Juicy Air Fryer Steak
Air fryer steak is a simple way to cook steak with a crisp outer crust and a tender, juicy inside. The circulating hot air in the air fryer cooks the meat evenly and quickly while locking in the natural juices. This method works well for many steak cuts such as ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, or filet.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 8–14 minutes depending on thickness
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
2 steaks (ribeye, sirloin, strip, or filet), about 1 inch thick
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Equipment
Air fryer
Paper towels
Small bowl
Tongs
Meat thermometer (recommended)
Plate for resting the steak
Step 1: Bring the Steak to Room Temperature
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking. Letting the meat sit at room temperature helps it cook more evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Steak
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the steak develop a better crust during cooking.
Brush both sides of the steaks lightly with olive oil.
Step 3: Season the Steak
In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of the steaks. Press the seasoning gently into the meat so it sticks well.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the steak start cooking immediately and develop a good sear.
Step 5: Place the Steak in the Air Fryer
Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure there is some space around each steak so the hot air can circulate properly.
Step 6: Cook the Steak
Cook the steak at 400°F (200°C). The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and your preferred doneness.
For a 1-inch thick steak, approximate cooking times are:
Rare: 8–9 minutes
Medium-rare: 9–10 minutes
Medium: 11–12 minutes
Medium-well: 13 minutes
Well done: 14 minutes
Flip the steak halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.
Step 7: Add Butter and Herbs
During the last minute of cooking, place a small piece of butter on top of each steak. If using herbs such as rosemary or thyme, add them at this stage as well.
The butter will melt over the steak and enhance the flavor.
Step 8: Check the Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature:
Rare: 125°F (52°C)
Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
Medium-well: 150°F (66°C)
Well done: 160°F (71°C)
Step 9: Rest the Steak
Remove the steak from the air fryer and place it on a plate. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before cutting.
Resting allows the juices inside the meat to redistribute, keeping the steak tender and juicy.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Slice the steak against the grain for the most tender texture. Serve whole or sliced depending on preference.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer steak pairs well with many side dishes such as roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, grilled corn, rice, or a fresh salad. Garlic butter, pepper sauce, or mushroom sauce can also be served with the steak.
Cooking Tips
Choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick for the best results. Thicker steaks stay juicier during air frying.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking too many steaks at once can reduce air circulation and affect the crust.
If you prefer a stronger crust, you can lightly coat the steak with a small amount of butter or oil before seasoning.
Storage Instructions
Allow leftover steak to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm the steak in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–4 minutes or until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
Cooked steak can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
