🥩 Air Fryer Steak — Juicy, Tender & Delicious!
Want a steak that’s crispy and browned on the outside while juicy and tender inside? The air fryer makes it incredibly easy! This method works especially well with ribeye, sirloin, New York strip, or similar steaks.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 steaks, about 1–1½ inches thick
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, optional
- 1–2 tbsp butter, for serving
- Fresh parsley, optional
- Fresh garlic, optional
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Bring the steaks to temperature
Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking.
Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season
Rub both sides lightly with olive oil.
Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Season both sides generously.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
A hot air fryer helps create better browning.
4. Air Fry
Place the steaks in the basket in a single layer.
Cook at 400°F (200°C):
| Doneness | Approx. Time* |
|---|---|
| Rare | 7–9 minutes |
| Medium-rare | 9–11 minutes |
| Medium | 11–13 minutes |
| Medium-well | 13–15 minutes |
| Well-done | 15–17 minutes |
Flip the steaks halfway through cooking.
*Times are approximate and depend on steak thickness and your air fryer. A meat thermometer is the most reliable way to determine doneness.
🌡️ Temperature Guide
For the best results, check the thickest part of the steak:
- Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C)
- Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
- Medium-well: 150–155°F (66–68°C)
- Well-done: 160°F+ (71°C+)
For food safety, USDA guidance recommends 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest for whole cuts of beef.
5. Add Garlic Butter 🧈🧄
While the steak rests, combine softened butter with minced garlic and parsley.
Place a spoonful on each hot steak and let it melt over the top.
6. Rest the Steak
Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
This helps keep the juices inside the steak instead of running onto your plate.
⭐ Tips for the Best Air Fryer Steak
- Pat the steak dry before seasoning for better browning.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket.
- A 1–1½-inch-thick steak works particularly well.
- Use a meat thermometer rather than relying only on cooking time.
- Don’t cut into the steak immediately after cooking.
- For extra flavor, add garlic butter while the steak is resting.
🥩 Best Steaks for the Air Fryer
Ribeye: Rich, juicy, and nicely marbled.
New York Strip: Tender with excellent beefy flavor.
Sirloin: Leaner and more affordable.
Filet Mignon: Extremely tender and cooks beautifully in the air fryer.
Top Sirloin: A great everyday option.
🍟 What to Serve With It
- Crispy Air Fryer French Fries 🍟
- Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes 🥔
- Roasted asparagus
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Corn on the cob
- Garlic mushrooms
- Side salad
⏱️ Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 5 minutes
Air Fry: 7–17 minutes
Rest: 5–10 minutes
Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Servings: 2
Difficulty: Easy
🔥 Pro tip: Every air fryer cooks a little differently, so for a steak you really care about, start checking the internal temperature a few minutes before the estimated cooking time is finished.
