Air Fryer Steak
Updated Aug 09, 2025
Air fryer steak is best made with NY Strip or Ribeye steak with simple seasonings, a quick salt and rest and just a few minutes to cook in the air fryer.
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Make steak in the air fryer!
I think a lot of people avoid cooking steak in the air fryer because it feels like it should be done on the grill or in a cast-iron skillet. But the air fryer actually does a great job; it cooks evenly, gets a nice crust on the outside, and you don’t have to stand over it the whole time. I like to air fry steak for weeknights when I want steak without the hassle, and it’s easy to get the doneness just right with a quick check on the meat thermometer.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Air Fryer Steak Ingredients
- Steak: I recommend using a steak with some fat to it, like a ribeye or strip. More fat means more flavor. If your steak is too lean, there’s a higher chance it’ll turn out dry.
- Oil and/or butter: Helps season the steak and creates a nice sear without having to pan-sear your beef first.
- Spices: A high-quality cut of meat only needs salt and pepper to bring out its natural flavors.
How to Make Steak in the Air Fryer
Prepare the Steaks
Air Fry the Steaks
Air Fryer Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Ribeye or New York Strip steaks about 1-inch thickness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Allow the steaks to come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. Rub the steaks with olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 5 minutes. Flip once and continue air frying about 5–7 more minutes, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches between 135°F for medium rare or 150°F for medium well on an instant-read meat thermometer.
- Top with salted butter and let the steak rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Equipment
- Digital Thermometer (optional)
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Tips
- Let your steak come to room temperature before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly throughout. I recommend 30 minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. If you try to cook too many steaks at once, it will lower the temperature of the air fryer and make your steak take longer to cook. For best results, cook one or two steaks at a time.
- Remember, the temperature will rise while the steak rests. It’ll go up an additional 5 degrees as the steak sits after cooking in the air fryer. So be mindful not to overcook it, depending on your desired level of doneness.
- Slice the steak against the grain. How you cut your steak makes a big difference in how it tastes. When you cut the steak against the grain, it comes out more tender.
Serving Ideas
- Potatoes: Air Fryer Baked Potato, Parmesan Potatoes, Garlic Smashed Potatoes
- Veggies: Air Fryer Vegetables, Air Fryer Green Beans, Creamed Spinach
- Sauces: Chimichurri, Au Jus, BBQ Sauce
FAQs
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, put it in the air fryer, in the oven, or on the stovetop for a few minutes until warmed through. Reheating causes the steak to cook internally, so keep a close eye on it to avoid drying it out.
Yes! Cool the steak completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently in a skillet or air fryer so you don’t overcook it.
Yes! You can cook frozen steak in the air fryer. Just make sure to add a few minutes to the cooking time. I recommend doing a “thawing” round in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak. Once thawed, remove and season, then proceed with cooking.
I recommend using an instant-read meat thermometer. For medium rare steaks, watch for an internal temperature of 135ºF; for medium well steaks, watch for an internal temperature of 150ºF.
Yes, but because of the different fat content, you’ll want to adjust the cooking time. Sirloin and flank steak have less marbling (fat), which means they cook faster than a ribeye steak or New York strip steak in the air fryer. I recommend reducing the cooking time by a few minutes.
Comments
Thanks for the great tips 👍
You’re welcome!
Great recipe! My steaks were quite lean and thin. Your tip to adjust cooking time led me to 2 minutes per side. While they cooked, I sautéed some onion rings, and microwaved some broccoli. Great Saturday night dinner!
Thanks, Yumna!
You’re so welcome! Glad you enjoyed them!