Steak in the Air Fryer: Time and Temperature
Quick Answer
To cook steak in an air fryer:
- Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
- Time: 7-14 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness
- Flip: halfway through cooking
- Rest: 5 minutes outside the air fryer before slicing
The exact time mostly depends on two factors: the thickness of the steak and how done you want it.
Why the Air Fryer Works Well for Steak
It might be surprising at first, but the air fryer delivers pretty solid results with red meat:
- Even sear: high-speed hot air browns the surface evenly, similar to the effect of a very hot skillet.
- Less smoke in the kitchen: unlike searing in a pan on high heat, it produces far less smoke and odor.
- Easier to control doneness: being an enclosed space with constant temperature makes it easier to repeat the same result every time.
- Doesn’t need much oil: a steak only needs a light drizzle to brown nicely.
The air fryer isn’t just useful for meat, either. If you want to switch things up, our air fryer salmon is another simple way to get a flavorful meal with very little oil.
How to Cook Steak in the Air Fryer Step by Step
1. Take the Steak Out of the Fridge Ahead of Time
Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking. A steak that’s very cold in the center is harder to cook evenly.
2. Pat the Surface Dry
Use paper towels to dry the steak on both sides — moisture on the surface makes it harder to get a good sear.
3. Season Generously
Add salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil on both sides. You can also add garlic powder or herbs to taste.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This step matters more for steak than for other recipes, since it helps achieve a stronger initial sear.
5. Place the Steak in the Basket
Place it in a single layer, ideally without touching the sides of the basket, so air can circulate freely around it.
6. Cook According to the Time Chart
Cook for the time that matches your thickness and desired doneness (see table below), flipping halfway through.
7. Let It Rest Before Cutting
Remove the steak and let it rest for 5 minutes, loosely covered with foil, before slicing. This step is key: it allows the juices to redistribute through the meat instead of running out when you cut it.
Cooking Time by Thickness and Doneness
For a steak roughly 3/4 to 1 inch (2-3 cm) thick at 400°F (200°C):
| Doneness | Approximate time | Internal temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 6-7 minutes | 125-130°F |
| Medium rare | 8-9 minutes | 135-140°F |
| Medium | 10-11 minutes | 145-150°F |
| Well done | 13-14 minutes | 160°F+ |
For thicker steaks (1.5 inches / 4 cm or more), add 2-3 minutes to each doneness level. For thin steaks (under 3/4 inch), subtract 1-2 minutes.
How to Check Doneness Without a Thermometer
If you don’t have a kitchen thermometer, you can use the finger test: touch your thumb to each of your other fingers and press the base of your thumb with your other hand. The firmness you feel roughly matches each doneness level — touching your index finger feels similar to medium-rare firmness, while your pinky feels similar to well-done. It’s not an exact method, but it works as a quick reference.
Still, for more precision, an inexpensive kitchen thermometer is the most reliable way to nail it every time.
Common Mistakes When Cooking Steak in the Air Fryer
- Not letting it come to room temperature first: cooking a steak straight from the fridge makes it harder to cook evenly all the way through.
- Not drying it well before cooking: excess surface moisture prevents a good sear.
- Skipping the final rest: cutting the steak right out of the air fryer causes it to lose a good amount of its juices.
- Not adjusting time to actual thickness: the table is a guideline for 3/4-1 inch; a thicker or thinner steak needs the time adjusted accordingly.
- Opening the basket too many times: every time you open the basket, the internal temperature drops, which can extend total cooking time.
Steak Cuts and Small Adjustments
- Filet mignon: very tender, tends to cook slightly faster than other cuts of similar thickness.
- Ribeye: with more marbled fat, it holds up well at a slightly higher doneness without drying out as much.
- Lean cuts (sirloin, flank): with less fat, these dry out more easily if overcooked — watch the last few minutes closely.
If you enjoy tender, flavorful cuts of meat, you may also want to try our air fryer ribs, another great option when you want a hearty meal without using the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Steak
How long does steak take in the air fryer?
Between 6 and 14 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on thickness and desired doneness. A 3/4-1 inch steak cooked to medium usually takes around 10-11 minutes.
Do I need to flip the steak during cooking?
Yes, it’s recommended to flip it once halfway through cooking for even browning on both sides.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer for steak?
Yes, more so than for other recipes. Preheating helps achieve a stronger initial sear, similar to the effect of a very hot skillet.
Can I cook a frozen steak directly?
It’s not ideal. It’s better to fully thaw it in the fridge before cooking, since a frozen steak cooks less evenly and it’s harder to hit the exact doneness you want.
Why did my steak turn out dry?
This is almost always due to overcooking or skipping the final rest before slicing. Both factors have a big impact on the final juiciness.
What’s the best cut of steak for the air fryer?
Any cut works well, though ones with a bit more marbled fat (like ribeye) tend to stay juicier than very lean cuts if you slightly overcook them.
Do I need a lot of oil for air fryer steak?
No, a light drizzle on each side is enough to get a good sear.
Using less oil is one of the advantages of air frying, and it works well for seafood too. Our shrimp in the air fryer are another quick option when you want an easy meal with minimal preparation.
How do I know if my air fryer runs hotter or cooler than average?
You’ll notice it with time and practice: if your results consistently come out more done than expected with the listed times, your model likely runs hotter than average, and you should subtract 1-2 minutes going forward.
