If you’re looking for a perfect sear, this quick and easy Air Fryer Steak recipe is just the ticket. You’ll just need to season up a filet mignon, ribeye, or even sirloin with some salt and pepper, then pop it in the air fryer for 10 minutes or so. This fool-proof method yields a tender steak with a delightfully crisp crust every time.
Best Air Fryer Steak Recipe
Up until recently, I would have sworn up and down that cooking filet mignon, or really any steak for that matter, was the BEST when cooked in a cast iron skillet.
After all, how else would you get that nice sear?
Then one night I got curious and popped not just a filet mignon, but also a ribeye, and even a sirloin steak into the air fryer.
What resulted was perfectly juicy meat that also had the most satisfying crust!
It’s such a straightforward formula. Because it’s seasoned with basic pantry ingredients, the irresistible flavor of the steak shines through.
Of course, you can add Homemade Garlic Herb Butter, Sautéed Mushrooms, or Caramelized Onions at the end!
Bonus… this recipe is so, SO easy to clean up! You’ll save time and energy AND make the perfect steak.
Ingredients
To make this simple air fryer steak recipe you need:
- Steak. The star of the show! You can use most cuts with this recipe. Filet mignon, ribeye, or sirloin steak are recommended. It doesn’t have to be the best cut of steak, but look for a lean one with little gristle.
- Salt. Since you’re only using salt and pepper, opt for sea salt or kosher salt. Look for a coarse grind.
- Black Pepper. Again, get a coarse grind, or even grind it yourself for the freshest flavor.
- Seasonings. These are optional, but garlic powder or herbs will enhance the flavor. You can also use a dry rub if you prefer.
How to Cook Steak in the Air Fryer
The basic steps for making the perfect air fryer steak are simple to follow:
Prep the Steak
First, preheat the air fryer to 400℉. It is important to allow the air fryer to heat up, just like a traditional oven.
Be sure to let the steaks come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking, or even up to an hour.
These first steps are essential to getting that crusty sear.
Remove the steaks from the wrapping and dab them with a paper towel to dry them off. Liberally sprinkle salt and pepper over the entire outside of the steak, and press it in gently.
If you are using garlic powder or other herbs, add them to the seasoning blend. You can mix the salt and pepper along with the spices in a small bowl first and then sprinkle them on the steak. This helps evenly distribute the seasoning.
Cook in the Air Fryer
Carefully place the steaks in the air fryer basket.
Be sure they are not on top of each other or touching at all. When steaks are cooked too closely together, they release steam which keeps their edges from getting crispy.
If needed, you can spray the basket with olive oil to reduce the chance of sticking.
Allow the steaks to cook for roughly 10 minutes per EACH inch of thickness. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and how done you prefer them.
Flip the steak over halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get that gorgeous sear.
During the last couple of minutes, start checking the internal temperature of the steak.
- For rare, 120-130℉.
- For medium-rare, 130-135℉.
- For medium, 135-145℉.
- For medium-well, 145-155℉.
Remove them from the air fryer as soon as they reach your desired temperature.
Allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes. This step ensures the juices don’t leak out as soon as you cut into it.
Serve the Steaks
I promise, these steaks are DELICIOUS straight out of the air fryer. However, you can top them off with a variety of things.
Some favorites include:
Add a side dish and you’re good to go! You can even try your hand at this Pellet Grill Steak next!
Meal Prep and Storage
- How to prep ahead of time: If you’re topping these steaks with homemade garlic herb butter, you can make that up to 2 to 3 days ahead.
- How to store: Keep leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- How to freeze: While you can freeze cooked steak, the texture will be slightly different when thawing. However, be sure to let it completely cool in the fridge for at least 4 hours, then keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- How to reheat: You can warm leftovers back up in the microwave or in a 300℉ air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes.
What kind of steak can be air fried?
You can cook just about any type of steak in the air fryer! The best options are filet mignon, ribeye, or sirloin. However, you can also go with a T-bone, New York strip, or even skirt steak. Each one has a slightly different texture upon cooking, just as they would from the cast-iron or grill.
Can you air fry a marinated steak?
You absolutely can! If you are on a restrictive diet, be sure to check the ingredients. You can marinate a cut of steak for 30 minutes or up to overnight before cooking.
What temperature is steak fully cooked?
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to steak temperatures. Typically, a rare steak is done around 120-130℉, medium-rare around 130-135℉, medium around 135-145℉, and medium-well at 145-155℉.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Be picky. Choose a good cut of meat. Since you aren’t using a ton of seasonings, you will really get the meat’s flavor.
- Get it hot. Let the air fryer fully heat up first for a perfect sear.
- Give it time. Let the steaks come to room temperature for 30 minutes before seasoning and cooking.
- Don’t skimp. Use more salt and pepper than you think you need for a delicious steak!
- Let it rest. Don’t even consider cutting into these for at least 5 minutes. I promise you’ll appreciate the juiciness in the tender steak.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Steak
Just like a traditional grilled or cast iron-cooked steak dinner, you can pair this main dish with any of these favorite steakhouse sides.
Top your steak with Garlic Herb Butter for amazing results.
If you’re a steak and potatoes kind of person, try these Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes, Melting Potatoes, or Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes.
Or, Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Hasselback Sweet Potatoes, and Whole Roasted Cauliflower are all unique spins on classic favorites.
For a leaner option, go for Green Beans Almondine, a Fall Harvest Salad or a Chopped Kale Salad.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air frying is so simple and gets dinner on the table in half the time! Give one of these recipes a try next for an easy meal.
If you’re looking for an appetizer, put Air Fryer Fried Pickles or Air Fryer Blooming Onion on the menu.
For side dishes, Air Fryer Carrots, Air Fryer Zucchini, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are delicious.
Main dishes like Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Meatloaf, and Air Fryer Salmon steal the show.
You can even make Air Fryer Bacon and Air Fryer Pizza Rolls!
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Ingredients
- 4-10 oz. filet mignon ribeye, or sirloin steak
- Salt coarse
- Black pepper coarse
- Garlic powder optional
Instructions
- Preheat a 6-quart air fryer to 400°F.
- Remove the meat from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking, or up to an hour, to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Using a paper towel, dab off any excess moisture from the steaks. Generously salt and pepper all sides of the meat.
- Add the steaks to the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure none of the sides are touching. Cook in the preheated air fryer for 10 minutes per every inch of thickness, flipping over halfway through cooking.
- During the last few minutes, begin checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. For rare you'll want 120-130 °F, Medium-rare is 130-135 °F, Medium is 135-145 °F, and Medium-well is 145-155 °F.
- Remove the steaks as soon as they reach the correct temperature so they do not continue to cook in the air fryer.
- Serve them immediately with a garlic herb butter or other fun toppings like sauteed mushrooms or caramelized onions.
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Notes
Meal Prep and Storage
- How to prep ahead of time: If you’re topping these steaks with homemade garlic herb butter, you can make it up to 2 to 3 days ahead of time.
- How to store: Keep leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- How to freeze: While you can freeze cooked steak, the texture will be slightly different when thawing. However, be sure to let it completely cool in the fridge for at least 4 hours, then keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- How to reheat: You can warm leftovers back up in the microwave or in a 300℉ air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
