Cooking steaks to perfection can often seem daunting, but with the help of a steak air fryer, you can achieve a juicy, flavorful result with ease. The air fryer utilizes hot air circulation to cook the steak evenly while sealing in moisture. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, these tips will ensure you create a delicious steak dinner quickly and efficiently. The combination of high temperature and quick cooking time removes the guesswork, giving you a perfectly cooked steak without the hassle of a traditional grill or pan.

Ingredients

• Steak: 1-2 steaks of your choice (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon are recommended for juiciness). Opt for steaks that are at least one inch thick for optimal results in the air fryer.
• Marinade (optional):
  • 1/4 cup olive oil – preferably extra virgin for enhanced flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce – low-sodium soy sauce can be used for a healthier option.
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar – this adds a nice tanginess that complements the steak well.
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic – fresh garlic will provide a more robust flavor compared to pre-minced options.
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper – freshly cracked pepper enhances the dish’s aromatic profile.
  • 1 teaspoon salt – kosher salt is recommended for even seasoning.
• Seasoning:
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – enhances the garlic flavor without adding moisture.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder – adds a sweet, savory depth to the steak.
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – provides a subtle smokiness that mimics grilled flavors.
• Cooking Spray: Olive oil or non-stick spray to ensure the steak doesn’t stick and helps achieve a nice crust.

Note: Choose high-quality steaks for the best results. Look for well-marbled cuts for maximum flavor and tenderness. Marbling is the fat interspersed within the meat, which melts during cooking and keeps the steak juicy. You can learn more about this topic.

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. If you choose to marinate your steak, place it in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over the steak. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor. The longer the steak marinates, the more the flavors will penetrate the meat, resulting in a more complex taste.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your steak air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for sealing in the juices when you place the steak inside. A properly preheated air fryer helps create that beautiful sear on the outside of the steak, which locks in moisture.
3. Season the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade (if used) and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Drying the steak helps to achieve that perfect crust during cooking.
4. Apply Cooking Spray: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and to enhance browning. This step ensures that your steak releases easily from the basket after cooking and maintains its beautiful crust.
5. Cook the Steak: Place the steak in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 135°F (57°C). Adjust cooking time to achieve your desired doneness; 140°F (60°C) for medium and 160°F (71°C) for medium-well. If cooking a thicker cut, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Always refer to the cooking guide to maximize accuracy.
6. Rest the Steak: Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy steak. Cutting too soon can result in juices running out, leading to a drier steak.
7. Slice and Serve: Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy the gourmet experience at home! Slicing against the grain increases tenderness and makes each bite more enjoyable.

Tips & Tricks

• Choose the Right Cut: The best cuts of steak for air frying include ribeye, sirloin, and filet mignon. These cuts are tender and well-suited for quick cooking methods. Look for steaks with good marbling as they will yield better flavor and texture.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Step: Always allow your steak to rest after cooking. This crucial step ensures that the juices don’t run out when you cut into it. A well-rested steak is noticeably juicier and more flavorful.
• Experiment with Marinades: Flavorful steak marinades can include ingredients like red wine, herbs, citrus juices, or even mustard. Marinating for a longer period can yield even more flavorful results. Feel free to adjust the ingredients based on your personal taste preferences or what you have on hand.
• Avoid Overcrowding: If cooking multiple steaks, ensure that they are not overcrowded in the air fryer. Air needs to circulate around the steak for even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and prevent that perfect sear.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To achieve perfect doneness, a meat thermometer is invaluable. It takes the guesswork out of cooking steak to perfection. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak for the most accurate reading.
• Storage Tips: Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to retain juiciness. This method helps avoid overcooking and keeps the steak flavorful.

Air Fryer Cooking Times for Steak

Below is a general guide for cooking times based on thickness and doneness: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• 1-inch thick:
  • Rare: 8-10 minutes – the steak will be soft and bright red in the center.
  • Medium-rare: 10-12 minutes – will have a warm red center and will be tender.
  • Medium: 12-14 minutes – a pink center with a firmer texture.
  • Medium-well: 14-16 minutes – slightly pink center with mostly brown throughout.
  • Well done: 16-18 minutes – fully cooked and brown throughout with no pink.
• 1.5-inch thick:
  • Rare: 10-12 minutes – remember, the thicker the cut, the longer it will take.
  • Medium-rare: 12-14 minutes – retains some juiciness but is firmer than its thinner counterpart.
  • Medium: 14-16 minutes – should be evenly cooked throughout.
  • Medium-well: 16-18 minutes – will have little to no pink left.
  • Well done: 18-20 minutes – a firmer texture with no juiciness remaining.

Remember to adjust times based on your specific air fryer model, as cooking performance can vary. Different models may cook faster or slower, so it’s important to keep an eye on the steak as it cooks.

Steak Air Fryer

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

2

⏱️

Prep Time

30 min

🍳

Cook Time

12 min

🔥

Calories

—

PIN PRINT SHARE

Cooking steaks to perfection can often seem daunting, but with the help of a steak air fryer, you can achieve a juicy, flavorful result with ease.

Cook Mode Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 1-2 steaks of your choice (ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon are recommended for juiciness)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium can be used)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (kosher recommended)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Cooking spray (olive oil or non-stick)

Directions

1.

In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. If you choose to marinate your steak, place it in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over the steak. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

2.

Preheat your steak air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

3.

Remove the steak from the marinade (if used) and pat it dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

4.

Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

5.

Place the steak in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 135°F (57°C).

6.

Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

7.

Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.