Air Fryer Steak

Let’s be real for a second: cooking a steak can be stressful. We’ve all been there—smoking up the kitchen with a cast-iron skillet, setting off the fire alarm, or accidentally turning a beautiful cut of meat into a hockey puck on the grill. It’s high stakes (pun intended). But what if you could get that perfect, juicy, tender steak without the smoke, the splatter, or the stress?

It sounds too good to be true, but the air fryer is about to become your new favorite steakhouse secret.

Cooking steak in an air fryer is a total game-changer. The intense, circulating hot air sears the outside beautifully while keeping the inside incredibly juicy and tender. It’s fast, it’s practically mess-free, and it delivers consistent results that rival your favorite local bistro. Whether you are treating yourself to a solo dinner or cooking for two, this method is the easiest way to get a perfectly cooked steak on the table in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A great steak doesn’t need a lot of fuss. We are using simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the beef.

• 2 ribeye steaks (8oz each): Ribeye is perfect for air frying because its marbling (fat content) keeps it juicy during the cooking process. Sirloin or New York strip work well too!
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil: You need an oil with a high smoke point for cooking at 400°F. Vegetable oil or light olive oil are good substitutes.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked is always best.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: For a savory, aromatic kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a steak dinner that feels fancy but is secretly effortless.

1. Prep the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it run for about 5 minutes. Just like a grill or a skillet, you want the cooking surface hot before the meat touches it to get a good sear.

2. Dry and Oil

While the air fryer heats up, take your steaks and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Removing surface moisture is crucial—if the steak is wet, it will steam instead of roast, and you won’t get that nice browning. Once dry, rub both sides of the steaks with the avocado oil until they are evenly coated.

3. Season Generously

In a small bowl, mix your salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (or just sprinkle them directly). Season both sides of the steaks liberally, gently pressing the spices into the meat so they stick.

4. Place in the Basket

Place the seasoned steaks into the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they have a little breathing room and are not touching each other. Airflow is everything here; if they are crammed together, they won’t cook evenly.

5. Cook to Your Preference

Cook the steaks at 400°F (200°C). Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning on both sides.

Here is a general guide for cooking times based on an average 1-inch thick steak:

• Medium-Rare: 6-8 minutes total
• Medium: 8-10 minutes total
• Well-Done: 10-12 minutes total

6. Check the Temp

The most reliable way to know your steak is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak.

• Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
• Medium: 145°F (63°C)
• Well-done: 160°F (71°C)

7. Rest and Serve

Once your steaks hit the target temperature, remove them from the air fryer immediately. Transfer them to a plate or cutting board and let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut into it right away, all that delicious juice will run out onto the plate.

Slice against the grain into thin strips for the most tender bite, and serve!

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Steak

Cooking steak is an art, but these tips make it a lot easier to master.

The Room Temperature Rule

One of the biggest secrets to cooking steak evenly is temperature. Take your steaks out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before you plan to cook them. If you throw a cold steak into a hot air fryer, the outside will cook way faster than the inside, leading to a gray band of overcooked meat around the edges. Letting them come to room temperature helps them cook evenly from edge to center.

Adjusting for Thickness

Not all steaks are created equal. A thick, 1.5-inch ribeye is going to take longer than a thin flank steak. If your steaks are very thick, add a minute or two to the cooking time. If they are thin, check them early to avoid overcooking.

Make It Your Own

This recipe uses a classic salt, pepper, and garlic rub, but feel free to get creative!

• Herb Butter: Top your hot steak with a slice of compound butter mixed with rosemary or thyme.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to your rub.
• Steakhouse Style: Use a pre-mixed Montreal steak seasoning for a bold flavor punch.