Quick Answer
Air fryers can produce juicy and flavorful steak if used properly. The key benefits of cooking steak in an air fryer include:
- Fast cooking times – Steak cooks quickly in the hot air circulation.
- Browning and crisping – The hot air creates a nice sear on the outside.
- Tender and juicy – Air fryers can cook steak so it stays moist inside.
- Easy clean up – Less mess since you don’t need oil.
However, there are some drawbacks to keep in mind. Air fryers have small capacities so you can only cook 1-2 steaks at a time. It also takes some trial and error to get the timing and temperature right. Overall, air fryers can rival skillet and oven results for quick weeknight steaks.
How Do Air Fryers Work?
Air fryers are small countertop convection ovens. They circulate hot air up to 400°F around the food at high speed to cook it. This rapid air circulation leads to browning through a process called the Maillard reaction. The high heat cooks the food while the constant air flow creates a crispy texture similar to deep frying.
Air fryers work very differently from traditional frying:
- An air fryer uses convection and requires no oil.
- A deep fryer cooks food by submerging it in hot oil.
The main benefit of an air fryer is you can achieve a fried, crunchy texture without all the oil used in deep frying. This makes it a healthier cooking method.
Air Fryer Features
There are a few key features that allow air fryers to cook food properly:
- Rapid Air Circulation – A powerful fan and heating element creates a convection effect.
- Small Capacity – Compact cooking chamber holds only 2-3 servings of food.
- Adjustable Temps – Lets you set the precise air temp, usually 200-400°F.
- Timer – Allows setting a countdown cooking time up to 30 minutes.
The combination of high heat, constant air flow, and small capacity lets air fryers cook food quickly with a crispy exterior.
Benefits of Cooking Steak in an Air Fryer
There are several advantages that make air fryers a good choice for cooking steak:
1. Fast Cooking
The circulating hot air cooks steak much faster than oven broiling. While a thick steak may take 15-20 minutes in the oven, it typically takes only about 8-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer. The precise cooking time will vary based on thickness.
This faster cooking gives you a nice sear while keeping the inside tender and pink. It makes air fryers ideal for weeknight meals when you want steak in a hurry.
2. Creates a Nice Crust
The Maillard reaction produced by an air fryer’s hot circulating air leads to excellent browning and crisping on the outside of steak. It gives that flavorful, seared crust you would get from grilling or broiling.
Using a meat thermometer is important to monitor internal temp and avoid overcooking. But the high heat of the air fryer can create a well-browned crust before the middle passes beyond medium-rare.
3. Retains Juiciness and Tenderness
The quick cooking times help keep moisture locked inside the steak. While some air fryer models reach upwards of 400°F, steak only absorbs heat from the outside. The inside has less time to overcook compared to slower oven cooking.
For tender cuts like filet mignon or strip steak, the air fryer can cook them perfectly medium-rare so they stay nice and tender. Again, using a meat thermometer is advised.
4. Requires Little Oil for Crisping
One of the main advantages of an air fryer is not needing any oil for crispy results. However, using a light brush or spray of oil can improve browning on steak. Just a drizzle of oil helps carry flavor and aids the Maillard reaction.
Overall, air frying steak uses minimal oil compared to pan frying. This makes it a healthier cooking method.
5. Easy Clean Up
With no gallons of frying oil to deal with, air fryers create less mess. The small cooking chamber contains any splatter during cooking. Once done, there’s just the fryer basket and interior to wipe out.
Soap and hot water easily remove any oil residue. Or you can remove stuck-on bits with baking soda and a scouring pad. Clean up is quicker than deep frying or oven broiling.
How to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer
Cooking steak in an air fryer takes some practice but follows most of the same rules as pan frying. Here are some tips:
1. Choose Appropriately Sized Cuts
Look for individual steaks under 1-inch thick and 4-6 ounces each. Good options include:
- Strip, ribeye, tenderloin
- Sirloin
- Flank, skirt
Thick, wide steaks won’t fit or cook evenly. Stick to petite cuts for 1-2 people to maximize air circulation.
2. Trim and Season the Steak
Trim off any excess fat or silver skin which can cause flare-ups. Then pat the steaks dry and coat both sides with salt and pepper or other seasoning like garlic powder or onion powder.
Letting the steak sit out for 15-30 minutes helps it cook more evenly later.
3. Preheat and Adjust Rack Height
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F which gives the high heat needed for good sear marks. Place the fryer basket on the lowest rack height so the top heating element is closest to the food.
4. Cook 6-10 Minutes Per Side
Place the seasoned steaks in the preheated air fryer. Cook for 6-8 minutes then flip and cook another 6-8 minutes on the other side. Check for desired doneness after 10-12 minutes total.
Use tongs to flip rather than a fork which can pierce and dry out the meat.
5. Baste with a Little Oil or Butter
For added flavor and moisture, you can brush or spray the steaks lightly with oil halfway through cooking. Olive oil, avocado oil, butter, or beef tallow work well.
