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Air Fryer Steak is so easy and comes out tender and juicy every time. Learn how to cook steak in the air fryer with my simple recipe and helpful tips.
A good steak is not only possible in the summer. You can make a tender, juicy, delicious steak in your air fryer year round. No babysitting the grill, no heating up your kitchen oven or stove. All you need is an air fryer for the best air fryer steak you’ll ever taste.
A good steak dinner needs some amazing sides. Some of our favorite things to serve with steak are Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Instant Pot Baked Potatoes, Cauliflower Gratin Wedge Salad and Oven Roasted Broccoli.
Why an air fryer?
These days, I use my air fryer more than any other appliance in my kitchen. It’s easy to use, easy to clean and takes little to no oil to perfectly crisp up delicious food in no time at all.
An Air fryer works by circulating heat around the food, keeping the heat consistent so your food is perfectly cooked. Air fryer steak is practically hands off, foolproof, and it will be cooked to the perfect temperature every time. This is the Philips Air Fryer that I own. It’s a workhorse and I love it! For a more budget friendly option, this Cosari Air Fryer comes very highly rated.
Air Fryer Steak Marinade
I love to marinate my steaks. A marinade adds a ton of flavor is a short amount of time, and makes the meat extra tender and juicy. The marinade I use for air fryer steaks is the same I use for my grilled steak. The great thing about this recipe is you can have the same steak without having to brave the elements for grilling outdoors.
There are three main components to a good marinade: Fats, acid and flavor. Each element plays a part in creating the perfect steak. I get the best result from just marinating in a resealable plastic bag. You can squeeze most of the air out and create almost a vacuum seal, really helping the marinade to infuse the meat. Or, you can simply use a shallow dish like you see pictured below.
- Fats – Olive oil is an important component because it helps to transfer soluble flavors into the meat and retain moisture as it cooks.
- Acids – Soy sauce, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce help to break down the tough fibers of the meat, making your steak more tender and easier to chew.
- Flavor – Garlic, honey, garlic powder and onion powder. Each of these elements adds flavor to and enhances the flavor of the meat.
How to Cook Steak in the Air Fryer
- Make the marinade. Whisk the ingredients together in a small mixing bowl or glass measuring cup. Place the steaks in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over, brushing it into both sides of the meat. Alternatively, you could place the meat in a resealable plastic bag and massage the marinade into both the steak. Refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat your Air Fryer. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees. This is usually the highest temperature on the appliance. Place the marinated steaks in the air fryer basket.
- Cook. Cook for 6-12 minutes, depending on the size of your steaks and desired doneness.
How long does it take to cook steak in an air fryer?
Air Fryer Steak cooks pretty quickly, depending on the size and thickness. You’ll want to have a digital meat thermometer on hand to check the doneness so you don’t under or over cook. Use the time table below as a guide for how long to cook your steaks in the air fryer. Based on 1-inch thick steaks:
- Rare (110-120 degrees F): 6-8 minutes
- Medium Rare (120-130 degrees F): 8-10 minutes
- Medium (130-140 degrees F): 10-12 minutes
Best Steaks for Air Frying
I am really partial to the New York Strip. It’s tender and juicy, but also has a ton of flavor. There is a strip of fat that runs along the side and as you know, fat is flavor! Rib eye steaks or sirloin also work well. This isn’t the place you want to use a really thick steak – choose a cut that is 1-inch thick.
Tips for the best air fryer steak
- Do not flip the steak while it’s cooking. Many recipes online instruct you to, but there is no need and you will simply drain juices from the meat.
- For added flavor, top steaks with homemade Garlic Butter or another favorite compound butter.
- Let your steak rest after cooking for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute so every bite is a juicy one.
- For the most tender bite, slice steaks against the grain.
- Don’t have time to marinade? Make about half of the marinade and brush it on your steaks. Let them sit out for about 20 minutes prior to cooking.
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
- Southwest Air Fryer Egg Rolls
- Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Air Fryer Steak
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 5 cloves garlic minced (2-3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 pounds New York Strip steaks (4 steaks – about ½ pound each)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, honey, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Place steaks in a shallow pan and brush marinade over both sides. Or, place in a resealable plastic bag and massage marinade into the meat.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least one hour or up to 24 hours.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Place the steaks in the basket of an air fryer.
- Cook at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes, depending on size of steak. (*Use the chart below for doneness).
Notes
- Rare (110-120 degrees F): 6-8 minutes
- Medium Rare (120-130 degrees F): 8-10 minutes
- Medium (130-140 degrees F): 10-12 minute
My first time using an air fryer for our ribeyes. I used my own marinade but followed cooking directions. Omg it was so good! Medium rare and juicy! Thanks for posting this how to!
You are so welcome Jenn! Thanks for stopping by.
I don’t have an Air Fryer but, the steaks looks good. Have a Merry Christmas!