If you’ve ever wondered whether you can cook a juicy, flavorful steak in the air fryer — yes, you absolutely can! This method is fast, beginner-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without the smoke and splatter.
Whether you’re craving a medium-rare ribeye or a lean sirloin, this reliable air fryer steak technique delivers great results every time.
For more air fryer recipes, try Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts, Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, Pizza Quesadillas, or Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu.
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⭐Why You Will Love This Recipe
As a food writer and air fryer fan, I’ve cooked steak many ways—grilled, pan-seared, broiled, and on a griddle. The air fryer is one of the easiest: it browns the outside while keeping the center tender.
- No babysitting: Set it and let the air fryer do the work.
- Juicy and tender: Quickly seals in juices with a nice crust.
- Low carb, keto, and carnivore friendly.
- Easy cleanup: No greasy pans or splattered stovetops.
- Great for tracking: Control the cut, portion, and seasonings to fit your plan.
Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Steak
- Steaks (New York strip, ribeye, or tri-tip), 1-inch thick, about 4–6 oz each
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- Butter (optional) — compound or plain, for finishing
- See the recipe card below for exact measurements and yield.
Substitution Tips
- Lean option: Choose sirloin or filet mignon for less fat.
- Oil alternatives: Use avocado oil or a light cooking spray if you prefer not to use olive oil.
- Seasoning swaps: Try steak seasoning, Montreal blend, or Cajun spice for variation.
- Butter alternatives: Finish with a splash of Worcestershire or a drizzle of balsamic glaze instead of butter.
If you want other air fryer ideas, try Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast or Air Fryer Lamb Chops with Garlic and Rosemary.
How to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer
Step 1: If your air fryer needs preheating, preheat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 2: Set the temperature to 400°F (204°C).
Step 3: Pat steaks dry and season both sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 4: Place steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping for even cooking.
Step 5: Cook 8–12 minutes total, flipping once halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness:
- 8 minutes — rare
- 9 minutes — medium-rare
- 10–11 minutes — medium
- Add 1–2 minutes for well done
Serving Suggestions
Serve your air fryer steak with:
- Air fryer broccoli or roasted asparagus
- Baked sweet potato or garlic mashed cauliflower
- A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
For a steakhouse-style meal, add sautéed mushrooms or smashed potatoes.
Recipe FAQs
This recipe is written for thawed steaks. For best results, thaw steaks in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before cooking.
Searing first is optional. The air fryer will brown the exterior nicely, so a prior pan sear isn’t necessary.
If your unit can’t reach 400°F, consult your appliance manual. Adjust cooking time as needed and rely on a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
-
Air Fryer Salmon Recipe
-
Texas Toast Garlic Bread Pizza
-
Air Fryer Hash Brown Patties
-
Air Fryer Turkey Potstickers
If you tried this Air Fryer Steak or another recipe here, please leave a star rating and share your experience in the comments. I love hearing from readers.
Air Fryer Steak
8.1 from 14 reviews
- Author: Jenna
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 12 min
- Yield: 2
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
Air Fryer Steak — Super easy steaks made in your air fryer. These steaks are keto and low carb. Serve with mashed cauliflower and green beans for a simple meal.
Ingredients
- 2 (1-inch thick) Steaks (New York strip, ribeye, or tri-tip), 4–6 oz each
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
Instructions
- If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat it.
- Set the temperature to 400°F (204°C).
- Season the steaks with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place steaks in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
- Medium steak: Cook 12 minutes, flipping at 6 minutes.
- Medium-rare: Cook 10 minutes, flipping at 5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Notes
myWW Blue 8 • Green 8 • Purple 8 (points may vary depending on weight per ounce)
Medium: 12 minutes total, flip at 6 minutes.
Medium-rare: 10 minutes total, flip at 5 minutes. Rely on an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 250
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 23 g