Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air frying steak is a game-changer for anyone who loves steak but doesn’t want to spend a lot of time or effort. The air fryer delivers perfectly cooked sirloin steaks with minimal prep time. The olive oil, salt, and pepper bring out the natural flavors of the meat, creating a simple yet delicious steak with a perfect balance of savory seasoning. Whether you like your steak rare, medium, or well-done, the air fryer makes it easy to cook your steak exactly how you like it, every time.
Ingredients
- 4 sirloin steaks (4-6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure that your steak gets a nice sear as soon as it goes in.
- Prepare the steaks: Pat the sirloin steaks dry with a paper towel. This will help achieve a nice crispy exterior. Drizzle both sides of the steaks with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Air fry the steaks: Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-12 minutes, depending on how you like your steak cooked:
- Rare: 8 minutes
- Medium-rare: 9-10 minutes
- Medium: 10-11 minutes
- Well-done: 12 minutes
Flip the steaks halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Rest the steaks: Once your steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the steak tender and juicy.
- Serve: Serve the steak with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Variations
- Add garlic and herbs: For extra flavor, rub the steaks with minced garlic or sprinkle fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano before air frying.
- Use a steak rub: If you prefer more seasoning, try using a steak rub or seasoning mix to add extra depth to the flavor of your steaks.
- Add a compound butter: Top the cooked steaks with a pat of garlic butter, herb butter, or blue cheese butter for an extra indulgent touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the steak in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the air fryer will keep the exterior crispy.
FAQs
Can I cook different types of steak in the air fryer?
Yes! You can cook different cuts of steak in the air fryer, such as ribeye, filet mignon, or New York strip. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak and your preferred level of doneness.
How do I know when my steak is done?
The best way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer:
- Rare: 120-130°F (49-54°C)
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 135-145°F (57-63°C)
- Well-done: 150°F (66°C) and above.
Can I cook frozen steak in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen steak in the air fryer. Simply increase the cooking time by 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak. Be sure to check the internal temperature for doneness.
Should I flip the steak during cooking?
Yes, flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time helps ensure an even sear on both sides.
Can I marinate the steak before cooking?
Yes, marinating the steak for a few hours or overnight will add extra flavor. Just be sure to pat the steak dry before seasoning it with oil, salt, and pepper to avoid a soggy crust.
Can I cook multiple steaks at once?
Yes, you can cook multiple steaks in the air fryer, but make sure they fit in a single layer without overlapping. If necessary, cook them in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
Conclusion
Perfect Air Fryer Steak is the easiest way to enjoy a juicy, tender steak with a crispy exterior in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re new to cooking steak or just looking for a quick and convenient method, the air fryer delivers delicious results every time. With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality steak in the comfort of your own home.
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Perfect Air Fryer Steak
Perfect Air Fryer Steak delivers a juicy, tender steak with a crispy exterior in just minutes. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and ensures a perfectly cooked sirloin steak every time. Whether you like it rare, medium, or well-done, the air fryer makes steak cooking effortless and delicious.
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
4 sirloin steaks (4–6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure an even sear on the steak.
-
Prepare the steaks: Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. Drizzle both sides with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
-
Air fry the steaks: Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for:
-
Rare: 8 minutes
-
Medium-rare: 9-10 minutes
-
Medium: 10-11 minutes
-
Well-done: 12 minutes
Flip halfway through the cooking time for even searing.
-
-
Rest the steaks: Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the steaks and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
-
Serve: Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
Variations: Add minced garlic or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before cooking for extra flavor. Try a steak rub for deeper seasoning.
Compound butter: Top the cooked steak with garlic butter, herb butter, or blue cheese butter for added indulgence.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
