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.
Table of Contents
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)
- ½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or sweetener
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ 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
Sandra Shaffer says
Perfect timing! I just bought an air fryer and made a first batch of chicken wings. Now I'm excited to give this steak a try this weekend. Nice and juicy. Perfectly cooked!
Jasmine says
@Sandra Shaffer, about the butter on these steaks, you can also try infused/compounded butters. Those freeze well for convenience.
(There are many on Pinterest.)
Jessica says
I still need to order an Air Fryer, but the marinade worked on the grill too. The addition of cocoa is amazing!
Jennifer says
Brandi, I just love your cookbook and now I've stumbled on this website:) I think it is THE absolute best book out there. See my review on Amazon. Your book convinced me to buy an air fryer (I use the Cuisinart air fry toaster oven due to its versatility; I use it daily for something). Your book is a quick how to -- easy to follow with simple recipes using simple ingredients for a variety of recipes that many are already familiar with. Yes, I'm one of those "Just give me the facts" readers. Haven't tried the steak recipe yet. Thank you so much!
staysnatched says
Thank you so much for your comment. I went and read your review on Amazon, thank you for that one, too! I saw your note about a YouTube Cooking Channel. I currently cook from time to time on my Instagram Stories. If you don't follow me on there, my username is @stay_snatched. I may have to think about bringing it to YouTube some day!
Johnny says
I just loved the way you went about"how to cook steak in the Power Air Fryer" I will try it out today and leave you my comments.
Thank you ? so much for the video, you made it so easy to follow.
Sincerely johnnymarcelle@gmail.com.
staysnatched says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Mai says
We've made your recipe without the liquid smoke 3x now and it's a favorite among the adults and toddlers! Thank you!
staysnatched says
I love when I can impress toddlers!
quinnisha says
I was short on time so I couldn’t put the steak on my charcoal grill. I decided to make this recipe in my air fryer and it was an entire treat. I paired it with mashed potatoes and asparagus and it was perfect. Will be adding to my meal prep routine at least twice a month! Thank you!
staysnatched says
Air Fryer steak is truly the best!
Monique Jones says
You have yet to disappoint me! I made this air fryer steak last night and it was perfection!
staysnatched says
Awesome! Glad you enjoyed it.
DW says
The flavor from this recipe left me speechless. I didn't know how much I needed this in my life. Will definitely be in rotation now.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad to hear it.
Antoiniece says
This recipe was amazing. I could not believe I got to have restaurant quality steak right in my kitchen with an air fryer! This is the only way I’ll eat steak from now on!
staysnatched says
Yes! So easy to do right at home.
Antoiniece says
This recipe was amazing. Definitely 5 stars!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Kara C says
I have made this steak recipe several times in the last few months. It is amazing every time and so easy to follow!!! Brandi, thank you so much for all the hard work you put in!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Pamela Golding says
@staysnatchedwhat is the secret to using the coco powder,?
staysnatched says
flavor.
LaKenya says
The best steak recipe EVER!! Brandi is literally the GOAT when it comes to recipes. This steak was so juicy and tender and the flavor was AMAZING!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad to hear it.
JG says
Hands down the best steak I’ve ever made! My partner kept asking what was in it and commented on how good it taste after EVERY bite. Thank you for the easy recipe Brandi!!
staysnatched says
haha! Yes! I love to hear it!
Sydney says
Hands down the best air fryer steak I have made! Such a good recipe will definitely be making again!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad to hear it.
Abiola says
We had this for dinner and it was perfectoo. Thanks for sharing your awesome recipes.
staysnatched says
You’re welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.
Ashley says
So simple and delicious! No need to go out to eat when we are cooking like this! Thanks for another great air fryer recipe!
staysnatched says
Yes! I totally agree. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Kenya says
My husband loved this steak! The recipe was equally tasty on salmon.
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it.
Kristin says
I've been waiting to try out this recipe and it did not disappoint!! The whole family loved it, perfect for a quick delicious dinner!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad the family loved it.
