This Juicy Air Fryer Steak recipe is tender and made using a homemade rub for optimal flavor. Whether you’re looking to cook your steak medium, medium-rare, etc. this is the recipe for you!
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This post was originally published in August 2018. It has since been updated.
Cooking steaks in the air fryer is so easy! It’s much easier than grilling or cooking them on a stove using a cast iron. The kicker is they turn out so nicely! These are tender, juicy, and loaded with flavor. Even if you enjoy well done steak, you will love this recipe.
Why Air Fry Steak
The air fryer is great at cooking meat at even and consistent temperatures. This is great when you are looking for the perfect texture without having to guess much. The air fryer also works great during difficult weather. No standing outside in the cold to grill steaks. And no standing over a cast iron skillet in the kitchen watching closely to be sure you don’t overcook the steak.
How to Season the Steaks
I like to use my Homemade Steak Seasoning Rub. You can use your favorite steak seasoning if you wish.
What Type of Steaks to Use
Determine which cut of steaks you wish to prepare. They will all work perfectly in the air fryer. You can use ribeyes, New York Strips, sirloin, filet mignon, etc.
How to Cook Steak in Air Fryer
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- I like to marinate the steaks in advance. This is optional. Drizzle the steak in liquid smoke, soy sauce.
- Season the steaks with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt.
- Air fry.
Air Fryer Temperature
I prefer a temperature of 370 degrees. If you cook the steaks on 400, they tend to cook faster on the outside than on the inside.
How Long to Cook/Steak Cooking Chart
Overall, cook time will vary based on the size of your steaks, the brand of air fryer used, and your preferred doneness.
According to the USDA, you should cook all raw beef to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F (62.8 °C) as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source. 145 degrees is longer than some people like to cook their steaks. Use your judgment.
You will need to use a meat thermometer and cook to 125° F for rare, 135° F for medium-rare, 145° F for medium, 155° F for medium-well, and 160° F for well done.
Allow the Steak to Rest
For safety and quality, allow the meat to rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing or consuming. If you slice into the steak too soon, that will cause the inside moisture within the steak to spill out onto the plate, leaving a drier, less flavorful steak.
Frozen Steak
You can place frozen steaks in the air fryer on 370 degrees for 3-4 minutes. After the steak has thawed some, remove it and season. Air fry again until it reaches an internal temperature in accordance to your desired doneness.
How to Reheat
Reheat the steak in the air fryer on 350 degrees until warm.
What to Pair With Steak
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Zucchini Au Gratin
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Purple Sweet Potato
Southern Collard Greens
Air Fryer Green Beans
Air Fryer Asparagus
Air Fryer Broccoli
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes
More Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Sausage
Air Fryer Cornish Hens
Air Fryer Turkey Wings
Air Fryer Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Crab Legs
Air Fryer Spatchcock Chicken
Air Fryer Lobster Tails
Air Fryer Frozen Burgers
Use this steak in our Steak Stir Fry recipe! And check out our Smothered Steak and Lemon Pepper Steak.
Juicy Air Fryer Steak
Ingredients
- 2 New York Strip Steaks Mine were about 6-8 oz each. You can use any type of steak.
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce This is used to provide liquid to marinate the meat and make it juicy.
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- melted butter (optional)
Homemade Steak Rub (Feel free to use a store-bought rub if you wish)
- 1/2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or sweetener
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Drizzle the steak with soy sauce and liquid smoke.
- Season the steak with the spices. Rub the spices into the steak. If you wish to marinate, place the steaks in the fridge for an hour to overnight. This is optional.
- Place the steak in the air fryer. Do not stack. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook for 5 minutes on 370 degrees. After 5 minutes, open the air fryer and examine your steak. Cook time will vary depending on your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer and cook to 125° F for rare, 135° F for medium-rare, 145° F for medium, 155° F for medium-well, and 160° F for well done.
- Mine took 7-8 minutes total for medium doneness.
- Remove the steak from the air fryer and drizzle with optional melted butter.
- Allow the steak to rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing or consuming. If you slice into the steak too soon, that will cause that the inside moisture within the steak to spill out onto the plate, leaving a drier, less flavorful steak.
Video
Notes
Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)
More Air Fryer Recipes:
Air Fryer Homestyle French Fries
Air Fryer Homemade Pop Tarts
Air Fryer Southern Style Pork Chops
Air Fryer Fried Shrimp Po Boy
Air Fryer Old Bay Crab Cakes
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Breaded Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer Parmesan Truffle Oil Fries
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Truffle Aioli
Air Fryer Sriracha Honey Bourbon Fried Chicken Wings
Air Fryer 3 Ingredient Fried Catfish
Air Fryer Bang Bang Panko Breaded Fried Shrimp
Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Dessert Empanadas
Air Fryer Beef Taco Fried Egg Rolls
TS
Monday 25th of December 2023
Made this for Christmas dinner & it was so easy & the flavor from the homemade rub was phenomenal. Another Stay Snatched Recipe has been added to my list!
staysnatched
Thursday 28th of December 2023
Yay! So glad to hear it.
Meghann
Thursday 6th of April 2023
My steak turned out great in the air fryer thanks to Brandi when I wasn’t able to grill outside because of the weather. I love that I can count on reheating instructions for my leftovers too!
staysnatched
Friday 7th of April 2023
So glad to hear it!
Teri
Tuesday 20th of September 2022
Air frying steaks has become my go to. Usually I do a reverse sear but just didn’t feel like bringing out the cast iron. This recipe came in clutch! The liquid smoke combined with unsweetened cocoa was a seasoning addition I didn’t know I needed to try. Although the Ninja foodi grill has a meat temperature setting built in with thermometer. It doesn’t work for the air fryer setting. I only ever eat my steaks rare or medium rare; your timings and temperatures gave me a great medium rare steak.
staysnatched
Tuesday 20th of September 2022
I'm glad it worked out!
Sarah Michaud
Tuesday 13th of September 2022
Brandi - This recipe is amazing! We are at the end of a kitchen renovation and the air fryer is all we have for a home cooked meal. I've tried a couple of your recipes (the grilled cheese is so good!) in the last couple of days. The steak turned out perfectly. I am so grateful for you sharing these recipes and I'm looking forward to trying more of them.
staysnatched
Wednesday 14th of September 2022
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Edith
Tuesday 10th of May 2022
First time using the air fryer to make steak and it came out delicious. My kids were even surprised that I made it in the air fryer. It came out so juicy. Brandi, Thank you for making me make a quick, easy, and delicious dinner!
staysnatched
Thursday 12th of May 2022
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.