There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked steak that’s juicy, tender, and packed with flavour. But what if you could skip the grill or stovetop and still get steakhouse-quality results at home? Enter the air fryer. This game-changing kitchen appliance isn’t just for frozen fries or reheating leftovers. It’s surprisingly great at cooking steak to perfection. Whether you prefer yours medium-rare or well-done, the air fryer delivers consistent, mouth-watering results with less mess and less guesswork. Air fryer steak is amazing.
One of the best things about air frying steak is how quickly it cooks. In under 15 minutes, you can have a beautifully seared steak with a caramelized crust and juicy centre. No need to heat up the oven or stand over a hot pan. Plus, clean-up is a breeze. Especially if you use a foil liner or clean the basket while it’s still warm.
This air fryer steak recipe is simple, requiring just a few pantry staples and minimal prep. A quick rub with olive oil and spices is all it takes to bring out the natural richness of the meat. Whether you’re cooking ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip, this method works beautifully for any cut around 1 to 1.25 inches thick.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, this recipe is a no-fuss way to elevate your air fryer game. Pair your steak with a side of garlic butter potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Once you try steak in the air fryer, you may never go back to traditional methods again. It’s that easy, and that good.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 10 – 14 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer
Ingredients for Air Fryer Steak
2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (1 to 1.25 inches thick)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
Half tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., thyme or parsley)
Optional: butter for finishing
Method
Start by selecting your steaks. Ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip all work well, ideally 1 to 1.25 inches thick. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This step is important because removing surface moisture helps the outside caramelize better in the air fryer.
Drizzle both sides of the steaks with olive oil and rub it in gently with your hands. Then season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. You can also customise the seasoning to your taste. Try adding onion powder, steak seasoning, or even a touch of cayenne for heat.
While the steaks sit for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve that nice seared crust. Once preheated, place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. If your air fryer is small, cook them in batches to avoid crowding.
Air fry the steaks for 10 to 14 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. Flip them halfway through the cooking time using tongs. For medium-rare, aim for around 10–12 minutes; for medium, go closer to 12–14. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature if you’re unsure, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
Once done, transfer the steaks to a cutting board and loosely tent with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial, it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavourful steak.
Optionally, top with a pat of butter and fresh herbs for a restaurant-quality finish.
Tips for Air Fryer Steak
Below are some tips to help you get the best texture, flavour, and finish every time you cook steak in the air-fryer. From choosing the right cut to letting it rest, each step helps lock in juiciness and maximise flavour.
1. Choose the Right Cut:
Ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, and filet mignon all work well in the air fryer. Look for cuts that are at least 1 inch thick to avoid overcooking. Marbled steaks like ribeye tend to be juicier thanks to the fat content.
2. Bring Steak to Room Temperature:
Let your steak sit out for about 20–30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and reduces the risk of a cold center with an overdone exterior.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Always preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes before adding the steak. A hot air fryer helps develop a nice crust and sear on the outside, just like a grill or pan would.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket:
Cook one or two steaks at a time with space between them. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation, which is key to even browning.
5. Flip for Even Cooking:
Flip your steak halfway through cooking to promote even doneness on both sides. Use tongs instead of a fork to avoid piercing the meat and losing juices.
6. Use a Meat Thermometer:
For perfect doneness, a meat thermometer is your best friend:
Rare: 52°C
Medium-rare: 57°C
Medium: 63°C
Medium-well: 66°C
Well-done: 71°C
7. Customize Your Finish:
Add some garlic herb butter, a sprinkle of flaky salt, or a dash of balsamic glaze after cooking for a gourmet touch..
8. Rest Before Slicing:
Always let steak rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavourful and tender bite.
Related Recipes
If you loved how easy and flavourful your Air Fryer Steak turned out, here are more delicious recipes from the site that make the perfect pairing or alternative main dish.
Air Fryer Halloumi
This golden, crispy cheese is a great vegetarian option or a tasty side dish to your steak. Serve your air fried halloumi with a simple salad or roasted veg for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Air Fryer Potato Skins
A steak dinner classic! These crispy potato skins are loaded with cheese and spring onions and are perfect for serving on the side or as a starter to impress your guests.
Air Fryer Lamb Steaks
This dish of lamb steaks with Greek salad dish brings together everything I love about Mediterranean cooking; vibrant colours, bright citrus, fragrant herbs, and that perfect balance of savoury and tangy.
Air Fryer Mushrooms
Earthy and rich, these mushrooms pair beautifully with steak. They are a classic combo that brings out deep, savoury flavours with minimal effort.
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Crispy-skinned and fluffy inside, these baked potatoes are a steakhouse favourite you can make at home. Top with sour cream, cheese, or garlic butter for extra indulgence.
Whether you’re making a full steak dinner or mixing and matching for your weekly menu, these recipes are simple, flavourful, and all made easy in your air fryer.
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