If you’ve been craving a tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked steak but want a faster, less messy way to achieve steakhouse quality at home, this Air Fryer Steak Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the convenience of the air fryer with simple seasoning and a quick cook time, this recipe transforms basic sirloin steaks into a flavorful feast that’s crispy on the outside and deliciously tender on the inside. Whether you’re a steak lover or a kitchen newbie, you’ll appreciate how straightforward and rewarding this dish is to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three raw steaks lie flat side by side on a white cutting board with gray edges on a white marbled surface. Each steak is thick with a mix of deep red meat and creamy white fat marbling, sprinkled evenly with coarse black pepper and red spices. Above the cutting board to the left is part of a beige bottle or container, while to the top right a white small bowl with some spice residues is visible. At the lower left corner, a black and white checkered cloth is partially seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t be fooled by the short ingredient list—each component plays a crucial role in making your Air Fryer Steak Recipe stand out. The ingredients are basic, but they pack a punch in flavor and texture that elevate your steak to dinner-table stardom.

3 Sirloin Steaks (approximately 1 inch thick): Choose fresh, good-quality cuts for tenderness and flavor.
1 Tbsp Steak Seasoning: A blend that adds the perfect balance of salt, pepper, and spices to enhance the meat’s natural taste.
1 Tbsp Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes a beautiful crust during cooking.

How to Make Air Fryer Steak Recipe

Step 1: Bring Steaks to Room Temperature

Start by letting your sirloin steaks rest at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before cooking. This simple step ensures that your steaks will cook evenly in the air fryer, preventing cold spots in the center and helping achieve that perfect texture.

Step 2: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If your model doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it at 400 degrees for about 5 minutes. Preheating is key to creating that crisp outer sear that steak enthusiasts love.

Step 3: Oil and Season Your Steaks

Using a basting brush, coat the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Then brush olive oil on both sides of each steak. Sprinkle the steak seasoning evenly over both sides, massaging it gently into the meat to lock in the flavors.

Step 4: Arrange Steaks in Air Fryer Basket

Place your seasoned steaks side by side in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you might need to cook the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding, which guarantees even cooking and a caramelized crust.

Step 5: Cook the Steaks

Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 minutes on one side, then flip the steaks over and cook for another 4 minutes. This quick, high-heat cycle locks in juices while creating that irresistible seared exterior.

Step 6: Check the Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check your steaks’ doneness. For rare, aim for 125 to 130 degrees F; medium rare is 135 to 140 degrees F; medium to medium well ranges from 145 to 150 degrees F; and well done is 160 degrees F. Adjust cooking time if needed until your preferred doneness is reached.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

After cooking, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a steak that’s juicy every bite of the way.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Top your perfectly cooked steak with a pat of garlic butter or your favorite finishing touch, then dive into the savory deliciousness you’ve just crafted with your Air Fryer Steak Recipe.

How to Serve Air Fryer Steak Recipe

The image shows three cooked steaks placed side by side on a rectangular white plate. Each steak has a small round scoop of butter melting on top, with visible pepper seasoning on the brown, slightly charred surface. The plate is set on a white marbled wooden table, with two white salt and pepper shakers near the top and green parsley sprigs on the sides. To the left, there is a white bowl filled with a green salad that includes lettuce, croutons, and shaved cheese. A black and white checkered cloth is partially visible under the bowl. On the right edge, a white plate with two forks rests on the table. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes add that final pop of color and flavor to your steak. Freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon can brighten the dish and enhance the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This Air Fryer Steak Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider crispy roasted potatoes, a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or steamed green beans to keep things balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate the dining experience by slicing your steak against the grain and fanning the slices on a warm serving plate. Drizzle juicy steak juices or herb-infused olive oil over the top to make it look restaurant-quality at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover steak in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days. This allows you to enjoy this flavorful Air Fryer Steak Recipe over multiple meals without any loss of taste.

Freezing

If you want to store your steak for longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. Properly frozen steak can last up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover steak gently in the air fryer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes, or until warmed through. This method keeps the steak juicy and prevents it from drying out like microwave reheating sometimes does.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of steak in this Air Fryer Steak Recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin is wonderful for this recipe, you can also use ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip steaks. Just adjust cook times slightly based on thickness and fat content.

What if my air fryer is smaller than the steak?

No worries! Cook the steaks in batches. Overcrowding reduces air flow and results in uneven cooking. Cooking in batches guarantees that every steak gets that perfect sear.

How do I know when the steak is cooked to my liking?

The easiest way is to use a meat thermometer. Refer to the internal temperature guidelines in the recipe to select rare, medium rare, medium, or well done — this ensures perfect doneness every time.

Can I marinate the steak before cooking?

Yes, marinating adds an extra layer of flavor. Just be sure to pat the steak dry before brushing with olive oil and seasoning, so your Air Fryer Steak Recipe cooks with a beautiful crust rather than steaming.

Is it necessary to let the steak rest after cooking?

Definitely! Resting lets the juices settle back into the meat fibers, making every bite tender and juicy. Skipping this perfectly crucial step can lead to dry steak.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Steak Recipe is such a game-changer for busy weeknights or anytime you want a delicious, home-cooked steak without the fuss. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a tender, flavorful steak that feels fancy but comes together in no time. Trust me, once you try this method, your air fryer will become your new best friend for steak night. Enjoy every bite!

Air Fryer Steak Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

This Air Fryer Steak recipe offers a quick and easy way to cook juicy and flavorful sirloin steaks with minimal effort. Using an air fryer ensures a perfectly cooked steak with a crispy exterior and tender interior, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Author: Martha
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
Total Time: 48-52 minutes
Yield: 3 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Steak

3 Sirloin Steaks (approximately 1 inch thick)
1 Tbsp Steak Seasoning
1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Optional

Garlic Butter for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Bring to Room Temperature: Allow the steaks to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes prior to cooking. This step ensures even cooking throughout the steak.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer lacks a preheat option, simply run it for 5 minutes at 400°F to warm up the cooking chamber.
Prepare Steaks: Use a basting brush to coat the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Rub olive oil on both sides of each steak, then sprinkle steak seasoning evenly over both sides.
Arrange Steaks: Place the steaks in a single layer at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Cook First Side: Cook the steaks at 400°F for 4 minutes, allowing the exterior to sear and develop flavor.
Flip and Continue Cooking: Turn the steaks over and cook for an additional 4 minutes at 400°F to ensure even cooking.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 125°F-130°F for rare, 135°F-140°F for medium-rare, 145°F-150°F for medium to medium-well, and 160°F for well done.
Adjust Cooking Time: If necessary, cook the steaks longer in the air fryer until they reach your preferred doneness.
Rest the Steak: Remove the steaks from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate. Allow them to rest for about 5 minutes; this helps the juices redistribute for a juicier steak.
Serve: Serve the steaks with a dollop of garlic butter or your favorite sauce, and enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer steak.

Notes

Resting the steak is crucial to retain juices and avoid dryness.
Steak thickness and air fryer model may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure precision when checking doneness.
Work in batches if your air fryer basket is small to prevent overcrowding, which affects cooking quality.