After I made air fryer filet mignon, I was so pleased with the results that I had to try it with other cuts. This air fryer steak recipe works with any thick cut of steak! And no matter what cut you choose, cooking steak in the air fryer is easy and results in a perfectly cooked meat that stays tender and juicy. It has quickly become one of my new favorite air fryer recipes!
Can You Cook Steak In An Air Fryer?
Yes! Cooking steak in the air fryer works great, because it reaches high temperatures very quickly. This means that you can sear the outside of the steak while keeping the inside nice and juicy. Plus, air fryers circulate hot air around the food, ensuring that it cooks evenly on all sides.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for cooking steaks in the air fryer, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Steaks – I used top sirloin steaks, but you can make air fryer steak recipes using any high quality cut, like porterhouse (also known as T-bone), filet mignon, or ribeye. Thin steaks overcook easily, so the best cuts will be at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick.Sea Salt – Draws out the moisture and breaks down muscle proteins, making the steak juicier and more tender. Kosher salt is also fine to use.Black Pepper – Use a high quality black pepper for the best flavor. Compound Butter – Optional, but adds so much flavor to an already perfectly juicy steak! The classic version uses dill and parsley, but you can also use other herbs, such as rosemary and thyme.
How To Cook Steak In The Air Fryer
This section shows instructions for how to cook steaks in the air fryer, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below. If you want to add more flavor to your steaks, use my Montreal steak seasoning recipe instead of salt and pepper.
How Long To Cook Steak In The Air Fryer?
Air fryer steak time varies depending on steak thickness and desired doneness. For 1.5-inch-thickness, cook for 11-13 minutes for medium-rare steaks. Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in uneven cooking. Use the following time chart to achieve your desired doneness:
What Temp To Cook Steak In The Air Fryer?
Cook steak in the air fryer at 400 degrees F. Cooking at a higher temperature sears the steak, keeping it tender and juicy.
Can You Cook Frozen Steak In The Air Fryer?
While it’s possible to cook a frozen steak in the air fryer, this is not recommended. It’s best to thaw steaks in a bag submerged in cold water (or in the fridge overnight) before cooking them, regardless of cooking method. Cooking frozen meat tends to leave some areas overcooked and others undercooked.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftover steak in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. Reheat: Reheat your steak in the air fryer again, for just a couple of minutes at 350 degrees F, until warm. You can also use the low-temperature oven method that I describe in my reverse sear steak recipe for the best results.Freeze: It’s best to freeze steaks raw. You can freeze leftover cooked steaks in the freezer for 3-4 months, but they will not be as tender after thawing and reheating.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Steaks
This steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some to try: Follow these reminders for juicy air fryer steak — or any steak!
Bring to room temperature. Doing this before cooking helps the steak cook evenly. Season generously. A good seasoning on both sides creates a mouthwatering crust on the meat. Avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you cook your steak to your desired doneness. Let steaks rest. It may be tempting to cut into that juicy steak right away, but let it rest for 5 minutes so that the juices have time to redistribute into the steak. Finish with compound butter. It adds unbelievably rich flavor.
Roasted veggies – Try hearty favorites like roasted butternut squash (shown above), roasted green beans (shown above), or roasted broccolini.Leafy salads – Sirloin steak always pairs well with spring mix salad, wedge salad, or 7 layer salad.Classic steakhouse sides – Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classics like mashed potatoes (or mashed cauliflower), creamed spinach, or sauteed mushrooms to pair with your perfectly air fried sirloin steak.
More Easy Air Fryer Mains
If you like this quick and easy main dish, you might also like some of these air fryer recipes: Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it! Nutrition info does not include optional compound butter.
