7 Secrets to Cooking the Best Air Fryer Steak

Are you ready to cook the best steak of your life using an air fryer? While it might not be number one, it will definitely come close. Today, I'll share seven secrets to help you achieve a juicy, evenly cooked steak that will leave you amazed.

I'm Kathy, and I empower air fryer owners to explore beyond chicken nuggets and fries. The air fryer’s small chamber with circulating hot air ensures a controlled temperature, perfect for cooking steak evenly. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! Whether it’s snowing or sweltering outside, your air fryer is a great indoor alternative to grilling.

Secret 1: Choose the Right Steak

Start with quality meat. Visit your butcher and look for dark red meat with light marbling. For air frying, I prefer ribeye or New York strip steaks. Today, I have New York strip steaks that are nearly a pound each and about 1.5 inches thick.

Secret 2: Temper Your Steak

Tempering means letting your steak rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps the internal temperature rise to match the exterior, ensuring even cooking. Place your steak on a clean surface, such as parchment paper, during this time.

Secret 3: Season Properly

Before seasoning, pat the steak dry to remove excess moisture. Use an oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil. Lightly mist the steak with oil, which helps with charring and keeps the seasoning in place. Rub about a teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of meat all over the steak, including the sides. Feel free to add pepper or your favorite rubs.

Secret 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Unlike most recipes, preheat your air fryer for steak. Set it to the highest temperature (450°F in my case) for 6 minutes to ensure it’s hot enough. While it preheats, prepare an herb butter by mixing 2 tablespoons of room temperature butter, half a tablespoon of chopped parsley, a quarter teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, a quarter teaspoon of minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.

Secret 5: Cook to Perfection

Place the steak in the preheated air fryer and cook at 400°F for 6 minutes. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 95°F at this point. Flip the steak, rotate it, and continue cooking for another 4-10 minutes until it reaches your desired doneness. For a medium steak, target 140-145°F.

Secret 6: Allow for Carryover Cooking

Remove the steak from the air fryer when it's about 3-5°F below your target temperature. This allows carryover cooking to finish the steak perfectly. For medium doneness, remove it at 138-142°F.

Secret 7: Rest and Serve

Let the steak rest in the air fryer basket for a few minutes to redistribute the juices. While it rests, spread the herb butter on top and let it melt. Enjoy a juicy, perfectly cooked steak with a delicious char.

Final Thoughts

Cooking steak in an air fryer is easy and rewarding with these tips. If you're new to air frying, avoid common mistakes and find inspiration in my other guides. Thanks for reading, and happy cooking!