Air Fryer Steak: Juicy & Tender, Done in Minutes (Print Version)

Air Fryer Steak delivers quick, juicy results! Learn my secrets for a perfect crust and tender bite every time. Your easy, flavorful weeknight dinner awaits.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Steak & Fat

01 - 1 (1-inch thick) Ribeye or New York Strip steak
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Seasoning Blend

03 - 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
04 - ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper (or to taste)
05 - ½ tsp garlic powder
06 - ½ tsp onion powder

→ Finishing Touches

07 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional, for resting)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, let's get that steak ready. Take your steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. This is super important! A room-temperature steak cooks more evenly. Pat it *really* dry with paper towels – like, no moisture left. Seriously, this helps with that gorgeous crust. I always forget this step when I'm in a rush, and the sear just isn't the same. Dry steak is happy steak, trust me on this one!
02 - Now for the flavor! Drizzle your steak with a little olive oil, just enough to lightly coat it. Then, sprinkle generously with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on all sides. Don't be shy! I once under-seasoned, thinking I was being "healthy," and the steak was just... meh. You want to see a good coating of seasoning. Gently press it into the meat. This is where the magic starts to happen; you can practically smell the deliciousness already!
03 - Time to get the air fryer hot! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. A hot air fryer basket is crucial for a good sear. Think of it like a hot pan – you want that sizzle immediately. I used to skip this, thinking it wasn't a big deal, but my steaks came out kinda pale. Now, I always preheat. It makes all the difference, honestly!
04 - Carefully place the seasoned steak in the preheated air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd it; if you have multiple steaks, you might need to cook them in batches. Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a 1-inch thick steak, I usually do about 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Keep an eye on it! Every air fryer is a little different, and you really want to avoid overcooking it.
05 - This is where a good meat thermometer becomes your best friend. Seriously, don't guess! Insert it into the thickest part of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C). Medium is 135-140°F (57-60°C). Pull it out a few degrees before your target temperature because it will continue to cook as it rests. I once pulled a steak too late, and it went past my preferred doneness. Oops! Learn from my mistakes!
06 - Once cooked, immediately transfer your Air Fryer Steak to a cutting board. Place a pat of butter on top, and if you have them, a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This is *the* most important step for juicy steak! All those delicious juices redistribute, making every bite tender. I used to skip this, and the steak was dry. Never again! Slice against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy!

# Notes:

01 - Always, always pat your steak dry before seasoning. It’s the secret to a good crust!
02 - Don't skip the resting period; it’s crucial for a juicy steak.
03 - Preheat your air fryer for a better sear and even cooking.
04 - Serve with a simple green salad or crispy roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Air fryer
02 - meat thermometer
03 - tongs
04 - cutting board

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 400 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Total Carbohydrate: 1.5 g
Protein: 35 g

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