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after i did Air Fryer Filet Mignon, I was so happy with the results that I had to try other cuts.this Air Fryer Steak Recipe Works great with any thick cut steak! No matter which cut you choose, cooking steak in the air fryer is simple, and the meat is perfectly tender and juicy.It quickly became one of my new favorites Air Fryer Recipes!
Can you cook steak in an air fryer?
Yes! Cooking steak in the air fryer works well because it reaches high heat quickly. This means you can sear the outside of your steak while keeping the inside nice and juicy. Plus, an air fryer circulates hot air around the food, ensuring it cooks evenly on all sides.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Steak Recipe
- tender and juicy steak
- Easy to cook right – harder to overcook than other methods
- Only 3 Essential Ingredients
- Quick 10-15 minute cook time
- Totally hands-off (no flipping required!)
- along with dozens side dish recipes!

Ingredients and Substitutes
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for cooking steak in the air fryer, the role each ingredient plays in the recipe, and substitution options.For measurements, see recipe card below.
- steak – I used prime sirloin steak, but you can use any good quality cut for air fryer steak recipes, such as porterhouse (also known as T-bone), filet, or ribeye. Thin steaks can easily be overcooked, so the best cuts are at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
- sea salt – Draws out water and breaks down muscle protein, making steak more tender and juicy. Kosher salt can also be used.
- Black pepper – Use good quality black pepper for best flavor.
- compound butter – optional, but adds so much flavor to an already very juicy steak! The classic version uses dill and parsley, but you can also use other herbs like rosemary and thyme.

How to Cook Steak in the Air Fryer
This section shows instructions on how to cook a steak in the air fryer, complete with step-by-step photos and details about the technique to help you get a feel for it.For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see recipe card below.
- Bring to room temperature. Remove steaks from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before cooking. (This will ensure even cooking.)
- Make Garlic Herb Butter. Follow the instructions here to make compound butter. Refrigerate until use. .
- season. Pat steak dry with paper towels. Season steaks generously on both sides with sea salt and black pepper. Meanwhile, preheat the air fryer.


- Air fry. Arrange the steak in Air fryer Single tier basket so debris doesn’t or rarely touches.Air fry steaks to desired doneness, using meat thermometer Check for proper temperature. (See schedule below!)
Tip: Leave room for steaks in the air fryer.
Cook in batches, if desired. An overcrowded air fryer basket can cause uneven cooking.


- rest. Spread compound butter over steak. Let them rest for 5 minutes before cutting the grains.

How long to cook steak in the air fryer?
Air fryer steak times vary depending on the thickness of the steak and desired doneness. For 1.5-inch thick medium-rare steaks, cook 11-13 minutes.
Use the following schedule to achieve your desired doneness:
| desired doneness | cooking time | internal temperature |
|---|---|---|
| rare | 10-12 minutes | 120 degrees fahrenheit |
| medium rare | 11-13 minutes | 130 degrees fahrenheit |
| Moderate | 12-14 minutes | 140 degrees fahrenheit |
| Nakai | 13-15 minutes | 150 degrees fahrenheit |
| well done | 14-16 minutes | 160 degrees fahrenheit |
What temperature to cook steak in the air fryer?
Cook the steaks in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the steak at a higher temperature to keep it tender and juicy.
Can You Cook Frozen Steak in the Air Fryer?
While it is possible to cook frozen steaks in the air fryer, it is not recommended. Regardless of the cooking method, it’s best to thaw steaks in a bag submerged in cold water (or overnight in the refrigerator) before cooking. Cooking frozen meat tends to overcook some areas and undercook others.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Steak
Follow these tips for juicy air-fried steaks—or any Steak!
- Bring to room temperature. Doing this before cooking will help the steak cook evenly.
- Season generously. The seasoning on both sides creates a mouthwatering crust on the meat.
- Avoid overcooking. use one meat thermometer to make sure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Let the steak rest. It may be tempting to cut that juicy steak right away, but let it sit for 5 minutes to give the juices time to redistribute into the steak.
- Finish with compound butter. It adds an incredible rich flavor.
storage instructions
- shop: Store leftover steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the steaks again in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes, until warmed through.You can also use the low temperature oven method I describe in my post Reverse Seared Steak Recipe for best results.
- freeze: Raw steak is best frozen. You can freeze leftover cooked steaks for 3-4 months in the refrigerator, but they won’t be as tender after thawing and reheating.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Steak
This steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some to try:
Easier Air Fryer Power Supplies
If you like this quick and easy main dish, you might also like some of these air fryer recipes:
Air Fryer Steaks (Quick, Easy, Perfect Every Time!)
This easy air fryer steak recipe turns out juicy, tender meat every time. This is one of the fastest ways to make a perfect steak!
Prepare: 10 minute
chef: 12 minute
all: twenty two minute
Serving Size: 4 (adjust according to recipe)
raw material
Click on the underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn off Safari reader mode to view ingredients.
instruct
Click a time in the instructions below to start the kitchen timer while you cook.
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take your steak out of the fridge 30 minutes Bring it to room temperature before cooking. (This will ensure even cooking.)
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Follow the instructions here to make compound butter. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
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warm up Air fryer to 400°F (204°C).
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Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season steaks generously on both sides with sea salt and black pepper.
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Arrange the steaks in the air fryer in a single layer so that the steaks are not touching or have very little touching (cook in batches if desired; do not crowd the basket). Air fry the steaks to your desired doneness (use a probe thermometer for best results).For a 1.5-inch thick steak, approximately 10-12 minutes For rare, 11-13 minutes For medium rare, 12-14 minutes For media, 13-15 minutes for medium wells, or 14-16 minutes here you go.use one meat thermometer Check for correct temperature – 120°F (52°C) for rare, 130°F (54°C) for medium rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, 150°F (66°C) for medium Well, or 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) does a good job. The temperature will rise another 5°F while resting (see next step).
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Remove the steak from the air, and transfer to a plate. Top each with 1 tablespoon (14 g) compound butter.
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let the steak rest 5 minutes before cutting the grain.
recipe notes
serving size: 1 8-ounce sirloin steak
Nutritional information does not include optional compound butter.
nutrient content
Amount per serving. Serving sizes in recipe instructions above.
calories 341
fat 16.1 grams
protein 48.8 grams
total carbohydrates 0.2 grams
net carbs 0.1g
fiber 0.1g
sugar 0.1g
Nutrition facts are provided politely. Questions about calculations or why are you getting different results?Please see our nutrition policy.
© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please do not screenshot or copy/paste the recipe to social media or websites. We would love for you to share a link with a photo. 🙂





