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!
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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.
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.
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.
Air Fryer Steak Recipe
Equipment
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.
- 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
- 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).
- 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Simply preheat your air fryer to 400°F for perfect steaks.
There’s no need to oil steak before air frying it. The fat marbling in the steak will help to caramelize the outside.
We recommend flipping the steaks halfway through the cook time to ensure they cook through evenly.
