Perfect Air Fryer Steak (Quick and Easy!)

If you’ve ever been intimidated to cook a steak, this recipe is for you. Steak night has never been easier and more reliable, thanks to the air fryer! This air fryer steak is delicious, tender, has the perfect crust, and is even easier than using a giant grill.

Why You’ll Love Steak in the Air Fryer

Okay y’all, I’m going to level with you: I did NOT think that an actually good steak would come out of the air fryer. We experimented with it her at Fed & Fit because it’s our job, but I don’t think I would have tried it otherwise, and BOY HOWDY am I glad we tried it.

I was blown away by the quality of the steak possible in an air fryer. I was even more blown away by how EASY it was! I didn’t need to fire up my giant grill outside, didn’t need to start a smoker box on our smoker, and I didn’t need to splatter grease all over my kitchen in an effort to pan-sear one on my stove. Nope, I just pre-heated the air fryer, seasoned that beautiful steak, and cooked it.

Which Air Fryer is the Best?

This gadget, especially the 5.8 quart Cosori Air Fryer (I have the white one), is absolutely fantastic. I’ve tested several of the top-rated air fryers (including Ninja brand and Instant Pot) and the Cosori is my favorite. It’s easy to use, slick on my counter, and easy to clean.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Steak

Just three simple ingredients (ONE if you don’t count salt and pepper!) stand between you and a tasty steak! Here’s what you need:

• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8-10 ounce ribeye (or steak of choice)

Note: feel free to cook more than one steak at a time if you have room in your air fryer!

What’s the best cut of steak to cook in the air fryer?

We used a ribeye for this recipe, but you can absolutely use a sirloin, New York strip, T-bone, or any other cut you love. If your steak is larger (or smaller) than 8-10 ounces, we recommend using an in-oven thermometer (it’ll work in the air fryer!) to determine doneness. 140°F-145°F is what you’ll aim for if you’re looking for a medium steak (what you see in these photos).

How to Cook Steak in the Air Fryer

The process couldn’t be any easier! Here’s how you’ll cook a dynamite steak in the air fryer:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
2. Season the steaks – sprinkle both sides of the steak with salt and pepper.
3. Air fry – add the steak to the air fryer and cook for 10 minutes (for medium/medium-well if your steak is about 1 inch thick)
4. Let rest – remove from the air fryer and let rest for 10 minutes.
5. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

How long do steaks take in the air fryer?

Cooking steak in the air fryer is a super quick process! It’ll only take about 25 minutes from start to finish (resting time included).

Steak Temperature

If you’d like to cook your (approximately 1-inch thick) steak to a temperature other than medium/medium-well, here’s a guide for you!

First, you’ll want to insert a leave-in meat thermometer into your steak. The one linked there is the perfect solution. you insert the metal tip to the *middle* of the steak (where it would be the most cool) and then the metal cord hang out the side while the air fryer is closed and cooks. Fun fact: i also use this leave-in meat thermometer in the oven or the gas grill outside!

Next, choose your doneness level. Below, you’ll find a guide with the temperatures for each level. If you follow the cooking time listed in this recipe, you’ll end up with a steak cooked to a perfectly pink medium. The estimated times are all for a 1-inch thick steak. If your steak is thinner or thicker, your time will vary, which is why it’s ideal to use the meat thermometer. This meat thermometer is amazing because it will let you choose your temperature and then it will beep at you when it’s done. It’s the best.

• Rare: 125-130°F (5-6 minutes)
• Medium-Rare: 130-140°F (8-9 minutes)
• Medium: 140-150°F (10 minutes)
• Medium-Well: 150-155°F (11 minutes)
• Well-Done: 160°F (12-13 minutes)

What to Serve with Air Fryer Steak

Serve your air fryer steak alongside any veggie and starchy side combo that you love! Below, you’ll find our best recommendations for all kinds of perfect accompaniments.

Salads

• Italian Side Salad
• ​Strawberry Spinach Salad
• Best Spinach Salad with a Spicy Lemon Salad Dressing
• Lemon Sea Salt Arugula Salad
• Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Veggie Sides

• Roasted Asaparagus
• Steamed Green Beans
• Oven Roasted Broccoli
• The Best Grilled Zucchini

Starchy Sides

• Pan Fried Sweet Plantains
• Orzo with Roasted Vegetables
• Oven Roasted Butternut Squash
• Roasted Potatoes
• Chilled Spring Veggie Rice Salad
• Perfect Quinoa

If you want to make things as EASY as possible (with as few dirty dishes as possible), follow the recipe to make a full air fryer steak dinner (complete with broccoli, french fries, and chocolate chip cookies) in the air fryer.

Air Fryer Steaks FAQs

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