How to cook a steak in an air fryer

If you're looking for an easy, foolproof way to cook a steak, using an air fryer can be a game changer. Gone are the days of fussing over a hot pan or worrying about unevenly cooked meat. With an air fryer, you can achieve a beautifully seared steak that's juicy on the inside and bursting with flavour. Let's dive into the steps to make your perfect steak.

Why use an air fryer?

Steak in an air fryer? We can hear the protests now. But actually, lots of restaurants sear a steak first and then pop it into an oven to finish cooking. So, what we’re suggesting isn’t that strange. You could sear your steak before popping it into the air fryer. But as long as you preheat your air fryer before adding the steak, the principle is much the same.

Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly, meaning you get a perfectly cooked steak every time. Plus, they're super easy to clean up afterward, making steak night less of a chore. So, if you love steak but hate the hassle, an air fryer might just become your new best friend in the kitchen.

a person using a brush to clean a steak in an air fryer

Preparing the steak

Before you even think about cooking, preparation is key. Start by choosing a good quality cut of steak. Ribeye, sirloin or filet mignon are all top tier choices. Thicker steaks work particularly well in the air fryer.

Pat your steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for getting that beautiful, caramelised crust.
Brush your spray your steak with oil. This will help the outsides of your steak cook quickly to give you that nice sear.
Season your steak generously with salt and pepper. If you want to get a bit more adventurous, you can add garlic powder, onion powder or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Some people like to marinate their steak beforehand, but a simple seasoning will do just fine if you're short on time. Make sure to let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures a juicier bite.

Cooking the steak in the air fryer

Spray or rub a little oil onto your air fryer basket to get it ready for the steak.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Preheating is important because it ensures the steak starts cooking the moment it hits the basket, giving you a nice sear.
Place the steak in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s nothing else in there. You want the hot air to circulate freely around the steak, so it won’t do well if its overcrowded. Fortunately, some of the best air fryers let you cook things separately and at once in different drawers.
Cook the steak for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your steak and how you like it cooked.

Getting the perfect doneness level

Yes, doneness. In the world of steak, it’s a word! One of the most common questions when cooking steak is how to get it just right. Some people do it by texture, others by eye, but a much more fail-safe solution is with a meat thermometer.

Here’s a quick guide:

Rare: 52°C (125°F)

Medium-rare: 57°C (135°F)

Medium: 63°C (145°F)

Well-done: 71°C (160°F)

Tip: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak for the most accurate reading.

steak with a knife and fork on a cutting board

Resting and serving the steak

Once your steak reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and flavourful.

When you're ready to serve, you can slice the steak against the grain for the best texture. Pair it with your favourite side dishes, sit back and drink in the compliments!

Common mistakes to avoid

While cooking steak in an air fryer is relatively straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking your steak.
Skipping preheating: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
Overcrowding the basket: Make sure there's enough space for air to circulate around the steak.
Cooking cold steaks: If your meat isn’t a room temperature before it gets cooked, you won’t get good results.

Delicious side dishes to pair with steak

No steak dinner is complete without some delicious sides. Here are a few easy and popular options that are a cinch to make:

Air-fried vegetables: While your steak is resting, you can throw some vegetables like asparagus, red onions or peppers into the air fryer for a quick and healthy side.

(Or you can just do some healthy air fryer chips!)

Mashed potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.

Caesar salad: A fresh salad with a tangy dressing can balance out the richness of the steak.

Garlic bread: Toast up some garlic bread for a perfect accompaniment.

What’s next?

Every steak is different, but so is every air fryer. Check out the best new Ninja air fryers. And if you’re looking for a different cut of meat, why not get expert advice on tasty air fryer gammon?