Steak in an air fryer can achieve a respectable crust if you preheat properly and resist the urge to open the basket repeatedly. So how long does it take to cook steak in the air fryer? For a one-inch thick ribeye or sirloin, plan on roughly 10 to 14 minutes total, flipping halfway through.
That range shifts based on thickness, your preferred doneness, and the model of air fryer you own. Below you’ll find exact times, temps, and a simple method that works every time.
Quick Answer: Cooking Times At A Glance
Here is the short version before we get into the details. All times assume a steak that is about one inch thick and an air fryer preheated to 400°F (200°C).
- Rare (120-125°F internal): 8 to 10 minutes
- Medium rare (130-135°F internal): 10 to 12 minutes
- Medium (140-145°F internal): 12 to 14 minutes
- Medium well (150-155°F internal): 14 to 16 minutes
- Well done (160°F+ internal): 16 to 20 minutes
Flip the steak once at the halfway mark. These numbers are a starting point, not a rule carved in stone.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Steak In The Air Fryer
The honest answer is that it depends on three things: thickness, doneness, and temperature. A thin flank steak can be done in 7 minutes. A thick two-inch tomahawk may need close to 20.
Air fryers cook with fast-moving hot air, so they work more like a convection oven than a skillet. That means heat reaches the steak from all sides at once. It also means the outside dries out faster then it would in a pan of butter.
Why Thickness Matters More Than Weight
A 16-ounce steak that is one inch thick cooks faster than an 8-ounce steak that is two inches thick. Heat has to travel to the center, and distance is what slows it down. Always judge your time by thickness, not by the number on the package.
Air Fryer Wattage And Basket Size
Not all air fryers are built the same. A 1500-watt unit runs hotter and faster than a small 1000-watt model. If your basket is cramped, the steak will steam instead of sear. Leave space around the meat so air can flow.
What You Need Before You Start
- One or two steaks, about 1 inch thick (ribeye, sirloin, strip, or filet)
- Olive oil or another high smoke point oil
- Kosher salt and coarse black pepper
- An instant read meat thermometer
- Tongs for flipping
- Aluminum foil for resting
A thermometer is not optional if you want consistent results. Guessing by color or touch leads to overcooked meat more often than not.
Step By Step Method
- Take the steak out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. Room temperature meat cooks more evenly.
- Pat the surface completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good crust.
- Rub both sides with a thin layer of oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes. Do not skip this step.
- Place the steak in the basket in a single layer. Do not stack or overlap.
- Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, then flip with tongs.
- Continue cooking another 5 to 8 minutes, checking the internal temperature at the 10 minute mark.
- Pull the steak when it reads 5°F below your target. Carryover cooking will finish the job.
- Rest on a plate under foil for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Temperature Targets For Pulling The Steak
- Rare: pull at 115-120°F
- Medium rare: pull at 125-130°F
- Medium: pull at 135-140°F
- Medium well: pull at 145-150°F
- Well done: pull at 155-160°F
Tips For A Better Crust
The air fryer will never match a cast iron skillet for char, but you can get close with a few small moves.
- Preheat longer than you think you need to. Five minutes minimum, eight is better.
- Brush the steak with a little oil, not a lot. Too much oil smokes and burns.
- Do not open the basket to peek. Every time you do, you drop the internal temperature.
- Use a dry rub with a bit of sugar or coffee for extra browning.
- Finish with a pat of butter on top while the steak rests.
Should You Flip The Steak
Yes, once. A single flip at the halfway point gives you even cooking on both sides. Flipping more then that slows things down and disturbs the crust that is forming.
Can You Cook Frozen Steak In An Air Fryer
You can, but add about 5 to 7 minutes to the total time. Season the frozen steak right away and start at 400°F. The outside will cook faster then the inside, so rely on your thermometer, not the clock.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Crowding the basket with more then two steaks at once
- Forgetting to preheat
- Skipping the rest time and cutting too early
- Using a wet marinade that steams the meat instead of searing it
- Trusting time over temperature
The last one is the bigest issue. Two air fryers of the same brand can run 15 degrees apart. Your thermometer is the only reliable guide you have.
Resting And Serving
Rest the steak for at least 5 minutes, ideally 10. This lets the juices redistribute through the meat instead of running onto the plate. Tent it loosely with foil, but do not wrap it tight or the crust will go soft.
Slice against the grain for the most tender bite. Serve with simple sides like roasted potatoes, a green salad, or grilled asparagus.
Final Thoughts On Timing
So how long does it take to cook steak in the air fryer? For a one-inch steak at 400°F, expect 10 to 14 minutes for medium rare to medium. Thinner cuts finish in under 10. Thicker cuts push past 16.
Preheat, season well, flip once, and check the temperature early. Do those four things and you will get a steak with a decent crust and a juicy center, every single time.