Mastering Juicy Air Fryer Steak: Your Guide to Perfectly Cooked Steaks Every Time

Prepare to revolutionize the way you cook steak with this incredible air fryer recipe! Achieving a perfectly tender, incredibly juicy steak with a flavorful crust has never been simpler. Forget the hassle of grilling in bad weather or the constant watch required for cast-iron searing. The air fryer delivers consistent results, making it the ideal tool for steak lovers, whether you prefer your cut medium-rare, medium, or even well-done. Our carefully crafted homemade rub takes the flavor to an unparalleled level, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.

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This comprehensive guide was originally published in August 2018 and has since been updated with the latest tips and techniques to ensure your air fryer steak is nothing short of perfection.

Why Air Fry Steak?

The air fryer is a game-changer for cooking steak, offering a myriad of advantages that make it superior to traditional methods like grilling or pan-frying. Its ability to circulate hot air evenly ensures a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process, eliminating guesswork and delivering a perfectly cooked steak every single time. Here’s why the air fryer stands out:

• Unmatched Consistency: The uniform heat distribution guarantees that your steak cooks evenly from edge to edge, resulting in a tender interior and a beautifully browned exterior without hot spots.
• Effortless Convenience: Simply season your steak, place it in the air fryer, and let the appliance do the heavy lifting. There’s no need for constant flipping or monitoring, freeing you up to prepare side dishes or simply relax.
• Speedy Cooking: Air frying significantly reduces cooking time compared to conventional ovens or even some grilling methods. You can have a restaurant-quality steak on your plate in minutes.
• Perfect Sear and Crust: Despite being a “fryer,” the air fryer excels at creating a delicious, crispy crust on your steak, mimicking the results of a hot skillet without excessive oil or splatter.
• Less Mess: Say goodbye to greasy stovetops and smoke-filled kitchens. Air frying contains the cooking process, making cleanup a breeze.
• Weather Independent: Enjoy perfectly cooked steaks year-round, regardless of rain, snow, or extreme heat. No more standing outside to grill in uncomfortable conditions.
• Precise Temperature Control: The air fryer allows for exact temperature settings, giving you more control over the doneness of your steak and ensuring it meets your preference.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, the air fryer simplifies steak preparation, making gourmet meals accessible and stress-free.

Choosing the Perfect Steak Cut for Your Air Fryer

One of the beauties of air frying is its versatility across various cuts of beef. Almost any steak you love can be cooked to perfection in an air fryer. The key is understanding how different cuts behave and adjusting your approach slightly. Here are some popular choices that excel in the air fryer:

• Ribeye: Known for its rich marbling and robust flavor, ribeye steaks become incredibly tender and juicy in the air fryer. The fat renders beautifully, enhancing the taste and texture.
• New York Strip: A lean yet flavorful cut with a satisfying chew, the New York strip benefits from the air fryer’s even heat, developing a fantastic crust while remaining tender.
• Sirloin: A more economical option, sirloin offers great beefy flavor. It cooks well in the air fryer, especially when marinated or seasoned generously to prevent drying.
• Filet Mignon: The most tender cut, filet mignon, is delicate and lean. The air fryer preserves its tenderness and allows for precise doneness, ensuring a luxurious result.
• Flat Iron Steak: This flavorful and often more affordable cut is excellent for air frying. It’s best cooked to medium-rare or medium to maintain its tenderness.

When selecting your steaks, aim for cuts that are between 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker steaks offer more room for error and achieve a better gradient of doneness, while thinner steaks will cook much faster. Regardless of the cut, always ensure your steaks are at room temperature before air frying for the most even cooking.

Crafting the Ultimate Homemade Steak Rub

A phenomenal steak starts with exceptional seasoning. While store-bought rubs are convenient, a homemade blend allows you to customize the flavor profile to your exact liking. Our homemade steak rub is designed to enhance the natural richness of the beef, creating a deep, complex flavor that complements the air fryer’s cooking method.

The magic of our rub lies in the combination of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet notes:

• Smoked Paprika: Adds a beautiful reddish hue and a deep, smoky undertone that enhances the char.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Essential aromatics that provide a foundational savory base.
• Chili Powder: Contributes a mild warmth and earthy depth without overpowering the steak.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This might sound unusual, but a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder adds an incredible depth of color and a subtle, rich earthiness that elevates the beef flavor. It’s a secret ingredient many chefs use!
• Salt & Pepper: The indispensable duo. Kosher salt is highly recommended for its crystal size, which allows for optimal absorption into the meat, ensuring phenomenal flavor and texture. Always season generously.
• Brown Sugar (or sweetener): A touch of sweetness helps with caramelization and provides balance to the savory and smoky elements.

