheat Like a Pro
Reheat leftover air fryer steak at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Always slice after reheating to retain moisture.
Store It Right
Wrap steak in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This method keeps your air fryer steak recipe fresh and ready for next-day steak tacos or salad.
Conclusion: Why This Air Fryer Steak Works Every Time
The Air Fryer Steak Recipe has become my go-to method for cooking steak, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal-prepped lunch. It’s fast, flavorful, and foolproof. From choosing the right cut to flipping at the perfect time and letting it rest, this method guarantees a juicy bite every time.
Check out these easy air fryer tips and hacks to level up your steak cooking game.
FAQs About Air Fryer Steak
Can I cook frozen steak in the air fryer?
Yes, but add 5–7 minutes to the cooking time and season midway.
Do I need to flip steak in the air fryer?
Yes, flip halfway for an evenly cooked air fryer steak recipe.
Should I use oil?
A light spray of avocado or olive oil enhances the crust in your air fryer steak recipe.
Can I add vegetables in the same basket?
Absolutely. Choose quick-cooking ones like mushrooms or zucchini.
What temp should I set my air fryer?
Set to 400°F for the perfect air fryer steak recipe crust.
Can I make steak bites instead of whole steak?
Yes! Cube steak and cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking halfway.
Want more air fryer recipes? follow me in pinterest and Facebook
