This air fryer steak recipe makes juicy, perfectly cooked steaks in just 20 minutes! All you need is 3 ingredients and an air fryer to prepare these tender, flavorful steaks. The high heat seals in the juices and creates a crispy crust, while the simple seasoning (just salt and pepper!) lets the steak’s natural flavor shine.
Easy Air Fryer Steak
I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest steak recipe since my husband and I usually eat steak at least once a week. Since the air fryer is my favorite appliance I thought I’d give it a go with some steaks. It turns out this was a stroke of genius! This steak is as good as pan-seared, but the best part is I don’t have to babysit it the whole time. It’s quick, easy, and completely hands-off!
Air Fryer Steak Recipe
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut boneless ribeye* or sirloin
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place an oven-safe bowl directly underneath the air fryer inlay or grid so that it's very close to the heating element. This will help the steak build a nice crispy crust as it cooks. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the steak generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure even coverage.1 pound thick-cut boneless ribeye*, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Place the seasoned steak in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, with no overlap. Cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping the steaks halfway through the cooking time. Adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred level of doneness.
- Remove them from the heat when they are about 5° below your preferred temperature because the internal temperature will continue to rise as the steaks rest. This helps ensure they reach the perfect doneness.**
- Let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak with a crispy crust.
- Slice the steaks against the grain for the most tender bite. This cuts the long, stringy fibers in the steak that can make it chewy.
Becky’s Tips
- For rare steak: 125-130°F
- For medium-rare steak: 130-140°F
- For medium steak: 140-150°F
- For medium-well steak: 150-160°F
- For well done steak: 160-165°F
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer Step by Step
Prep your Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes and place an oven-safe bowl directly underneath the air fryer basket or grid so it is close to the heating element.
Prep the Steak: Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure even coverage.
Cook the Steak: Place the seasoned steak in the preheated air fryer basket in an even, single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping the steaks halfway through. Adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred level of doneness (see notes).
Let the steak rest: Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let sit for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender steak with a crispy crust.
Slice and serve: Slice the steaks against the grain for the most tender bite. Serve and enjoy!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover air fryer steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I think they are best enjoyed cold the next day, but you can reheat them in a 350°F air fryer for 3-5 minutes, flipping once.
Freeze steak in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Make the steaks up to 4 days ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
I’m a big lover of steak frites, so I love to serve this juicy air-fried steak with air fryer french fries and ketchup. The salty, starchy fries are the perfect side for a meaty dish like this. Or I add some air fried Brussels sprouts to get some veggies in.
