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!
Watch How to Make This Recipe!
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.
Juicy Air Fryer Steak
- Prep Time 5 minutes
- Cook Time 10 minutes
- Total Time 15 minutes
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 smokemelted 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
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Drizzle the steak with soy sauce and liquid smoke.
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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.
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Place the steak in the air fryer. Do not stack. Cook in batches if necessary.
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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.
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Mine took 7-8 minutes total for medium doneness.
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Remove the steak from the air fryer and drizzle with optional melted butter.
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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.
Notes
Liquid smoke and unsweetened cocoa powder are used for optimal flavor. Omit them if you wish.
You can elect not to marinate the steak overnight if you wish. You can also elect not to marinate it at all and just season it to your liking and air fry.
Be sure to use salt. Kosher salt works best. Its crystal size allows for prime absorption into the outer layer of the steak. The flavor and texture will be phenomenal.