Simple Air Fryer Steak Recipe That Delivers Perfect Results
Enjoying a juicy, flavour-packed steak doesn’t mean you need to fuss with the grill or wait for pub garden weather. My air fryer steak recipe brings restaurant-style results right to the kitchen, using only a few ingredients and minimal effort. When I first tried steak in the air fryer, I was honestly sceptical. But the even cooking, quick prep time, and the gorgeous crust you can get have me hooked for good.
This is one of those weeknight dinners that feels like a treat but takes hardly any time. The air fryer handles the heavy lifting, and the clean-up’s a breeze. You can use your favourite steak cut, so it’s versatile, and there’s room to add your personal touch with rubs or sides.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Air Fryer Steak Recipe
- No flipping needed. The air fryer gives an even cook without standing at the stove the whole time.
- Ready in about 10 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings or when you’re craving steak without a long wait.
- Great with any cut. Sirloin, ribeye, rump, or fillet all work. It’s all about what you fancy or spot on offer.
- Easy to customise. Add garlic butter, fresh herbs, or your favourite spice mix, and the steak soaks up the flavour.
What You’ll Need
Simple cupboard and fridge ingredients do the job. Most of the flavour comes from the steak itself, with a little help from the air fryer and some seasoning.
- 2 steaks (sirloin, ribeye, rump, or fillet—about 2-2.5cm thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sea salt flakes, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional extras: garlic powder, dried rosemary, chilli flakes, or a knob of butter for serving
How to Cook Steak in the Air Fryer
1. Prep Your Steak
Take the steaks out of the fridge about 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly. Pat dry with kitchen paper, then rub both sides with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you want to add.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer helps create that tasty crust. Set it to 200°C and run it for about 3 minutes. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, just let it run empty for a couple of minutes.
3. Cook
Place the steaks in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overlapping. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway for even browning. Cooking time depends on thickness and your preferred level of doneness. I go for 8 minutes for medium rare, but add a minute or two if you prefer it cooked more. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for:
- Rare: 52°C to 54°C
- Medium rare: 57°C to 60°C
- Medium: 63°C to 66°C
- Well done: 71°C or higher
4. Rest and Serve
Move the steaks to a plate, top with a knob of butter or a sprinkle of sea salt, and cover loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5 to 7 minutes before slicing. Letting it rest lets the juices settle so every bite stays tender and full of flavour.
Tasty Tweaks & Handy Extras
- Swap olive oil for garlic infused oil for an extra flavour boost.
- Rub the steak with fresh thyme, rosemary, or a little smoked paprika before cooking it.
- Add sliced mushrooms or halved cherry tomatoes to the basket for a built-in side.
- If you want a spicy kick, sprinkle in some chilli flakes before serving.
- Serve with frozen chips or wedges tossed in the air fryer right afterwards, so you don’t need to heat up the oven.
Air Fryer Steak FAQs
Q: Can I cook frozen steak in the air fryer?
Yes. You’ll just need to allow extra time (add 4 to 6 minutes for each side) and keep an eye on it. The texture might be a bit firmer, but the flavour still hits the spot.
Q: Should I marinate the steak first?
If you have the time and want to, go for it. Even 30 minutes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs can give a real flavour boost. Not essential, though; salt and pepper by themselves taste great.
Q: How do I keep the steak from drying out?
Let it come to room temperature, avoid overcooking, and always let it rest after cooking. Adding a pat of butter while it rests also helps keep things juicy.
Q: Can I cook two steaks at once?
As long as they don’t overlap and there’s space for air circulation, you’re good. Otherwise, cook in batches for the best result.
Enjoy Steakhouse Quality at Home
Trying steak in the air fryer was a real surprise for me, and now it’s one of my go-to quick meals. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your favourite combinations or steak cuts for the air fryer. It works year-round—no barbecue needed and barely any washing up. Enjoy every bite and make it your own! And remember, adding new flavours or sides is easy, so you can switch things up each time for something a little different. This method works for ribeye, sirloin, and even leaner cuts like rump, so you can pick whatever’s on hand or on offer. Give it a shot and taste steakhouse standards at home, with hardly any effort and maximum reward.