Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for cooking a juicy, tender sirloin steak in your air fryer, perfect for a quick and flavourful meal. The air fryer is an excellent tool for cooking steak because it circulates hot air around the meat, resulting in a beautifully cooked steak with a perfect sear on the outside while keeping it tender and juicy on the inside. It’s an effortless method that produces restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own home.
To get started, you’ll want to season your sirloin steak generously with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you enjoy. I recommend using a little garlic powder or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the flavor of the steak. Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before placing the steak inside to ensure even cooking. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your steak, so if you prefer a thicker cut, be sure to adjust the time slightly to allow it to cook through. For example, a 1-inch thick steak usually takes around 10-12 minutes for medium doneness.
If you prefer your steak cooked to a different level of doneness, simply adjust the cooking time by a few minutes. For a rare steak, cook it for about 7-8 minutes, and for well-done, go for about 14-15 minutes. It’s always a good idea to check the steak’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.
Once your steak is cooked to perfection, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This helps retain the juices, ensuring a succulent bite. Serve your juicy air fryer sirloin steak with a refreshing salad and crispy new potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for one or the whole family, this air fryer steak recipe is sure to impress!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 10 to 12 minutes
SERVES 1 person
KIT you will need an air fryer, a paper towel and a meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients for Air Fryer Sirloin Steak
1 sirloin steak (about an inch thick)
1 tablespoon of olive oil
A teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
To serve:
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to garnish (optional) Butter for topping (optional)
Method
So start by taking the steak out of the fridge and bring it to room temperature before cooking. This should take no more that 15 minutes. Then preheat your air fryer to 200°C for about 3 to 5 minutes. Then prepare the steak by patting the sirloin dry with paper towel. This will help it sear and cook evenly.
Then season the steak with a drizzle of the olive oil, and rub it in to coat evenly. Sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides of the steak. Press the seasoning gently into the meat.
Now it’s time to cook the steak. So Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket. But leave the crisper plates in the air fryer drawer to improve the circulation of hot air. Make sure it is not overcrowded for optimal air circulation. Cook the steak at 200°C for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping it halfway through cooking.
If you have a heat thermometer then for medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach about 54°C. For medium, aim for an internal temperature of around 60°C. If you prefer your steak well done then the internal temperature should be around 67°C.
So once the steak is done, carefully remove it from the air fryer basket using tongs and let it rest for around 5 to 7 minutes. This will help the juices redistribute and ensures a tender, juicy steak.
So after the meat has rested slice the steak against the grain and serve with your favourite sides. You can optionally top it with a pat of butter or fresh herbs for added flavour. For a thicker steak, you may need to cook it a bit longer.
Tips for Air Fryer Sirloin Steak
1. Choose quality steak
Look for a well-marbled sirloin steak as marbling helps to keep the steak juicy while it cooks. Ensure the steak is at room temperature before cooking for even results.
2. Season generously
Pat your steak dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and your favourite spices (garlic powder, paprika, or herbs). A simple seasoning works wonders!
3. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat to 200°C (400°F) for 2–3 minutes. This helps create a nice sear on the steak’s surface, giving you that delicious caramelisation.
4. Don’t overcrowd
Place the steak in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. For best results, cook one steak at a time, especially if it’s a larger cut. This allows for even cooking.
5. Cook based on thickness
Cook for about 10–12 minutes for a medium-rare steak, flipping halfway through. Adjust the time for your preferred doneness: less time for rare, more time for well-done.
6. Use a meat thermometer
Check internal temperature to ensure accuracy:
50°C (120°F) for rare
60°C (140°F) for medium-rare
70°C (160°F) for medium
80°C (175°F) for well-done
7. Let it rest
Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the steak tender.
8. Add a finishing touch
Top with a pat of butter, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon for an extra flavour boost.
Similar recipes
If you love these air fryer sirloin steak then you will like my air fryer pork chop, the air fryer fajitas or the air fryer roast beef recipe.
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