Easy Air Fryer Steak Recipe

This recipe for delicious Air Fryer Steaks is a snap! Sirloin steaks are rubbed with a homemade, flavorful seasoning blend and then air-fried to tender and juicy perfection! It’s an easy dinner idea you’ll make again and again!

Don’t have an Air Fryer? Grab my recipe for THE BEST Oven Grilled Steak!

THE BEST JUICY AIR FRYER STEAK RECIPE

There are so many wonderful ways to cook and serve steak. From grilling to broiling, to making it into stir-fry, it’s just a tasty meal that’s very versatile. But, I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about making it in the air fryer. ? 

After trying it, and testing it a couple of times, I’m finally a believer. Turns out that the air fryer’s high convection heat turns a good cut of steak into perfectly-browned deliciousness with practically no effort from the cook! Win-Win!

IS FROZEN OR FRESH STEAK BEST?

Well, it sort of depends on who you ask! It’s generally agreed that the very best steak is steak that hasn’t been frozen at all, everrrr. This is because freezing the meat causes ice crystals to form, and those ice crystals affect the texture slightly.

However, frozen steak can still be extremely good quality, and it can even be cooked on the grill or in the oven with good results. For this recipe, I recommend using fresh or completely thawed steak.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

These ingredients are very simple and very flexible! If you prefer to use a steak other than sirloin, go for it! Try to choose a tender, well-marbled steak that’s about one inch thick.

• Steak: You’ll need two sirloin steaks, around 10 to 12 ounces each, about 1-inch thick, and at room temperature. It’s important to let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking them in the air fryer, or any other cooking method. 
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: For rubbing and/or spraying the steaks.
• Salt and Pepper
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These helpful basics really add a punch of flavor.
• Paprika: You can use sweet paprika here, or smoked for a smoky and savory touch.
• Dried Herbs: Any dried herbs that you like will be fine! Dried Italian herbs, herbes de Provence, and plain dried rosemary are all great options.
• Butter and Fresh Chopped Parsley: For garnish.

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER STEAK

The Air Fryer method for steaks is very simple! You basically place the steaks in the fryer and let them go. Keep in mind that the steaks should not overlap in the air fryer basket, or they won’t cook very well. If your air fryer can’t comfortably hold both steaks at the same time with a little space in between, then it’s best to cook them one by one. That’s exactly what I do, and my Air Fryer is quite large. I just won’t chance a good steak to go to waste, ya know?

1. Prep Air Fryer & Steaks: Preheat the Air Fryer to 400˚F. Combine all the seasonings in a small bowl. Rub both steaks with olive oil and then with the seasoning mix.
2. Place Steak in Air Fryer: Place one steak in the air fryer basket and cook for six minutes. Then flip it and continue cooking for about five more minutes. If you can’t comfortably fit both steaks with a little room in between them, it’s best to cook one steak at a time.
3. Check Temperature: Check the steak for doneness using a meat thermometer. For RARE steak, the temperature should register at 125˚F to 130˚F. For Medium-Rare, you’ll need a temperature of 135˚F. (If the steak isn’t cooked through, return it to the air fryer for another minute or so.)
4. Rest, Garnish, and Serve: When the steak is finished cooking, let it rest for about ten minutes before garnishing with a pat of butter and chopped parsley.

HOW LONG TO COOK STEAK IN THE AIR FRYER

• In general, you should cook an inch-thick room-temperature steak at 400˚F in the air fryer for about 6 minutes before flipping it, and then 4 or 5 minutes after flipping. The slightly longer cook time before flipping the steak is because at that point, the steak is relatively cool; after flipping, it’s already heated up a bit and doesn’t need to cook for quite as long on the second side.
• However, it also depends on the steak! Thicker steaks take longer, as do bone-in steaks. A thinner steak will cook more quickly. So keep an eye on it, and don’t be afraid to adjust the cook time and test the temperature as needed. This Instant Read Food Thermometer should be your bestie when cooking steaks, and all other meats.

TIPS FOR THE JUICIEST STEAK

• Use a Well-Marbled Steak: One of the things that makes a steak juicy and tender is the fat content, and the way the fat is distributed through the meat. This is called “marbling,” because the fat makes a marble-like pattern. A well-marbled steak has a good distribution of white fat evenly throughout the meat.
• Use a Tender Cut: Sirloin, ribeye, New York Strip, Porterhouse, T-bone and other typical cuts are time-tested steaks that are almost always tender and well-marbled. Other possibilities include top sirloin fillets, chuck eye steaks and cap sizzlers.
• Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: Waiting for the thermometer to register can slow down the cooking process, which works against you. An instant-read thermometer makes checking for doneness quick, easy and seamless!
• LET IT REST: Allow cooked steaks to rest for 5 to 8 minutes before cutting.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

What doesn’t go well with a perfectly cooked steak? I love pairing this air-fryer yumminess with just about anything. But a few of my favorites include:

HOW TO STORE COOKED STEAK

• Place cooled leftover steaks in airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

HOW TO FREEZE COOKED STEAK

• To freeze cooked steak, place steaks in airtight containers or freezer bags.
• Freeze for 2 to 3 months. 

ENJOY!

Tools Used in this Recipe

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