Yes, you can cook a steak in an air fryer. In fact, we recommend it! It’s free from messy splatters and dangerous flare-ups. It requires less cooking fat than other cooking methods. And most importantly: It’s absolutely delicious, with a nicely seared crust and juicy interior.
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How to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer in 4 Simple Steps
Air fryer steak is nicely seared, juicy, and mouth-wateringly delicious. Here’s how to do it.
By Published May 25, 2022.
We’ve air-fried hundreds of steaks to determine the best method. Here are the four easy steps that get you the best air-fried steak.
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Step 1: Pat steaks dry
First and foremost, pat your steak dry with paper towels. This ensures the steak sears rather than steams once it hits the air fryer. Seared steak? Perfectly browned and juicy. Steamed steak? Grey and soggy. No thank you.
Step 2: Rub with oil and seasonings
Once your steaks are dry, rub your steaks with oil and the seasonings of your choice. The oil not only gives your spices something to cling to, but also ensures a crispy caramelized exterior on your steak. Don’t forget it’s splatter free!
Step 3: Air fry at 400 degrees (flipping halfway!)
We found 400 degrees Fahrenheit to be the most successful across the board, but your cooking times will vary from steak to steak (depending on the thickness). Flipping the steaks halfway ensures even browning on both sides of the steak.
Step 4: Rest, slice, and eat
Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before digging in. This allows the steak to relax and redistribute all those yummy juices you worked so hard to get.
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Those four steps are all you need to cook perfect steak in an air fryer. Sounds easy enough, right? Put them to use in this air-fried steak recipe.
Perfect Air-Fried Steak
Serves 4
You can substitute 1 (1-pound) flank steak, trimmed and halved with grain; 1 (8- to 12-ounce) bone-in top sirloin steak, 1½ inches thick, trimmed; or 8–12 ounces sirloin steak tips, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces for the boneless top sirloin steak. If using bone-in top sirloin steak, adjust cooking time to 10 to 15 minutes. For sirloin steak tips, adjust cooking time to 12 to 18 minutes.
- 1 (1½-pound) boneless top sirloin steak, 1½ inches thick, trimmed and halved crosswise
- 1 teaspoon oil
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
1. Pat steaks dry with paper towels, rub with oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Arrange steaks in air fryer basket, spaced evenly apart. Place basket into air fryer and set temperature to 400 degrees. Cook until steaks register 120 to 125 degrees (for medium-rare) or 130 to 135 degrees (for medium), 13 to 18 minutes, flipping and rotating steaks halfway through cooking.
3. Transfer steaks to cutting board, tent with aluminum foil and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve.