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If you want a juicy, tender steak cooked quickly with minimal fuss and no smoky mess, this air fryer steak recipe will change your dinner routine. It’s perfect for when you crave that restaurantquality crust and satisfying flavor without firing up the grill or heating the oven for ages. Using your air fryer unlocks beautifully even cooking, with a perfectly seared outside and a succulent inside every time.
I first tried cooking steak in the air fryer on a busy weeknight when I did not want the hassle of the grill or stove. Now it’s a regular goto for a quick, delicious steak dinner that never disappoints.
Ingredients
- Steak: One 1inch thick steak such as ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin. Thicker steaks give the best results in the air fryer
- Olive oil: To help the seasoning stick and promote browning on the surface
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the steak’s natural flavor
- Black pepper: To add a bit of heat and sharpness
- Garlic powder: For savory depth
- Onion powder: Bringing subtle sweetness and aroma
- Smoked paprika: Optional but adds a wonderful smoky note that complements beef beautifully
- Dried thyme: Optional for an herby earthiness that boosts the overall flavor
- Notes: Choose fresh steaks with good marbling for a juicy flavorful result. Look for firm meat with a bright red color. Use good quality olive oil for the best coating and browning.
Instructions
- Sear Preparation:
- Pat the steak dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture. Moisture prevents searing and results in steaming instead. Bring your steak to room temperature by removing it from the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
- Season the Steak:
- Mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme if using in a small bowl. Rub olive oil all over the steak to help adhere the seasonings and aid in browning. Generously coat both sides and edges of the steak with the seasoning mix.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and let it preheat for at least 5 minutes. Preheating is crucial for an even sear and to jump start the cooking process.
- Air Fry the Steak:
- Place the steak in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding to allow hot air circulation. Cook according to desired doneness. Rare takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Medium rare about 8 to 10 minutes. Medium about 10 to 12 minutes. Medium well about 12 to 14 minutes. Well done about 14 to 16 minutes. Flip the steak halfway through cooking to ensure it cooks evenly on both sides.
- Check Temperature:
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to check doneness. Rare at 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Medium rare at 130 to 135 degrees. Medium at 135 to 145 degrees. Medium well at 145 to 155 degrees. Well done at 155 degrees and above.
- Optional Butter Finish:
- During the last minute of cooking, add a small pat of butter on top to melt and enrich the flavor.
- Resting the Steak:
- Remove the steak from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting ensures the juices redistribute throughout the meat so it stays moist and tender.
- Slicing and Serving:
- Slice the steak against the grain to make it easier to chew. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or sauces.
My favorite ingredient here is smoked paprika. Its subtle smoky warmth elevates a simple steak without overpowering the natural beef taste. I remember the first time I made this with smoked paprika and my family immediately asked what gave the steak such a delicious twist they could not believe it came from an air fryer!
Storage Tips
For leftovers, wrap the cooled steak tightly in foil or airtight containers and refrigerate up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan or air fryer at a low temperature to maintain juiciness without overcooking. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have smoked paprika, a touch of regular paprika or chili powder can work well. Fresh herbs like rosemary or oregano can substitute the dried thyme. For olive oil, any neutral oil with a high smoke point will do.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus for a classic pairing. A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a nice peppery contrast. For a decadent touch, top the steak with compound butter flavored with garlic and herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
This air fryer steak recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household, delivering restaurant quality flavor and texture with minimal fuss. So grab your favorite cut and enjoy a steak dinner that hits all the right notes.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What cuts of steak work best for the air fryer?
Thicker cuts like ribeye, New York strip, and sirloin are ideal for air frying as they cook evenly and retain juiciness.
- → How do I achieve the perfect doneness using an air fryer?
Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures and follow timed guidelines, flipping the steak halfway through cooking for even heat.
- → Should the steak be seasoned before or after air frying?
Season the steak generously before cooking to allow flavors to penetrate and develop a flavorful crust during air frying.
- → Why is resting steak important after cooking?
Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
- → Can I add butter or sauces after cooking?
Yes, topping steak with compound butters or pan sauces after cooking enhances flavor and adds richness.
- → How do I prevent the air fryer from smoking?
Trim excess fat to reduce drippings, or place a piece of bread or a small bowl of water in the basket to absorb grease.