Bring the bistro experience home with Air Fryer Steak! Seared outside, juicy inside, and fast, air fried steak is astonishingly easy and tastes phenomenal. It changed the way we cook steak at home!
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My new favorite way to cook steak.
High heat is the best for cooking steak because the less time it spends cooking, the more tender it will be. That makes the air fryer ideal for steak. Seriously, it’s a game-changer.
In addition, I love the air fryer for a busy weeknight because it’s so fast. No preheating the oven or grill! In fact, most of the time required for this recipe is bringing the steak to room temperature, which is totally hands off. This affords you extra time to prep side dishes or knock out some of your to-do list—and it gives you some time to make the herb butter, which really gives this air fryer steak steakhouse vibes.
Key Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the blog post below, but here are some notes to keep in mind.
- Steak. For this recipe, you can use sirloin steak, ribeye, or NY strip steak. Boneless ribeye is what you see pictured here.
- Olive Oil. A little is all you need to ensure the steak develops a nice crust-like exterior.
- Herb Butter. I cannot overstate how DELISH this homemade herb butter is! While it’s a completely optional addition, I highly recommend giving it a try. It will take your steaks to the next level!
How to Cook Steak in the Air Fryer
Prep the Steaks. For the most even cooking, allow your steaks to come to room temperature before you begin (about 30 minutes). Pat the outside of the steaks dry before cooking to ensure you achieve the perfect sear and crust, then brush with oil and season with salt and pepper.
Air Fry. Air fry the steak at 400 degrees F, flipping halfway through the cooking time. The length of time needed to make air fryer steak depends on the steak’s thickness and your desired doneness. Rather than watching the clock, use an instant-read thermometer and the temperature guide in the printable recipe card below.
Rest. This is critical! Giving your air fryer steak adequate time to rest after cooking allows the juices to reincorporate back into the meat.
Finish. Prepare the butter if you’re using it, and don’t forget to slice the steak against the grain. This cuts the meat fibers for melt-in-your-mouth-steak. ENJOY!
What to Serve With Air Fryer Steak
- Salad. Steak is tasty with this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad.
- Vegetables. Sauteed Mushrooms, Roasted Asparagus, or Grilled Brussels Sprouts would be delicious with an air fryer steak.
- Potatoes. Steak and potatoes are a classic pairing. Try Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or Hasselback Potatoes.
- Risotto. Try Mushroom Risotto or Beet Risotto for a more indulgent side.
Air Fryer Steak
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Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 2 (1-inch thick) ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip steaks about 2 pounds
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt*
- 1 ¼ teaspoons freshly cracked or ground black pepper*
For the Herb Butter (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened slightly
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot or chives
- 1 small clove garlic minced or grated
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon lemon juice or red wine vinegar
- Chopped fresh herbs: thyme, tarragon, parsley, rosemary… whatever you love or have on hand (a pinch of thyme is my favorite)
Instructions
- 30 minutes prior to cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator. Let come to room temperature (this is critical for properly cooked steak).
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Immediately before cooking, pat the steaks dry. Brush both sides of the steaks with olive oil. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper (or steak seasoning of choice).
- For medium-rare, air fry the steaks for 6 to 8 (for 1-inch steaks) until the steak reaches 130°F on an instant read meat thermometer. For medium, air fry 10 to 12 minutes (to 140°F).
- Flip the steaks once halfway through. If your steaks are thicker than 1-inch, add an additional 1 to 3 minutes; if they are thinner, start checking as early as 4 minutes just to be safe. Every air fryer model is different and they cook food fast, so check early to ensure you do not overcook your steak). Transfer the steak to a plate, loosely cover, and let rest at least 10 minutes.
- While the steak is cooking, prepare the herb butter: in a small bowl, mash together the butter, shallot, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and herbs. After the steak has rested, top with butter just before serving.
Video
Notes
- Below are steak temperatures. Remove 5 degrees early, as the temperature will rise as it rests.
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium-Rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
- Medium Well: 155°F
- Well Done: 160°F
- *You also can swap the salt and pepper for steak seasoning, such as Montreal steak seasoning, or your favorite blend. Check your seasoning package for suggested quantities, as each is different.
- TO STORE: Refrigerate steak in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.
- TO REHEAT: Gently rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F. It can also be reheated in the microwave in a pinch.
- TO FREEZE: Already cooked steak tends to dry out when frozen and reheated. That said, if you must freeze it, use an airtight freezer-safe storage container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
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Best steak ever!! I was so afraid I’d mess it up but it’s perfect. thanks!
Hi Jessica! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
What brand you recommend for air fryer?
Hi Kathy! This is the one I use: https://amzn.to/3yylETS
Do you recommend cooking one steak at a time in the fryer?
Hi Shannon, this recipe is for 2 steaks! That’s what I tested and recommend. Hope you enjoy it!
Very good directions. The air fryer makes this a no mess and easy way to make steak. I had a very thick at least an inch sirloin steak. Followed directions for rare to medium rare and worked like a charm. Thank You!
Hi Frances! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Excellent instructions.
There’s just one thing about the article that I simply cannot understand, and that is the part about storing and using leftover steak.
Does anyone ever cook steak this good and have leftovers???
Glad you enjoyed it Nigel, if I have leftover steak I add it to a salad the next day!
I enjoyed the steak with the herb butter. I fount it too salty. I suggest following the steak recipe and if you’re making the herb butter, omit the salt.
Thanks for the feedback! Just want to verify you did you kosher salt in the butter? Any other salt will make a difference.
I’m sorry but I want mine well done 🤣 extra well done almost crispy
No problem, just cook it longer! Enjoy Abby!