Monica R says
Made this for dinner, and it was way easier than grilling, or having to clean the stovetop after using my cast iron. Thanks for making weekday steak night so much quicker, Brandi!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it.
Megan says
@staysnatched, 🥴
staysnatched says
If you loved this recipe so much, why didn't you ever rate it and leave a review? You only took the time to leave a comment when something didn't go your way regarding a free recipe on the website I pay for. Leaving a review and rating a recipe shows Creators that people are actually making it. You didn't do that. Recipes are modified all of the time to make them better and to evolve as I, myself evolve. And again, this is my website. Next time, I encourage you to leave feedback in advance that is positive and focus less on the negative and your own entitlement.
Diane says
can you do this in an instant pot air fryer oven? Please Help !!! recommend either a blog or cookbooks for this appliance. Thank you
staysnatched says
I'm not sure of any blogs.
Kristina Jones says
This recipe was absolutely amazing. From the rub and marinade to the end result, my steaks were perfection. I will never cook a steak any other way ever again. Brandi, you are a genius.
staysnatched says
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!
K. Sam says
This was perfection. Even with a "cheap" cut of steak. Timing was perfect & it came out so juicy & flavorful. Can't wait to try with a ribeye. Will be my go to for a quick steak.
staysnatched says
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Linda Mittleider says
I tried this recipe last week. It was the best steak ever. I did it again a couple of nights later and added blue cheese just before the cooking time ended. Oh so good.
staysnatched says
That sounds so good!
Anne D says
I tried a few other recipes before finding Brandi's recipe for an air fryer steak and her recipe is the best by far! The guidelines are super helpful. I cooked a large ribeye for NYE and the spices and cooking instructions resulted in a perfect steak. It is now my favorite way to cook a steak!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad to hear it's a favorite!
Yolo says
I followed this recipe to a T and my steaks came out great. I'm not sure what I need my oven for anymore. LOL!
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the steaks!
Michelle Sanders says
Remebered I had steaks in the freezer so I finally tried this out! The steaks were really thick so I had to cook a little longer but having a meat thermometer helped me prevent from overcooking. I did a little soy sauce and steak seasoning I had on hand. I will for sure make steaks this way moving forward! SO good and easy!
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear it was easy.
Louie says
I made two of these steaks last night and they were fabulous; juicy and completely flavorful. Next time, I will marinate them, but I was too anxious to wait this go around.. This recipe is an absolute keeper!,
staysnatched says
Yay a keeper!
Mallory K says
I’ve wanted to try air frying steak for awhile, so it made sense to follow this recipe. Brandi’s never steered me wrong before. I only got to marinade my steak an hour but my steaks were quite tender and very tasty! I’ll definitely air fry steak again.
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear that!
Nicolle says
This worked out great! We did have to leave ours in quite a bit longer than it calls for because we had a pretty thick steak but the temperature suggestion kept it from drying out. Also, do not sleep on the homemade steak rub!!! Take the extra few minutes and throw it together or regret your life.
staysnatched says
haha regret your life...I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Katie Trudelle says
Made filet mignon in the airfryer using this recipe. Was super easy and delicious. Will make again! #staysnatched
staysnatched says
Wonderful! That sounds so good.
Monica R says
I cleaned my house today, and wanted steak for dinner, but didn't want to make a mess with my cast iron. This steak turned out so good, and with virtually no mess!! Love this recipe and will for sure be doing this again!
staysnatched says
Glad to hear you will make it again.
Alice Castellanos says
It was quick, only 10 minutes because I like it medium. Super easy, juicy and flavorful. Thanks for the simple step by step instructions 🙂 bc this working mama is always on a tight schedule for weeknight dinners.
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Edith says
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 says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Sarah Michaud says
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 says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Teri says
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 says
I'm glad it worked out!
Meghann says
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 says
So glad to hear it!
TS says
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 says
Yay! So glad to hear it.