Air Fryer Steak - Juicy, Tender, and Better Than a Steakhouse
Air fryer steak combines thick-cut steaks brushed with avocado oil and seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cooked at high heat until deeply browned and finished with butter for a juicy, tender center.
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 601kcal
Ingredients
- 2 steaks, at least 1½ inches thick
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter optional
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary optional
Instructions
- Take the steaks out of the refrigerator 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels, brush both sides with avocado oil, and season generously with the kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes. Place the steaks in the basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between them so the hot air can circulate.
- Cook for 14 minutes, flipping the steaks halfway through. Since air fryers cook differently and steak thickness can vary, start checking the internal temperature a few minutes early with a digital thermometer. For medium-rare, remove the steaks when they reach 135°F. For medium, remove them at 145°F. Because the air fryer doesn't hold residual heat, pull them right at your target temperature.
- Transfer the steaks to a cutting board or plate and top with butter and fresh herbs, if using. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Steak. I tested this recipe with 1½-inch-thick ribeye steaks in my Instant Pot Vortex air fryer. New York strip, sirloin, filet mignon, and top sirloin also work well. Use steaks that are at least 1 inch thick for the best crust and juiciest results.
- Oil. Avocado oil is my preferred choice because of its high smoke point, but olive oil works too.
- Temperature. Air fryers cook differently, and steak thickness can vary, so always use an instant-read thermometer rather than relying solely on cook times. For medium-rare, pull the steaks at 135°F. For medium, pull them at 145°F. There is very little carryover cooking once removed from the air fryer basket.
- Leftovers. Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes, or slice it thin and use it in salads, wraps, sandwiches, quesadillas, or breakfast hash.
Nutrition
Calories: 601kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 1281mg | Potassium: 637mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 0.04g | Vitamin A: 39IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 4mg
