Air fryer ovens have become increasingly popular in recent years as a multipurpose appliance that can be used to cook a variety of foods with little to no oil. With their ability to circulate hot air and produce a crispy texture, many people wonder if air fryer ovens can also cook juicy, tender steaks.
Can you cook steaks in an air fryer oven?
Yes, you can absolutely cook steaks in an air fryer oven. The circulating hot air will help brown the outside of the steak for a nice crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Air fryer ovens reach temperatures up to 400°F, high enough to properly sear steaks.
The key is to choose the right cut of steak. Leaner cuts like sirloin or flank steak will cook more evenly, while fattier cuts like ribeye may need some trimming first. Thicker steaks above 1 inch can handle the high heat of an air fryer, while thinner cuts may end up overcooking.
Tips for cooking the perfect steak in an air fryer oven
Here are some tips to get restaurant-quality results when cooking steaks in an air fryer oven:
- Pat steaks dry before cooking – Excess moisture on the surface can prevent browning.
- Use a meat thermometer – This ensures steaks are cooked to your desired doneness, especially for thicker cuts.
- Preheat at 400°F for 5 minutes – Quickly searing at a high temp gives the best crust.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes per side – Adjust timing for thickness; flip once halfway.
- Let rest 5 minutes – This allows juices to redistribute for a tender, juicy interior.
- Brush with oil or butter – Coating steaks lightly helps enhance browning.
- Season well with salt and pepper – Season before and after cooking for best flavor.
You’ll want to watch closely near the end to get your ideal doneness. It’s easy to go from medium-rare to well-done in just a minute or two. Use a quick read meat thermometer to check internal temps:
| Doneness | Internal Temp |
|---|---|
| Rare | 120-125°F |
| Medium Rare | 130-135°F |
| Medium | 140-145°F |
| Medium Well | 150-155°F |
| Well Done | 160°F+ |
Choosing the right cut of steak
Leaner steaks with less connective tissue work best in the fast cooking environment of an air fryer oven. Here are some top cuts to try:
- Sirloin – Budget-friendly with good flavor. Slice thinly against the grain.
- Flank Steak – Fibrous texture requires slicing across the grain when serving.
- Flat Iron – Affordable and juicy, though can toughen if overcooked.
- Strip Steak – A tender, versatile option with classic steakhouse flavor.
- Ribeye – Well-marbled for richness; may need some trimming first.
- Tenderloin – Extremely tender though can lack flavor without a sear.
Thicker cuts around 1 1/2 inches will have the best results. Pound thinner steaks to an even thickness before cooking. For larger roasts like prime rib, cook to medium rare then finish in a hot oven.
Marinade and seasoning tips
A flavorful marinade can help add moisture and tenderness for air fryer oven steaks. Some simple options include:
- Soy Sauce & Ginger – Great Asian flair, tenderizes meat.
- Red Wine Marinade – Adds depth of flavor, acidic to tenderize.
- Garlic & Herb Marinade – Fresh herbs infuse big flavor.
- Spicy Chili Rub – Southwestern kick and crusty coating.
Aim for quick marinating times of 20-30 minutes so the acid doesn’t start cooking the meat. Pat dry before cooking. Another easy way to add flavor is with spicy seasoning rubs. Dry rubs give you maximum seared crust without moisture to inhibit browning.
Should you flip frequently for even cooking?
Flipping steaks frequently may seem like it would cook the meat more evenly, but this isn’t the case. You’ll actually get the best results from flipping just once halfway through. Here’s why:
- Browning and crust – Leaving one side undisturbed allows a nice sear to develop.
- Moisture loss – Flipping too much can lead to drying out the meat.
- Carryover cooking – The resting period will finish evening out the doneness.
For most 1-inch steaks, cook approximately 3 minutes per side. Let it sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, flip just once, then allow to rest before cutting. This gives you the browned crust you want with a tender, juicy interior.
Should you preheat the air fryer oven?
