If you've ever wondered whether you can cook a juicy, flavorful steak in the air fryer — yes, you absolutely can! This method is quick, beginner-friendly, and perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying without the smoke and splatter.
Whether you're craving a medium-rare ribeye or a lean sirloin, this foolproof air fryer steak recipe is a game-changer.
For more air fryer recipes be sure to check out Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts, Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Tender, Pizza Quesadillas, and Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu.
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⭐Why You Will Love This Recipe
As a food blogger and air fryer lover, I've made steaks every which way — How to Grill Top Sirloin Steak, pan-seared, broiled on a Blackstone. You name it!
- No babysitting: Set it and let the air fryer work its magic.
- Juicy and tender: Locks in moisture with a beautiful sear.
- Low Carb, Keto, and Carnivore Friendly!
- Easy cleanup: Say goodbye to greasy pans and splattered stovetops.
- Great for WW or macro tracking: You’re in control of the cut, seasonings, and sides.
Ingredients Needed for Air Fryer Steak
- Steaks (New York Strip, Rib Eye, or Tri Tip), 4 to 6 oz each - 1 inch steaks work the best to make sure for even cooking
- Kosher Salt and Pepper to taste
- Butter (optional) - you can make your own seasoned butter
- See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitution Tips
- Low-fat option: Use a lean cut like sirloin or filet mignon to keep WW points low.
- No olive oil? Use avocado oil or even a light cooking spray.
- Seasoning swaps: Try steak seasoning blends, Cajun spice, or Montreal steak seasoning for variety.
- Butter alternative: Finish with a little Worcestershire sauce or balsamic glaze instead of butter.
Want more air fryer ideas? Check out my Easy Air Fryer Chicken Breast or Air Fryer Lamb Chops with Garlic and Rosemary.
How to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer
Step 1: If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat your air fryer.
Step 2: Let the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Season your steak with salt and pepper on each side.
Step 4: Place the steak in your air fryer basket. Do not overlap the steaks.
Step 5: Set the time for 8 to 12 minutes and flip the steak at 6. I like to check at 8 minutes to see where I'm at. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- 8 min = rare
- 9 min = medium-rare
- 10–11 min = medium
- Add 1–2 minutes for well done
Serving Suggestions
Pair your air fryer steak with:
- Air Fryer Broccoli or Roasted Asparagus
- Baked Sweet Potato or Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
- A simple side salad with balsamic vinaigrette
Looking for a steakhouse experience? Try it with my Blackstone Mushrooms or Blackstone Smashed Potatoes!
Recipe FAQs
I have not tested this recipe using a frozen steak. It is best to let meat come to room temperature before cooking it. If your steak is frozen let it defrost in the fridge overnight.
You do not need to sear a steak in a pan before putting it in the air fryer. I never have. The air fryer will make the outer skin of the steak golden brown and crispy on both sides.
If your air fryer doesn't go to 400 degrees for the temperature setting, check your user manual that came with it. Usually, it will say what temperature to cook steak at.
Other Air Fryer Recipes
If you tried this Air Fryer Steak Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
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Air Fryer Steak
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 12 min
- Yield: 2
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
Air Fryer Steak - Super easy steaks made in your air fryer! These steaks are keto, low carb, and Weight Watcher friendly. Serve them with some mashed cauliflower and green beans on the side.
Ingredients
- 2 (1 in thick) Steaks (New York Strip, Rib Eye, or Tri Tip), 4 to 6 oz each
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of butter (optional)
Instructions
- If your air fryer requires preheating, preheat your air fryer.
- Set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Season your steak with salt and pepper on each side.
- Place the steak in your air fryer basket. Do not overlap the steaks.
- Medium Steak: Set the time to 12 minutes and flip the steak at 6.
- Medium Rare: For a medium-rare steak, cook the steak for 10 minutes and flip it at 5 minutes.
Notes
myWW Blue 8 Green 8 Purple 8 (points may vary depending on weight per oz)
Medium Steak: Set the time to 12 minutes and flip the steak at 6.
Medium Rare: For a medium-rare steak, cook the steak for 10 minutes and flip it at 5 minutes. Use your oven thermometer
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4oz
- Calories: 250
- Sodium: 60
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 0
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 23
Madalyn says
I have the power air fryer oven, Are you ladies using an air fryer oven or the basket one? Do you think a london broil would be ok in it if cut into 2 pieces
Jenna says
No it was not from frozen.
GBChelle says
Was your steak frozen? Or have you tried it from frozen?
Katie says
We tried it tonight with just olive oil and salt and pepper. 400 for 12 mins and flipped at the 6 min mark! We’re newbies at the air fryer and this was perfect!!!
Jenna says
It's my favorite appliance too! Love it.
Stephanie says
Interesting, I never made a steak in the air fryer, it was awesome. No smoke, very little fat, and the meat was tender and flavorful. Our air fryer is our favorite appliance, we use it every day.
Aisha says
I made a ribeye steak in my air fryer and it was perfect! Whenever I cook a steak on the grill I usually overcook it a little. The steak came out medium, just the right amount of pink in the middle. I put olive oil on both sides before seasoning and cooked for 12 minutes, flipping over after 6. Delicious!
Etta Miller says
I was wondering how tender it was. My husband has a problem with meat that isn't real tender. I've tried a thin rolled steak and it was fine for me but not for him.
Jenna says
You can cook the steak to however you prefer it.
Alicia says
Hi, what was the steak cooked to? Medium? Thanks!