Let me tell you a secret – your air fryer makes the juiciest, most flavorful steak you’ve ever had at home. I was skeptical too until I tried cooking a Filet Mignon in mine last summer. Now? I’ll never go back to pan-searing when I want perfect steak in minutes. The air fryer gives that gorgeous crust while keeping the inside tender and pink exactly how I like it.
What I love most is how foolproof this method is. No splattering oil all over my stove, no guessing when to flip – just set the temperature and let that hot air work its magic. Whether you’re cooking a thick NY Strip or a delicate Filet Mignon, the air fryer delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try air fryer steak, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked it any other way.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Steak
Listen, this isn’t just another steak recipe – it’s a game changer. Here’s why:
- Perfect every time: The air fryer’s even heat gives you that gorgeous crust and pink center without guesswork
- Faster than grilling: From fridge to plate in under 20 minutes – even faster than preheating my oven!
- No mess, no stress: Say goodbye to oil splatters all over your stovetop (my kitchen walls thank me)
- Works with any cut: My Filet Mignon comes out buttery soft, while NY Strip gets that perfect char
- Juicy results: The high heat seals in all those delicious juices – no more dry, overcooked steak
Honestly? My steak-loving husband didn’t believe me until he tried it. Now he asks for “the air fryer steak” every Friday night.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Steak
Here’s all you need for the most delicious air fryer steak you’ll ever make:
- 1 (8 oz) Filet Mignon or NY Strip steak – about 1 to 1.5 inches thick (trust me, thickness matters!)
- 1 tbsp olive oil – just enough to coat without drowning it
- 1 tsp salt – I use kosher for better texture
- 1 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked makes all the difference
- 1 tsp garlic powder – my secret flavor booster
Pro tip: Let your steak sit out for 15-20 minutes to take the chill off – cold meat cooks unevenly!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing something – here’s how to adapt:
- Oil swap: Avocado oil works great if you’re out of olive oil (higher smoke point too!)
- Seasoning variations: Try smoked paprika or onion powder if garlic isn’t your thing
- Steak alternatives: Ribeye works beautifully too – just adjust cooking time for thickness
One non-negotiable? Don’t overcrowd! Give your steak space in the air fryer basket – I learned this the hard way with soggy results.
How to Cook Air Fryer Steak
Okay, let’s get cooking! I promise this method is so easy you’ll memorize it after one try. Just follow these simple steps for the most perfect air fryer steak every single time.
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first – set that air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for 5 minutes. I know, I know – preheating seems fussy, but trust me, it makes all the difference! That hot air needs to be ready to work its magic the second your steak hits the basket. Without preheating, your steak will steam instead of sear, and we definitely don’t want that.
Step 2: Season the Steak
While the air fryer heats up, rub your steak all over with olive oil – just enough to coat it lightly. Then, press your salt, pepper and garlic powder mix into both sides. I like to really massage it in – that’s how you get that amazing crust! Pro tip: Pat your steak dry with paper towels first – moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
Step 3: Cooking Time for Perfect Doneness
Now for the main event! Place your steak in the air fryer basket (no oil or spray needed) and cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway through. For a 1-inch thick Filet Mignon, I find 11 minutes is usually perfect. Want to be extra sure? Use an instant-read thermometer – 135°F for medium-rare, 125°F for rare. The steak will keep cooking while resting, so pull it out when it’s 5 degrees below your target.
Step 4: Resting the Steak
Here’s where patience pays off! Let your air fryer steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but this lets all those delicious juices redistribute. If you cut too soon? All that moisture ends up on your cutting board instead of in your mouth. Learned that lesson the hard way my first try!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Steak
After making this recipe dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), here are my can’t-miss tips for perfect air fryer steak every time:
- Pat it dry: Remove excess moisture with paper towels before seasoning – this is the secret to that gorgeous crust
- Mind the thickness: Thicker steaks (1.5 inches) need more time, while thin cuts cook faster – adjust accordingly
- Single layer only: Never stack steaks or they’ll steam instead of sear (my first attempt was a sad, gray mess)
- Check early: Start checking 1-2 minutes before recommended time – air fryers can vary
Bonus tip: Let your air fryer basket cool before washing – those little holes get HOT!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve my air fryer steak! That beautiful crust deserves equally delicious sides. My go-to? Crispy garlic roasted potatoes – they cook right alongside the steak in the air fryer. For something lighter, asparagus spears with a squeeze of lemon make the perfect fresh contrast.
Special occasions call for my creamy mashed potatoes – the rich sauce soaks up all those steak juices. And don’t forget a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Honestly? Sometimes I just slice it over a pile of buttery noodles and call it perfection.
Air Fryer Steak FAQ
I get questions about air fryer steak all the time – here are the ones that come up most often:
Can I cook frozen steak in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just add 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time. I recommend thawing if possible though – frozen steaks can cook unevenly. If you must go frozen, flip every 3 minutes and check with a thermometer.
How do I make well-done steak in the air fryer?
For well-done, cook 14-16 minutes total (flipping halfway) until the internal temp hits 155°F. Warning – lean cuts like Filet Mignon can dry out at this doneness. NY Strip holds up better!
Why is my steak tough in the air fryer?
Two likely culprits: either you skipped the resting time (those juices need to redistribute!) or cooked too long. Remember – it keeps cooking after removal, so pull it out 5°F below your target temp.
Can I cook two steaks at once?
Yes, but don’t let them touch! Space them out in a single layer. You may need to add 1-2 minutes since the air flow gets disrupted. For best results, cook one at a time.
Do I need to flip the steak?
100% yes! Flip halfway through cooking for even browning. I set a timer so I don’t forget – that perfect crust depends on it.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the general nutritional breakdown per serving – but remember, estimates vary based on your specific ingredients and brands used. Air fryer steak is naturally high in protein and lower in carbs, making it a great option for many diets. Always check labels if you’re tracking closely!
Rate This Recipe
Tried my air fryer steak? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or snap a pic – nothing makes me happier than seeing your perfect steaks.
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Juicy Air Fryer Steak Perfection in Just 12 Minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and easy way to cook steak in an air fryer. Perfect for Filet Mignon or NY Strip.
Ingredients
- 1 (8 oz) Filet Mignon or NY Strip steak
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Rub the steak with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the steak in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on desired doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy (125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare).
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American