6. Check Internal Temp for Doneness
Use an instant-read thermometer to check steak doneness after air frying:
- Rare – 120°F
- Medium-rare – 125-130°F
- Medium – 135°F
- Medium-well – 145°F
- Well-done – 160°F
The quick heat of an air fryer makes it easy to go from rare to well-done fast.
7. Let Rest Before Serving
As with any steak, let it rest 5 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute for a moist, tender result.
Tips for the Best Results
It may take some trial runs to master air fryer steak. Here are some top tips:
- Pat steaks very dry before seasoning.
- Use thicker ribeyes or tenderloins vs thin flank or skirt steak.
- Brush with a little oil for better browning.
- Preheat 5 minutes before cooking.
- Cook at 390°F for sear marks.
- Flip halfway through cooking.
- Always use a meat thermometer.
- Let rest before cutting to seal in juices.
Get to know your model’s temperature sweet spots and cooking times. Adjust to get the crispy sear you want without over or undercooking.
Common Air Fryer Steak Mistakes
It’s easy to over or undercook steak in an air fryer if you’re not careful:
- Overcrowding – Too many steaks lower the temp and prevent browning.
- Flipping too often – Only flip once halfway through cooking.
- Wrong cut size – Steaks should be
- No oil – A light brushing of oil improves browning and flavor.
- Too high temp – Above 400°F overcooks the outside before inside is done.
- No thermometer – Guessing doneness leads to over or undercooking.
- No preheating – Always preheat for 5 minutes to properly brown steak.
It takes practice to find the right thickness, temps, times, and procedures. Vary one factor at a time to see what works best.
Best Cuts for Air Frying
You want tender, boneless steak cuts less than 1 inch thick for the air fryer. The best options include:
Filet Mignon
Tender and lean with melt-in-your-mouth texture. Cook quickly to avoid drying out.
Ribeye
Marbled and flavorful. Keep portions petite for even cooking.
Strip Steak
Tender with good fat. Portions around 6 ounces cook perfectly.
Sirloin
Leaner and budget-friendly. Slices or kabobs work well.
Skirt or Flank Steak
Thin and fast cooking. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Stay away from cheaper braising cuts like chuck or round steak. The connective tissue requires slow moist cooking.
Cooking Times for Common Steak Cuts
Here are approximate air fryer cooking times for typical steak cuts:
| Steak Cut | Thickness | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Filet Mignon | 1 inch | 9-11 minutes |
| Ribeye | 3/4 – 1 inch | 8-10 minutes |
| NY Strip | 3/4 – 1 inch | 8-12 minutes |
| Sirloin | 1/2 inch | 7-9 minutes |
| Flank | 1/2 inch | 6-8 minutes |
Remember to flip the steaks halfway through and check internal temperature. These times are merely guidelines.
Marinades and Seasonings for Air Fryer Steak
Marinades and dry rubs add lots of flavor. Try:
- Garlic, herbs, olive oil – builds flavor
- Soy sauce, honey, garlic – Asian twist
- Red wine, garlic, rosemary – bold and robust
- Chimichurri – fresh herb marinade
- Coffee, chili powder, cumin – Tex-Mex inspired
Let steak marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. Blot off excess marinade before air frying.
For seasoning, classic salt and pepper always works. Cajun seasoning, steak rubs, or a spritz of lemon juice also taste great.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Air fried steak tastes fantastic with:
- Roasted potatoes or veggies
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Steamed asparagus or broccoli
- Caesar or kale salad
- Rice pilaf or quinoa
- Pasta or roasted garlic mashers
Serve with herb butter, chimichurri sauce, or pan juices for extra richness. A squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness. Steakhouse-style sides like creamed spinach or mac and cheese also pair well.
Common Questions
1. Can you cook a steak from frozen in an air fryer?
It’s not recommended. Thick frozen steaks won’t cook through evenly. Thaw steak completely in the fridge overnight before attempting to air fry.
2. Should you flip steak in an air fryer?
Yes, flip the steak halfway during cooking to ensure even browning and cooking on both sides. Use tongs rather than piercing meat with a fork.
3. Do you need oil to air fry steak?
A small amount of oil helps promote browning and adds flavor.Brush steaks lightly with oil before cooking.
4. What is the best steak temperature for air fryer?
375-400°F is ideal for steak. Higher heat ensures a nice sear while still cooking through. Always use a meat thermometer for doneness.
5. Can you put steak directly on the grate of an air fryer?
No, steak should go in the fryer basket. The grates are designed to catch drippings only. For searing, use the basket on the lowest rack height.
Conclusion
While not as quick as grilling, air fryers can rival the taste and texture of skillet or oven-cooked steak. The circulating hot air cooks steak fast for weeknight convenience while still creating a nice browned crust.
Pay attention to cut size, baste with oil, and use a thermometer for best results. With some trial and error to get the timing down, you can enjoy tender, juicy steak with minimal oil and effort. Air frying helps retain moisture and cooks steak evenly for a great meal.