Discover the foolproof method to cook the most juicy, tender steak right in your air fryer. This comprehensive guide will transform your home cooking and have you serving restaurant-quality steaks with ease.
Ingredients
For the Perfect Steak
- 1-2 ribeye or New York strip steaks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (sea salt or kosher salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Optional seasonings:
- Garlic powder
- Dried herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- Paprika
Steak Doneness Cooking Guide
Preparation Tips
- Remove steak from refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking
- Pat steak dry with paper towels
- Season generously
Air Fryer Cooking Times (400°F / 200°C)
- Rare (bloody):
- Total time: 6 minutes
- 3 minutes per side
- Internal temp: 52-55°C (125-130°F)
- Medium Rare (lightly cooked):
- Total time: 7-8 minutes
- 3.5-4 minutes per side
- Internal temp: 57-60°C (135-140°F)
- Medium:
- Total time: 9-10 minutes
- 4.5-5 minutes per side
- Internal temp: 63-65°C (145-150°F)
- Medium Well:
- Total time: 11 minutes
- 5.5 minutes per side
- Internal temp: 68-70°C (155-160°F)
- Well Done:
- Total time: 12-13 minutes
- 6-6.5 minutes per side
- Internal temp: 74-77°C (165-170°F)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Steak
- Remove steak from refrigerator
- Pat completely dry
- Brush with olive oil
- Season generously with salt and pepper
- Preheat Air Fryer
- Set to 200°C (400°F)
- Preheat for 3-4 minutes
- Cook the Steak
- Place steak in air fryer basket
- Do not overcrowd
- Cook according to desired doneness
- Flip halfway through cooking time
- Rest the Steak
- Remove from air fryer
- Let rest on cutting board for 5-7 minutes
- Allows juices to redistribute
Secret Tips for Juicy Steak
- Always use room temperature steak
- Pat meat completely dry before seasoning
- Use high-quality, thick-cut steaks
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer
- Use meat thermometer for precision
- Let steak rest after cooking
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 1-2
- Calories per serving: 250-350 kcal
- Protein: 26-30g
- Fat: 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
Cooking Time
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 6-13 minutes
- Resting: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 21-30 minutes
Variations and Seasonings
- Herb Crust: Add dried thyme, rosemary
- Spicy: Sprinkle with cayenne or chili powder
- Garlic Lovers: Add garlic powder
- Smoky: Use smoked paprika
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I cook frozen steak? Thaw completely before cooking for best results
Q2: What’s the best cut for air fryer? Ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin
Q3: How do I prevent sticking? Lightly oil the basket or steak
Q4: Can I marinate the steak? Yes, but pat dry before air frying
Q5: What if I don’t have a meat thermometer? Use the touch test or cooking times as guide
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Best consumed immediately
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
- Reheat gently to prevent overcooking
- Consume within 2-3 days
Enjoy your perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality steak right from your air fryer!