Cooking steak in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal, but it can be tricky to get the doneness and moisture level just right. The key is choosing the right cut of meat, prepping it properly, and using the right settings on your air fryer. Follow these tips to learn how to cook steak in an air fryer so it turns out juicy and tender every time.
What is the Best Cut of Steak for an Air Fryer?
The best cuts of steak to use in an air fryer are thinner, more tender options. Thick cuts like ribeye or T-bone don’t cook as evenly in an air fryer and are more likely to dry out. The top cuts to choose are:
- Sirloin steak
- Strip steak
- Flank steak
- Skirt steak
- Flat iron steak
These thinner cuts will cook faster and more evenly in the air fryer. Flank, skirt, and flat iron steak are especially good options because they naturally have a lot of moisture and fat. This helps keep them tender when cooking over high heat.
How Thick Should the Steak Be?
For air frying, the steak should be no more than 1-2 inches thick. Any thicker and the outside will likely burn before the inside cooks through. The best thickness is around 1 inch or less. If you purchase a thicker cut, you can always use a sharp knife to slice it in half horizontally to make it thinner before cooking.
Should You Tenderize the Steak First?
Tenderizing the steak is an optional step but can help ensure it cooks up tender and juicy in the air fryer. The best way to tenderize is to use a meat mallet or tenderizer tool. Gently pound the steak on both sides before marinating or cooking. This breaks down the tough muscle fibers. You can also use a fork to poke holes all over both sides of the meat – this helps the marinade absorb better too.
Should You Marinate the Steak?
Marinating the steak is highly recommended when cooking in an air fryer. The marinade not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat and helps keep it juicy. Some good marinade options include:
- Soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and spices
- Wine or balsamic vinegar, Dijon, herbs
- Yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, pepper
- Worcestershire sauce, mustard, onion, steak seasoning
Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes up to overnight in the fridge. The acids in the marinade will help tenderize while the oil or yogurt keeps it moist. Pat it dry before air frying.
Should You Season the Steak?
Seasoning the steak is a must for added flavor. Apply salt and pepper or steak seasoning liberally on both sides before cooking. Good seasoning options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, Montreal steak spice, or a Southwest spice blend.
What Temperature Should You Pre-Heat the Air Fryer To?
Preheating the air fryer is vital for steak. This allows the fryer to get hot enough to give that nice sear on the outside of the meat. For steak, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. This high temperature will give the steak a crispy, brown crust.
Should You Oil the Steak?
Rubbing a little oil on the steak before air frying is highly recommended. This helps promote browning and creates a nice sear. Use a high heat oil like avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil. Avoid olive oil since it has a low smoke point.
What Setting Should You Cook the Steak On?
Most air fryers have a default setting around 390°F that will work well for steak. Some models also have a steak or meat setting that is ideal. Adjust the time based on the thickness of your steak:
- 1/2 inch thick steak: 5 minutes
- 1 inch thick steak: 10 minutes
- 1 1/2 inch thick steak: 15 minutes
Flipping the steak halfway will allow both sides to cook evenly. Always use tongs instead of a fork to avoid losing juices.
Should You Flip the Steak?
Flipping the steak during cooking is highly recommended when using an air fryer. This allows both sides to cook evenly. Use metal tongs to gently flip the steak halfway during cooking time. Flipping too early may cause the meat to stick. Wait until the steak releases easily from the basket before attempting to flip it.
Should You Baste the Steak?
Basting the steak as it air fries is optional but can help keep the surface moist and tender. Use a cooking brush or spoon to coat the top of the steak with a little melted butter, olive oil, or beef broth once flipped. Just avoid opening the air fryer too frequently, which can decrease the temperature inside.
What Internal Temperature Should You Cook the Steak To?
Use an instant read thermometer poked into the thickest part of the steak to determine doneness. The best target temperatures are:
- Rare – 120°F
- Medium rare – 130°F
- Medium – 140°F
- Medium well – 150°F
- Well done – 160°F
Steak continues cooking slightly after removed from the heat, so take it out just shy of your ideal temp.
Should You Let the Steak Rest?
Letting the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting is highly recommended. This allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when you cut into it. Tent it loosely with foil as it rests to keep warm.
What are the Best Side Dishes?
Steak cooked in the air fryer pairs nicely with these flavorful side dishes:
- Roasted potatoes
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Garlic green beans
- Creamed spinach
- Sauteed peppers and onions
- Roasted brussels sprouts
- Sweet potato fries
Choose a vegetable side and starch side for a complete meal.
What are Good Air Fryer Steak Recipes?
Here are some delicious steak recipes to try in your air fryer:
Marinated Flank Steak
Marinate 1-2 lbs flank steak for 1 hour in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and pepper. Pat dry, season with salt and pepper, and air fry at 400°F for 8-12 minutes flipping halfway.
Steak Fajitas
Coat 1 lb skirt steak with fajita seasoning. Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flip, top with diced peppers and onions, then cook 6 more minutes. Slice and serve with tortillas, guacamole, etc.
Teriyaki Steak Bites
Cut 1 lb sirloin steak into 1-inch chunks. Toss with 3 tbsp teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and pepper. Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, tossing halfway.
Steak and Potatoes
Cut 1 lb potatoes into wedges, toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, flip, then top with seasoned 1 lb steak. Cook 8 more minutes until steak reaches desired temp.
Conclusion
Cooking steak in the air fryer takes a little finesse, but is doable if you follow these tips. Be sure to choose a thinner, tender cut of meat, prep it with a marinade and seasoning, and use the right time and temperature settings. Flipping halfway through and basting as it cooks will keep the meat moist and juicy. Let it rest before slicing for best results. In no time, you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality steak from the convenience of your air fryer.
| Cut of Steak | Best Thickness | Cook Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sirloin | 1 inch | 8-10 minutes |
| Strip Steak | 1-1.5 inches | 10-12 minutes |
| Flank Steak | 1 inch | 8-10 minutes |
| Skirt Steak | 1/2 – 1 inch | 6-8 minutes |
| Flat Iron | 1 inch | 10-12 minutes |