Failproof Air Fryer Steak is the easiest way to get juicy, tender steak with perfectly crisped edges—no grill or stovetop required.
With just a few simple ingredients and a short cook time, you’ll have steakhouse-quality results right at home. It’s great for weeknights, meal prep, or a quick dinner that still feels special.
Whether you like your steak medium-rare or well-done, the air fryer gives you consistent results with almost no mess.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe gives you juicy, tender steak every time—without babysitting a pan or checking the grill.
The air fryer locks in moisture while creating those crispy browned edges we all crave. It’s ideal for any season and any level of cooking experience.
The prep is minimal, the cooking time is short, and the results are consistently impressive.
It’s also a versatile base recipe: enjoy the steak on its own, slice it into salads or wraps, or pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying, protein-rich meal.
What You’ll Need
- 1–2 boneless steaks (ribeye, sirloin, NY strip, or filet mignon; 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or steak seasoning blend
- Optional toppings: garlic herb butter, fresh rosemary, or finishing salt
Pro Tips
- Bring steak to room temperature before cooking to ensure even doneness.
- Pat the steak dry before seasoning—this helps it crisp up in the air fryer.
- Use a meat thermometer to hit your perfect level of doneness.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
- Add a pat of garlic butter after cooking for restaurant-style flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer (basket style or dual drawer)
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Small bowl and whisk for seasoning blend
Substitutions & Variations
Different Cuts: Works with ribeye, sirloin, filet mignon, or even flank (adjust cooking time).
Dairy-Free: Use olive oil only; skip the butter or use dairy-free spread.
Seasoning Swaps: Try Cajun seasoning, Montreal steak spice, or lemon pepper.
Herb Crust: Add crushed rosemary or thyme to the rub for extra aroma.
Low-Sodium: Reduce salt and use a no-salt seasoning blend.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Season the steak and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Store cooked steak whole and slice when ready to serve to retain moisture.
- Prep garlic butter ahead and refrigerate to top your steak while hot.
- Double the recipe for meal prep—great for grain bowls, salads, or wraps.
How to Make Failproof Air Fryer Steak
Step 1: Prep the Steak
Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (or your choice of seasoning).
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes. This ensures a good sear and even cooking.
Step 3: Air Fry the Steak
Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until desired doneness:
- Rare: 120–125°F (8–9 minutes)
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F (10–11 minutes)
- Medium: 140–145°F (11–12 minutes)
- Well-done: 150–160°F (13–14 minutes)
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Remove steak from air fryer and let rest on a cutting board, tented loosely with foil, for 5–10 minutes. Slice against the grain and top with garlic butter if desired.
Step 5: Serve
Serve with your favorite sides like roasted potatoes, salad, rice, or steamed veggies.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftover steak in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave—add a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
- Great for tacos, wraps, grain bowls, or cold steak salads.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months—slice before freezing for easy reheating.
Recipe FAQ
1. What kind of steak works best in the air fryer?
Ribeye, sirloin, NY strip, and filet mignon all work well—just make sure the steak is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick for even cooking. Flank steak also works with slight time adjustments.
2. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 400°F helps sear the steak and cook it evenly. It mimics the hot surface of a grill or pan.
3. How do I know when the steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature:
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F
- Medium: 140–145°F
- Well-done: 150–160°F
4. Can I cook frozen steak in the air fryer?
Yes, but increase the total cook time by 4–6 minutes and flip halfway through. For best texture and seasoning absorption, thaw the steak first.
5. How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside—Every Time
This Failproof Air Fryer Steak Recipe takes the stress out of cooking steak and gives you steakhouse-quality results with a fraction of the effort. It’s quick, it’s easy, and the air fryer does all the heavy lifting.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or your whole crew, this method guarantees tender, flavorful steak without the fuss.
Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how you served yours or what seasoning mix you used!