It’s important to always preheat your air fryer oven before cooking steaks. Preheating to 400°F for around 5 minutes does a few things:
- Hotter starting temp to sear immediately.
- More even heat distribution.
- Faster recovery back to set temp.
Without preheating, the heating elements will struggle to regain those high temps once you drop in thicker steaks. This leads to poor searing and longer cooking times.
Most air fryers don’t technically need oil to function, though brushing or spraying a small amount can enhance browning. Avoid excess oil that will drip and cause smoke/flare-ups.
Should you cook multiple steaks together?
Cooking more than one steak at a time in your air fryer oven depends on the size and your preferred doneness:
- 1-2 thin steaks – Go ahead, cook together.
- 2+ thick steaks – Stacked may inhibit browning.
- Varying doneness – Cook individually.
More than two thick steaks may steam each other instead of searing properly if overloaded. For varying doneness preferences, cook steaks individually so you can remove them independently.
When cooking multiple steaks, position them in a single layer without overlapping. You can flip two steaks at once with tongs. Check temps a minute or two early so you can stagger removal if needed.
Common mistakes to avoid
It’s easy to over or undercook steaks in the fast-moving air fryer oven. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcrowding – Leads to steaming instead of searing.
- Too much flipping – Doesn’t allow the crust to develop.
- Not preheating – Results in longer cook times and less browning.
- Inaccurate timing – Burned outside, raw inside. Use a meat thermometer.
- Letting rest too briefly – Causes juices to spill out when cutting.
Be sure to pat steaks very dry before cooking. Trimming excess fat can also minimize smoking. Brush off any burnt bits between batches for clean air circulation.
How to add smoke flavor
The intense dry heat of an air fryer oven doesn’t impart much smoky flavor on its own. However, there are a couple easy ways to add a touch of smoke to your steaks:
- Wood chips – Soak then scatter a few wood chips over the steak.
- Liquid smoke – Mist steaks lightly with liquid smoke before cooking.
- Smoked salt – Season with smoked sea salt for a smoky accent.
Wood chips may produce light smoking, while liquid smoke adds a pure smoke taste without aroma. Smoked salts infuse an authentic smoked taste into the meat as it cooks. For stronger smoke flavor, briefly cold smoke steaks first.
Serving suggestions
Get creative with how you serve up your freshly air-fried steaks. Here are some fun ideas:
- On top of a loaded baked potato.
- Chopped in tacos or fajitas with lots of toppings.
- Sliced over a fresh salad for protein.
- In a sub sandwich with caramelized onions.
- With chimichurri or peppercorn sauce on top.
Pairing your steaks with complementary sides is important too. Steamed broccoli, roasted potatoes, or instant mashed potatoes make good pairings.
Timing chart by cut
Use these general air fryer cooking times as a guide, adjusting for thickness. Always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy:
| Steak Cut | Thickness | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sirloin | 1 inch | 4-6 mins total |
| Ribeye | 1.5 inches | 6-8 mins total |
| Strip Steak | 1 inch | 4-6 mins total |
| Flank Steak | 1 inch | 8-10 mins total |
| Skirt Steak | 0.5 inch | 3-4 mins total |
| Flat Iron | 1 inch | 5-6 mins total |
Tips for leftovers
Have leftover cooked steaks? Here are some tasty ways to repurpose them:
- Chop into a stir fry dish.
- Slice thin for quesadillas or fajitas.
- Cube into a hash with potatoes and onions.
- Shred for tacos, nachos, enchiladas.
- Dice and add to an omelet or breakfast hash.
For maximum tenderness, try not to reheat steaks more than once. Store cooked steaks in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Conclusion
Air fryer ovens offer a quick, convenient way to cook steaks with crispy crust and juicy centers at home. Leaner cuts like sirloin and flank work best. Allow the steak to sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before flipping just once. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy and resist poking or prodding during cooking. With the right cut, preparation and cooking technique, air fryer ovens can absolutely rival a restaurant caliber steak.