Feel free to experiment with other spices like dried oregano, cumin, or even a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. The key is to create a rub that you genuinely love. If you prefer to use a store-bought rub, choose one that complements beef well and offers a good balance of flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer

Cooking steak in the air fryer is incredibly straightforward. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect result every time:

1. Prepare the Steaks: Begin by patting your steaks thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps in achieving a beautiful sear. Bring your steaks to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even doneness.
2. Marinate (Optional but Recommended): For an extra layer of flavor and juiciness, drizzle the steaks with a tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce and a teaspoon of liquid smoke. The soy sauce helps tenderize and add umami, while liquid smoke infuses a smoky aroma. You can marinate for at least an hour, or for optimal flavor, overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Apply the Rub: Generously season both sides and the edges of your steaks with your homemade steak rub (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and pepper). Rub the spices into the meat firmly to ensure good adhesion and maximum flavor penetration.
4. Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to 370°F (185°C) for at least 5 minutes. Preheating is essential for a good sear and consistent cooking.
5. Arrange Steaks in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to steaming rather than crisping. If necessary, cook the steaks in batches.
6. Initial Cook: Cook for 5 minutes at 370°F (185°C).
7. Flip and Continue Cooking: After 5 minutes, carefully open the air fryer, flip the steaks, and continue cooking. At this point, you’ll start monitoring for your desired doneness using a meat thermometer.
8. Check Doneness: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding bone or gristle. Refer to the cooking chart below for target internal temperatures for your preferred doneness. Continue cooking, flipping halfway, until the desired temperature is reached.
9. Remove and Rest: Once your steak reaches the desired internal temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer. Drizzle with optional melted butter for added richness.
10. Rest Before Slicing: This is a critical step! Allow the steak to rest on a cutting board, loosely tented with foil, for at least 3-5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender, moist, and flavorful steak.

Optimal Air Fryer Temperature for Steak

Setting the right temperature is crucial for achieving an ideal air fryer steak. I highly recommend cooking your steaks at 370°F (185°C). Here’s why this temperature is preferred:

While some recipes might suggest 400°F (200°C), cooking at a slightly lower temperature of 370°F (185°C) prevents the steak from cooking too quickly on the outside. At 400°F, you risk developing a charred exterior while the interior remains undercooked, especially for thicker cuts. The 370°F setting allows for the exterior to develop a beautiful, flavorful crust through the Maillard reaction without burning, giving the interior enough time to reach your desired doneness evenly. This results in a superior steak with a perfect balance of texture and taste throughout.

The circulating hot air at this temperature efficiently cooks the steak, ensuring it’s tender and juicy inside, with that desirable golden-brown exterior.

Achieving Your Desired Doneness: Air Fryer Steak Cooking Chart

The exact cooking time for your air fryer steak will depend on several factors: the thickness and type of your steak, the specific brand and model of your air fryer, and most importantly, your preferred level of doneness. The best way to ensure your steak is cooked exactly how you like it is by using a reliable meat thermometer.

According to the USDA, all raw beef should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (62.8°C) before removing it from the heat source. This temperature ensures food safety. Please note that for some, 145°F might be considered more towards medium to medium-well. Always use your best judgment and prioritize food safety.

Here’s a general guideline for internal temperatures for various levels of doneness:

*Remember: These times are estimates. Always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy. Temperatures will rise by a few degrees during resting.

The Art of Resting Steak

After your steak has finished cooking, the most common mistake people make is slicing into it immediately. However, allowing your steak to rest is a crucial step that directly impacts its juiciness and flavor. For both safety and quality, you should allow the meat to rest for at least 3 to 5 minutes before slicing or consuming.

Here’s why resting is so important:

When steak cooks, the muscle fibers contract, pushing the internal moisture towards the center of the meat. If you cut into the steak too soon, all that delicious moisture, which contains much of the steak’s flavor, will spill out onto your plate. This leaves you with a drier, less flavorful steak. Resting allows the muscle fibers to relax, giving the juices time to redistribute throughout the entire cut. The result is a steak that is consistently tender, moist, and bursting with flavor from edge to edge.

Simply remove the steak from the air fryer and place it on a clean cutting board or plate. Loosely tent it with aluminum foil to keep it warm, and let it sit for the recommended time. This small act of patience will be greatly rewarded!

