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
Val Gill says
Unboxed the Black & Decker Air Fryer Toaster Oven last night. Air fried “tater tots” last night; baking potatoes today and petite sirloins tonight. All were luscious! Followed this steak recipe. Husband was amazed at the texture, flavor and tenderness of the steak. Really happy with recipe and the inexpensive but accurate air fryer! Used middle shelf for all.
Doris Peery says
And which shelf do you put them on?
Sandra says
Wow I'm glad to have run in on cooking steak in an air fryer, been looking for
some cooking equipment to cook one w/o having to deal with smoking on one
of those so call indoor grill
I'll have to get one just for the steak
Jenna says
I never buy steak frozen.
Mary says
The instruction manuals call for steak to be frozen for some reason. Going to try our first rib eye steaks today, they are fresh and not frozen..
Jodi Donlon says
DC, did you keep the temp of 400 the same, just a longer cook, or did you do a lower temp to thaw a bit. I have a frozen steak right now I want to cook.
Jenna says
Good to know DC. I have never tried a frozen steak yet and I have one in the freezer.
DC says
You can cook a frozen steak. I have when I have forgotten to thaw. You just have to adjust time. It turned out fine, but I much prefer cooking it unfrozen.
Jenna says
If you are not sure that fits why can't you just cut it up so that it does?
Jenn says
Hey there,
How big an airfryer do you have? If my MIL wants t I make an 8 ounce steak is the 1.5 ltr fryer okay or does she need a bigger one?