This Air Fryer Steak is the perfect easy weeknight meal! It’s seasoned to perfection, then air fried until soft and juicy with a crispy exterior.
Easy Air Fryer Steak Recipe
Say hello to the easiest, easiest way to make steak! Ready in minutes, this air fryer steak recipe requires just a few simple ingredients to produce super tender, juicy steaks with a perfect crust.
Without searing, then cook. No need to adjust the temperature. Making Steaks in the Air Fryer makes your steak dinner so easy!
what do you need
- Steak: Look for steaks that are about 1 inch thick. Any steak will do.
- seasoning: You can keep the seasoning simple with a little salt and pepper, or use your favorite steak seasoning.
- Softened Butter: for your compound butter. Use for garnish and serve! Optional but worth it!
- garlic: for your compound butter.
- Herbs: Like parsley, thyme, rosemary etc. The right compound butter for you. Use for garnish and serve! Optional but worth it!
steak
we choose one boneless rib eye, but this method also works for New York steak, filet mignon, etc., as long as the cut is about 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick. It will cook faster if it is thinner than that.
Get the best steak you can afford for this dish because it’s the star of the show. It’s much cheaper than anything you’d find at a steakhouse cooking your own at home, so if possible, spend the extra few bucks on a grass-fed rib eye steak.
How to Cook Steak in the Air Fryer
Making steak in the air fryer is so easy! This easy dinner is on the table in minutes!
- season: Rub the steak with a little oil and coat with the steak seasoning of your choice.
- Air fryer: Air fry at 400ºF to your liking.
- rest: Finally sprinkle with salt and pepper, let stand for 5 minutes, slice and serve.

What temperature is the steak cooked to?
It depends on the size and thickness of the steak you are using. Here’s my estimate for a 1-inch steak. If you are cooking a thicker or thinner steak, adjust the cooking time accordingly! To make sure your steak is cooked just right, I recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Here’s a quick temperature guide!
- rare: Cook the steak for 6 minutes, turning after 3 minutes. Look for a temperature of 125ºF.
- Medium Rare: Cook the steak for 8 minutes, turning after 4 minutes. Look for a temperature of 135ºF.
- Moderate: Cook the steak for 10 minutes, turning after 5 minutes. Look for a temperature of 145ºF.
- Nakai: Cook the steak for 12 minutes, turning after 6 minutes. Look for a temperature of 155ºF.
- Excellent: Cook the steak for 16 minutes, turning after 8 minutes. Look for a temperature of 160ºF.
Keep in mind that as you get closer to the end of this list, there is a high chance that the steak will dry out. I recommend medium rare or medium!
NOTE: Remove the steak 5 degrees early as it will warm up as it rests, which you want it to!

Do you need to flip a steak in the air fryer?
yes! Flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time will help cook evenly and ensure you always get a perfect crust.
Tips and Precautions
- Bring steak to room temperature. I recommend letting the steaks sit on the counter about 30 minutes before cooking. Steaks cook more evenly at room temperature. This step isn’t make or break, but keep the meat as cold as possible so it doesn’t take a hit when it’s cooked. It will make the steak more tender, but of course that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t cook the steak if you can’t do this step.
- Pat the steak dry. Pat the outside of the steak dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. Removing excess moisture will help the steak get crispy in the air fryer.
- Preheat air fryer. The steak should be nice and hot before you add it so it cooks just right!
- Check the temperature. Since cooking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of the steak, I recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. That way you don’t have to guess! We often talk about taking your temperature at Lexi’s Clean Kitchen because it’s a simple tool that makes you a better cook.probe meat with a Instant Read Thermometer Towards the end of cooking, make sure it’s at the exact temperature you want.
- leave some space Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, so don’t make your steaks so large that they touch. This allows air to circulate evenly around the steak.
- let it rest. Before you serve the steak, cover it with foil to retain the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This gives the flavor and moisture a little time to re-incorporate into the meat.
Make a quick compound butter!
you do not Have to, but trust me, it will elevate your steak, and it takes a minute to make.
What is Compound Butter?
Compound butter is butter that has been softened and mixed with herbs, spices, and sometimes sweeteners. Your steak is left with a delicious creamy sauce!

service suggestion
This Air Fryer Steak Recipe is so easy, you’ll be motivated enough to whip up a few easy side dishes! Here are some ideas:
how to store
Leftover cooked steaks will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
You can reheat in the microwave, oven or air fryer!
How to Reheat Steak in the Air Fryer
To reheat leftovers in the air fryer, if frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then cook at 350ºF until heated through.
More Air Fryer Favorites
Looking for tastier recipes in the air fryer? Here are some of my favorites!
Watch the video:
Air Fry Steak
This Air Fryer Steak is the perfect easy weeknight meal! It’s seasoned to perfection, then air fried until soft and juicy with a crispy exterior.
- 2 1-inch thick steak, or 4 veal steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
compound butter
- 2 tbsp softened salted butter
- 1 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Fresh herbs of choice (parsley, cilantro, thyme, rosemary)
- Remove steaks and let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.
- Pat dry, brush with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer so that the basket is hot.
- Add steaks and air fryer at 400ºF for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through (this is for 1 inch steaks, if smaller it will cook faster). See temperature chart below, as times may vary depending on air fryer model and steak thickness. NOTE: Take the steak out 5 degrees earlier than listed because the steak will warm up as it rests, which you want it to!
- While cooking, combine softened butter with garlic and herbs. on hold.
- When the steak is done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before buttering it and slicing.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides!
notes
Here’s a quick temperature guide:
- rare: Cook the steak for 6 minutes, turning after 3 minutes. Look for a temperature of 125ºF.
- Medium Rare: Cook the steak for 8 minutes, turning after 4 minutes. Look for a temperature of 135ºF.
- Moderate: Cook the steak for 10 minutes, turning after 5 minutes. Look for a temperature of 145ºF.
- Nakai: Cook the steak for 12 minutes, turning after 6 minutes. Look for a temperature of 155ºF.
- Excellent: Cook the steak for 16 minutes, turning after 8 minutes. Look for a temperature of 160ºF.
Keep in mind that as you get closer to the end of this list, there is a high chance that the steak will dry out. I recommend medium rare or medium!
NOTE: Remove the steak 5 degrees early as it will warm up as it rests, which you want it to!



