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Air fryer steak is juicy and so flavorful. This is an easy way to cook steak and turns out perfectly every time.
Air fryer steak might just surprise you. The steak is so tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. If you have been hesitant to try steak in the air fryer, just go ahead. You will not be disappointed!
We have even cooked Easy Air Fryer Salmon Recipe, Air Fryer Beef Jerky and Air Fryer Chicken Breasts for another easy meal idea. You will love how easy it is to make your favorite meats in the air fryer.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Being a mom of 8, using the air fryer has been a game changer for my family. My kids could easily cook a protein packed steak before they head out the door for practice. The meat cooks tender, juicy and with the best texture.
If you do not have time to grill, then cook your steak in the air fryer with simple seasoning.
Ingredients
Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.
Variations Ideas
- Best Cuts of Steak – We like using sirloin steak 1-inch thick, but you can also cook ribeye or New York Strip.
- Seasoning – Feel free to use seasoning of your choice. We love this Steak Seasoning but we have also used fresh herbs. The combination of parsley, rosemary and thyme can be added to make this air fryer sirloin steak.
How to Make Air Fryer Steak
Step 1 – Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 to 45 minutes before you cook it.
Step 2 – Go ahead and preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees. No worries if your air fryer does not have a preheat option. Just let it run for 5 minutes at 400 degrees to warm up the air fryer. Rub olive oil on the bottom of air fryer basket.
Step 3 – Rub olive oil on both sides of the steak. Once the steak is coated in olive oil, sprinkle the steak seasonings on both sides of the steak.
Step 4 – Put the steaks in the bottom of the basket. Make sure they are in a single layer. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may have to cook the steak in batches.
Step 5 – Let the steaks cook for 4 minutes and flip them over and let them cook another 4 minutes. You can cook them for additional time in the air fryer until it reaches the temperature that you prefer.
Step 6 – Serve with this easy homemade garlic herb butter on top of the tender steak with kosher salt, sea salt, or black pepper. Oh my it is so good melted all over the steak.
Tips for Perfect Steak
- Meat Thermometer – You can use a thermometer to see if the steak is done. It is handy to have a digital thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your liking.
- Rest Steak – Once the steak has finished cooking, remove it and place on a separate plate. Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Before Cooking Steak – It is best to allow the steak to come to room temperature before cooking in the air fryer. This usually takes about 30 minutes. Also remove any moisture from the steak by pressing the steak with paper towels.
- Cooking Steak – Cook steaks in a single layer in the air fryer.
- Oil The Air Fryer Basket – I like to use a basting brush to help rub the olive oil all over the bottom.
Steak Temperature
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium-Rare Steak: 135°F
- Medium Steak: 145°F
- Medium Well Steak: 155°F
- Well Done Steak: 160°F
Serving Ideas
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Caesar Salad
- Air Fryer Asparagus
- Brussel sprouts in air fryer
- Easy Homemade French Fries
- The Best Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- Garlic Mashed Potato Recipe
Just keep it simple! Any of these easy ideas would be delicious. Check out more of our Best Side Dishes for Steak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your steak, the type of steak and your air fryer. The steak will cook for about 4 minutes on each side.
We do recommend flipping the steak during the cooking process. This allows it to cook thoroughly on the both sides and with the best flavor.
To ensure a juicy steak, make sure to cook the steak on high heat. This helps to cook the steak at the right temperature quickly. Make sure to let the steak rest before slicing which helps to lock in the juices.
Storing Instructions
- Storing – Store your leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The leftovers will last about 5 days.
- Freezer – If you prefer, you can freeze the leftovers by placing in freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to serve.
- Reheating – We recommend reheating the steak in the microwave or the oven depending on how much you have leftover.
More Easy Steak Recipes
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We love to hear from you. If you make this Air Fryer Steak Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Air Fryer Steak
Ingredients
- 3 Sirloin Steak approximately 1 inch thick
- 1 Tbsp Steak Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes prior to cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Note: If your air fryer does not have a preheat option, then allow it to run for 5 minutes at 400 degrees F to warm up the air fryer.
- Use a basting brush to rub the olive oil allow the bottom of the air fryer basket and then rub the olive oil on both sides of the steak. Sprinkle the steak seasonings on both sides of the steak as well.
- Then place the steaks in a single layer on the bottom of the air fryer basket. You may have to work in batch depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook at 400 degrees F for 4 minutes. Then turn the steaks over and cook for an additional 4 minutes at 400 degrees F.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if the steak is done. For a rare steak the temperature should be 125 degrees-130 degrees. For medium rare, the internal temperature should be 135 degrees – 140 degrees. For medium to medium well, the temperature should be 145 degrees – 150 degrees. For well done, the internal temperature should be 160 degrees.
- You can cook the steak for additional time in the air fryer until the steak reaches the temperature that you prefer.
- After cooked, remove the steak to a separate plate and let the steak rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with a delicious garlic butter and enjoy!
Yes, you can use new york strip streak or ribeye steak in this recipe. You may need to add more cook time depending on the thickness of your steaks. Check the steaks with a meat thermometer and cook in 2-3 minute intervals until the steaks are cooked to your preference.
Can I substitute New York Strip steak ? or boneless ribeye steaks ? for the sirloin steaks ?? If so would anything need to be done differently?
I’m so glad you loved it! This is one of my favorites.
This was AMAZING!!!!! I never thought to cook steak in my air fryer! Petite sirloins are generally best slow cooked but yesterday I lost track of time and did not put my sirloins in the Instant Pot to slow cook. I found your recipe and they came out absolutely tender and delicious! It is now my go to way to cook these inexpensive cuts of beef. THANK YOU! YOU SAVED DINNER!
Recipe was very easy and the steaks came out great!!