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Create the perfect Air Fryer Steak that's seared on the outside and juicy on the inside. Air frying steak is quick and easy, with no splatter or mess in the kitchen!
Air Fryer Steak
Through trial and error, I've learned some tips for making perfect air fryer steaks. Here, I used leaner sirloin, but this method will work for any steak you prefer. It's best to ensure your steaks are at least 1 inch thick; thinner steaks cook too quickly without browning properly. Rubbing a little oil on the steaks helps them brown better. Adding a dry rub to leaner steaks like sirloin or chops enhances their overall color. We typically enjoy it with baked potatoes, smashed potatoes, or mashed potatoes and a side of vegetables, such as roasted green beans or asparagus.
Tips and Variations for Perfect Steak in the Air Fryer
- Steak Type: I used lean sirloin for this recipe, but this method will work for any thick steak you prefer.
- Thickness Matters: Begin with steaks that are at least one inch thick. Thinner steaks cook too quickly without having a chance to brown properly.
- Room Temperature: Allow your steaks to come to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking for the best results.
- Dry Steaks: Pat steaks and pork chops with paper towels to remove moisture, as excess moisture will steam them rather than allowing them to brown.
- Better Browning: Your steaks, chops, and vegetables will brown better when lightly spritzed with oil.
- Dry Rub for Leaner Steaks: Adding a dry rub to leaner steaks enhances their overall color. For this recipe, I kept it simple with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure the steaks have enough space for optimal airflow, allowing them to brown evenly.
- Rest: After cooking, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest on a plate. Loosely tent them with foil to prevent them from continuing to cook in the air fryer basket.
How long do steaks take in the air fryer?
- Medium Steak: For 1-inch-thick steaks cooked to medium-rare, air fry the steak in a preheated air fryer for 12 minutes, flipping it at the 6-minute mark.
- Medium-Rare Steaks: For 1-inch-thick steaks cooked to medium-rare, air fry the steak in a preheated air fryer for 10 minutes, flipping it at the 5-minute mark.
- Adjust Time Depending on Thickness: Adjust the cooking time accordingly for thicker or thinner steaks.
What temperature do you air fry steak to?
Use a meat probe to test your steaks and remove them from the air fryer five degrees before your desired doneness, as the meat temperature will increase as it rests.
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium-Rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
- Medium Well: 155°F
- Well: 160°F
Air Fryer Steak
Cals:221 Protein:39.5 Carbs:0.5 Fat:7
Create the perfect Air Fryer Steak that's seared on the outside and juicy on the inside. Air frying steak is quick and easy, with no splatter or mess in the kitchen!
Course: Dinner Cuisine: American
Equipment
- Air Fryer (I own and love this one from YunlinLi!)
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 sirloin steaks, 1 inch thick (1 1/2 lbs total)
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Combine the spices in a small bowl.
- Spray the steak with olive oil and coat both sides with the spices.
- Preheat the air fryer so the basket gets hot. For a 1-inch steak, air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, turning halfway, for medium rare. For medium doneness, cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway. See temperature chart below; time may vary slightly with different air fryer models and the thickness of the steaks.
- Finish with a pinch of additional salt and black pepper.
- Let it rest, tented with foil, for 5 minutes before slicing.
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Notes
How long do steaks take in the air fryer?
For medium steak:
- For 1-inch-thick steaks cooked to medium-rare, cook the steak in a preheated air fryer for 12 minutes and flip it at six minutes.
For medium-rare steaks:
- For 1-inch-thick steaks cooked to medium-rare, cook the steak in a preheated air fryer for 10 minutes and flip it at five minutes.
Adjust Time Depending on Thickness:
- For thicker or thinner steaks, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Use a meat probe to test your steaks and take them out five degrees before your desired doneness, as the meat temperature will increase as it rests.
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium-Rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
- Medium Well: 155°F
- Well: 160°F
Nutrition
Serving: 1 6 oz steak, Calories: 221 kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.5 g, Protein: 39.5 g, Fat: 7 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, Cholesterol: 117.5 mg, Sodium: 391 mg, Fiber: 0.5 g
