This air fryer steak recipe results in the most deliciously juicy, perfectly cooked steaks in just 20 minutes! No fuss, just tender air-fried steak that I can make for dinner any night of the week. With just 2 ingredients and an air fryer, I can have the best steaks on the table in no time! The high heat of the air fryer helps to seal in the juices and creates a crispy crust, and the simple seasoning (just salt and pepper!) allows the natural flavor of the steak to shine through!

Air fryer steak with ketchup and fries on a white plate.

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My husband and I probably eat steak at least once a week, and I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in steak cooking techniques. My absolute favorite appliance is my air fryer, so I thought, why not give it a try? Well, it turns out this was a stroke of genius. This steak is as good as pan-seared, but I don’t have to babysit it the whole time. It’s quick, easy, and hands-off!

What’s in This Air Fryer Steak Recipe?

  • Steak: I like a thick-cut boneless ribeye or sirloin. Both are incredibly tender, but sirloin is a bit leaner while ribeye has more fat marbling.
  • Salt + Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the steak.
Steak with fries and ketchup on a plate.
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Tips for Success

  • Look for a steak with plenty of marbling for the most tender result. The fat helps insulate the meat from the dangers of overcooking.
  • I advise removing the steaks from the heat when they are about 5°F below your preferred temperature because the internal temperature will continue to rise as the steaks rest. This helps ensure they reach the perfect doneness.
  • Let the steaks rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
  • Slice the steaks against the grain for the most tender bite. This cuts the long, stringy fibers in the steak that can make it chewy.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover air fryer steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I think it’s best enjoyed cold the next day, but you can reheat it in a 350°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes, flipping once.

Freeze steak in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Air fryer ribeye with fries and ketchup on a plate.

Serving Suggestions

I’m a big lover of steak frites, so I love to serve this juicy air-fried steak with air fryer french fries and ketchup. The salty, starchy fries are the perfect side for a meaty dish like this. Or I add some air fried brussels sprouts to get some veggies in.

Recipe Card

Air Fryer Steak Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Steak with ketchup and fries on a plate.
Season your steak, throw it in the Air Fryer, and you'll have tender steaks ready in no time!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
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Ingredients 

  • 1 pound thick-cut boneless ribeye or sirloin
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions 

  • Place an oven-safe bowl directly underneath the air fryer inlay or grid so that it's very close to the heating element. This will help the steak build a nice crispy crust as it cooks. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
    A close up of a black trash can on a white background.
  • Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the steak generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure even coverage.
    1 pound thick-cut boneless ribeye, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
    A piece of steak on a white plate.
  • Place the seasoned steak in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking time. Adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred level of doneness (see notes).
    An air fryer with a meat in it.
  • After air frying, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak with a crispy crust.
    Sliced steak on a wooden cutting board.

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • Steak temperature guide:
    • For rare steak: 125-130°F
    • For medium-rare steak: 130-140°F
    • For medium steak: 140-150°F
    • For medium-well steak: 150-160°F
    • For well done steak: 160-165°F
Storage: Store air fryer steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serving: 0.5poundCalories: 472kcalProtein: 46gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 1281mgPotassium: 608mgVitamin A: 34IUCalcium: 17mgIron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

How to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer Step by Step

Preheat the Air Fryer: Place an oven-safe bowl directly underneath the air fryer inlay or grid so that it’s very close to the heating element. This will help the steak build a nice crispy crust as it cooks. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.

An air fryer grate on top of an inverted white bowl.

Season the Steak: Pat 1 pound of thick-cut boneless ribeye or sirloin steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the steak generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure even coverage.

A piece of seasoned ribeye steak on a white plate.

Air Fry the Steak: Place the seasoned steak in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking time. Adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred level of doneness.

An air fryer with a steak in it.

Rest the Steak: After air frying, remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak with a crispy crust.

Sliced steak on a wooden cutting board.
What setting is best for cooking steak in the air fryer?

Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F for perfect steaks.

Do I put oil on steak before air frying?

There’s no need to oil steak before air frying it. The fat marbling in the steak will help to caramelize the outside.

Should I flip steak in the air fryer?

We recommend flipping the steaks halfway through the cook time to ensure they cook through evenly.

More Steak Recipes To Try

Meet Sabine Venier

Originally from Austria and currently residing in the UK, Sabine Venier infuses her passion for homemade cooking into The Cookie Rookie. As the former proprietor of a successful food blog, her culinary expertise spans a broad spectrum. Sabine’s culinary journey was rooted in the cherished family recipes taught by her mother, nurturing a profound appreciation for fresh, homemade ingredients. Sabine has gained recognition as a recipe developer and food photographer, with her work featured in various magazines and online platforms. Her innovative recipes have appeared in prestigious publications such as Forbes, Parade, and Rachael Ray Everyday. As a published cookbook author (The Chocolate Addict’s Baking Book), she is excited to share her practical and easy-to-follow recipes with The Cookie Rookie community. At The Cookie Rookie, Sabine brings an extensive experience and a unique perspective to cooking and baking.

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
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