Cooking Frozen Steak in the Air Fryer

Unexpected guests or a sudden craving for steak? The air fryer can even handle cooking steaks straight from frozen, though with a slight adjustment to the process. It’s an excellent method for convenience, ensuring you can still enjoy a delicious steak even without advance planning.

Here’s how to cook frozen steak in your air fryer:

1. Initial Cook (Thaw Phase): Place your frozen steaks directly into the preheated air fryer at 370°F (185°C) for 3-4 minutes. This initial phase helps to gently thaw the outer layer of the steak.
2. Remove and Season: After the initial cook, carefully remove the partially thawed steaks from the air fryer. At this point, you’ll be able to apply your homemade rub or favorite seasoning generously to both sides.
3. Return and Finish Cooking: Place the seasoned steaks back into the air fryer. Continue to cook at 370°F (185°C), flipping halfway through, until the steak reaches your desired internal temperature. Remember to use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Cooking time will be longer than for thawed steaks, typically an additional 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
4. Rest: Just like with fresh steaks, allow the frozen-to-cooked steak to rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing to ensure maximum juiciness.

Cooking from frozen is a fantastic hack for busy days, delivering a surprisingly good result with minimal effort.

Reheating Steak in the Air Fryer for Best Results

Leftover steak can be just as delicious as freshly cooked steak, provided it’s reheated properly. The air fryer is an excellent tool for reheating steak, as it helps restore a tender interior and a slightly crispy exterior, preventing it from becoming rubbery or dry, which is a common issue with microwave reheating.

To reheat steak in the air fryer:

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). A slightly lower temperature for reheating helps to warm the steak gently without overcooking it.
2. Place Steak: Place your leftover steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
3. Reheat: Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your steak and how warm you prefer it.
4. Check Temperature: For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is warmed through to your liking (typically around 130-140°F / 54-60°C). Avoid heating it to its original doneness temperature to prevent overcooking.

This method will give you a warm, flavorful steak that retains its texture, making leftovers something to look forward to!

Delicious Sides to Pair with Your Air Fryer Steak

A fantastic steak deserves equally fantastic accompaniments. Here are some delectable side dishes that perfectly complement the rich flavor and tender texture of your air fryer steak:

• Potatoes:
  • Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
  • Roasted Ranch Potatoes: Crispy exterior, fluffy interior, with a tangy ranch seasoning.
  • Air Fryer Baked Potato: Perfectly crispy skin and fluffy interior, an air fryer specialty.
  • Purple Sweet Potato: A vibrant and nutritious alternative with a unique sweetness.
  • Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes: A savory twist on a classic comfort food.
• Vegetables:
  • Zucchini Au Gratin: A cheesy and comforting vegetable dish.
  • Southern Collard Greens: A flavorful and hearty Southern staple.
  • Air Fryer Green Beans: Crisp-tender and seasoned perfectly in minutes.
  • Air Fryer Asparagus: Simple, elegant, and perfectly roasted.
  • Air Fryer Broccoli: Gets beautifully tender with slightly crispy edges.
  • Air Fryer Corn on the Cob: Sweet and tender, cooked to perfection.

Don’t forget that this versatile air fryer steak can also be used as an ingredient in other delicious dishes. Try slicing it thinly for our Steak Stir Fry recipe, or check out our indulgent Smothered Steak and vibrant Lemon Pepper Steak for more inspiration.

Unleash Your Air Fryer’s Potential: More Recipes to Explore

The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can handle much more than just steak. If you’re looking to expand your air frying repertoire, explore these other fantastic recipes that deliver incredible flavor and texture with minimal effort:

• Air Fryer Sausage
• Air Fryer Cornish Hens
• Air Fryer Turkey Wings
• Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Crab Legs
• Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken
• Air Fryer Lobster Tails
• Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
• Air Fryer Homestyle French Fries
• Air Fryer Homemade Pop Tarts
• Air Fryer Southern Style Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Fried Shrimp Po Boy
• Air Fryer Old Bay Crab Cakes
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
• Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Breaded Fried Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Oil Fries
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Truffle Aioli
• Air Fryer Sriracha Honey Bourbon Fried Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer 3 Ingredient Fried Catfish
• Air Fryer Bang Bang Panko Breaded Fried Shrimp
• Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Dessert Empanadas
• Air Fryer Beef Taco Fried Egg Rolls

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Juicy Air Fryer Steak

This Juicy Air Fryer Steak recipe is tender and made using a homemade rub for optimal flavor. Whether you’re looking to cook your steak medium, medium-rare, etc. this is the recipe for you!

