Method 1: Simple Seasoned Air Fryer Steak

This basic approach requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 1-2 steaks (such as New York strip, ribeye, sirloin), about 1 inch thick (choose similar thickness for even cooking)
• 1-2 tsp olive oil or other high-smoke point oil (like avocado or grapeseed)
• 1 tsp coarse salt (like Kosher or sea salt)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground is best!)
• Optional: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favorite steak seasoning blend

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Meat Thermometer (Absolutely Essential for perfect doneness!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Steak: Pat your steak(s) completely dry using paper towels – this is the MOST crucial step for achieving that coveted brown, crispy crust. Let steak sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking if possible; this helps it cook more evenly.
2. Season: Lightly brush or rub the steak(s) all over with olive oil. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Don't be shy with the salt – it helps build the crust!
3. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Using a hot air fryer from the start helps create an immediate sear.
4. Air Fry: Carefully place the seasoned steak(s) in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding. Cook for 8-12 minutes for a 1-inch thick steak, flipping carefully halfway through (around the 4-6 minute mark). Remember, this is an estimate!
5. Check Doneness: Use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure not to hit bone or large pockets of fat. Refer to the target temperatures in the tips section below.
6. Rest: This step is critical! Remove steak from the air fryer immediately when it reaches your desired temperature and place it on a plate or cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let rest undisturbed for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and incredibly juicy result.

Method 2: Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Herb Butter

Elevate your steak with a simple, flavorful compound butter that melts over the hot meat as it rests.

Additional Ingredients Needed

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the steak according to Steps 1-6 in Method 1.
2. While the steak is resting (Step 6 from Method 1), combine the softened butter, minced garlic, finely chopped rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
3. Immediately after placing the hot, cooked steak on the resting plate, place a generous dollop or two of the prepared garlic herb butter directly on top of the steak. The residual heat from the steak will slowly melt the butter, infusing the steak with wonderful flavor as it rests.
4. Let the steak rest with the melting butter for the full 5-10 minutes before slicing. Spoon any melted butter from the plate over the sliced steak just before serving.

Tips for Air Frying Steak Like a Pro

• Thickness Matters Most: Cooking times are estimates primarily for steaks around 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks will take longer, and thinner steaks significantly less time. Always rely on a thermometer to hit your target doneness, not just the clock! Our Air Fryer Cooking Times Chart can offer general guidance, but steak thickness is the dominant factor.
• Target Temperatures (Check Before Resting): Remove the steak from the air fryer when it reaches these temperatures. The temperature will rise a few degrees while resting.
  • Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
  • Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C) - *Often considered the ideal for juiciest results*
  • Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
  • Medium-Well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
  • Well-Done: 160°F+ (71°C+) - Note: Steak will be less juicy at this temperature.
• Don't Skip Resting: Resting is absolutely NON-NEGOTIABLE for juicy steak. Cutting into the steak too soon will cause all the delicious juices to run out onto your plate instead of staying in the meat where they belong.
• Pat Dry! We'll say it again because it's that important – drying the surface of the steak thoroughly before seasoning is the secret to getting a beautiful, crispy, brown crust in the air fryer.
• Experiment with Cuts: While thicker, tender cuts like ribeye and New York strip are excellent in the air fryer, you can also air fry flatter steaks like flank or skirt. Be aware that cooking times will be much, much shorter for thinner cuts, often requiring only 5-8 minutes total. Monitor closely!
• Keto Friendly: Steak is a perfect fit for a keto or low-carb diet! This air frying method works perfectly. Find more ideas on our Keto Air Fryer Recipes page. It's a simple yet impressive choice for Air Fryer Dinner.
• For general air frying advice, check out our Air Fryer Tips for Success.