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: air fryer new york strip, air fryer ribeye, air fryer steak, air fryer steak recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 2 steaks

Calories: 476 kcal

Author: Brandi Crawford

Ingredients

• 2 New York Strip Steaks (Mine were about 6-8 oz each. You can use any type of steak.)
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (Provides liquid to marinate and make the meat juicy.)
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• Melted butter (optional)

Homemade Steak Rub (Feel free to use a store-bought rub if you wish)

• ½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar or sweetener
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Drizzle the steak with soy sauce and liquid smoke.
2. Season the steaks generously with the homemade rub (smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt/pepper). Rub the spices into the steak. If you wish to marinate for enhanced flavor, place the seasoned steaks in the fridge for an hour or up to overnight. This step is optional but highly recommended.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (185°C) for at least 5 minutes.
4. Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not stack or overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
5. Cook for 5 minutes at 370°F (185°C). After 5 minutes, open the air fryer and examine your steak. Flip the steak and continue cooking. Total cook time will vary depending on your desired doneness and steak thickness. Use a meat thermometer and cook to 125°F (52°C) for rare, 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare, 145°F (62.8°C) for medium, 155°F (68°C) for medium-well, and 160°F (71°C) for well done.
6. For a medium doneness, my 1-inch thick steaks typically took a total of 7-8 minutes.
7. Once cooked to your preference, remove the steak from the air fryer and drizzle with optional melted butter for extra richness.
8. Allow the steak to rest for at least 3-5 minutes before slicing or consuming. Slicing into the steak too soon will cause the internal moisture to spill out onto the plate, resulting in a drier, less flavorful steak.

Recipe Notes

Feel free to trim any excess fat from your steaks or shape them to your liking before seasoning.

Liquid smoke and unsweetened cocoa powder are included for optimal flavor depth. You may omit them if you prefer, but they significantly enhance the taste.

Marinating the steak overnight is optional. You can also choose not to marinate at all and simply season the steak just before air frying for a quicker preparation.

Ensure you use salt. Kosher salt is particularly effective because its larger crystal size allows for prime absorption into the outer layer of the steak, contributing to phenomenal flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 0.5 steak | Calories: 476kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 28g

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for a given recipe, you should calculate it with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Steak

We’ve gathered some common questions about cooking steak in the air fryer to help you achieve the best possible results.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer for steak?

Yes, absolutely! Preheating your air fryer is a critical step for cooking steak. It ensures that the air fryer basket is hot when the steak goes in, which helps create a quick and even sear on the surface. This sear locks in juices and contributes to a flavorful crust. Without preheating, your steak might cook unevenly and lack that desirable texture. Always preheat to 370°F (185°C) for at least 5 minutes before adding your steaks.

Can I put butter on steak in the air fryer?

While you can, it’s generally best to add butter to your steak *after* it has finished cooking. Adding butter during the air frying process can cause it to melt and potentially burn at high temperatures, especially if it pools at the bottom of the air fryer basket. For the best results, cook your steak, remove it, and then immediately place a pat of butter on top. The residual heat from the steak will melt the butter, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the meat as it rests.

How do I get a good sear on air fryer steak?

Achieving a beautiful sear on your air fryer steak is simple when you follow these tips:

1. Pat Dry: Always pat your steaks very dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture on the surface will steam the steak instead of searing it.
2. Preheat Thoroughly: Ensure your air fryer is fully preheated to 370°F (185°C). A hot surface is essential for searing.
3. Don’t Overcrowd: Cook steaks in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding reduces airflow, leading to steaming instead of searing.
4. Adequate Fat: While the air fryer is great for cooking with less oil, a little bit of fat on the steak itself (like marbling in a ribeye) or a light brush of high-smoke-point oil (like avocado oil) on the steak before seasoning can aid in browning.

How do I know when my air fryer steak is done without a thermometer?

While it’s highly recommended to use a meat thermometer for accurate and consistent results, if you find yourself without one, you can use the “poke test” as a secondary method. Gently press the center of the steak with your finger or tongs.

• Rare: Feels very soft and spongy.
• Medium-Rare: Slightly soft with a bit of spring.
• Medium: Firm but still has some give.
• Medium-Well: Quite firm with very little give.
• Well-Done: Very firm and stiff.

However, please note that this method requires practice and is not as reliable as a thermometer. For food safety and perfect doneness, a meat thermometer is always the best tool.