Steak doneness in an air fryer depends on thickness, starting temperature, and your target internal temperature. So how long does it take to cook a steak in air fryer? For a 1-inch thick steak at room temp, plan on 7 to 10 minutes total at 400°F, flipping halfway.
Thinner cuts cook faster. Thicker cuts need more time. And a cold steak straight from the fridge will always take a few minutes longer then one that sat out.
Below you’ll find exact times by doneness, a simple step-by-step method, and tips to get a good crust without a grill.
How Long Does It Take To Cook A Steak In Air Fryer
Use this chart as your starting point. Times are for a 1-inch thick steak cooked at 400°F. Always check with a meat thermometer, since air fryer models vary in power.
- Rare (120-125°F): 6 to 8 minutes
- Medium rare (130-135°F): 8 to 10 minutes
- Medium (140-145°F): 10 to 12 minutes
- Medium well (150-155°F): 12 to 14 minutes
- Well done (160°F+): 14 to 16 minutes
Flip the steak once at the halfway mark. These times assume you preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes first.
Times For Thicker And Thinner Steaks
Thickness changes everything. A 1/2-inch steak can be done in 4 to 6 minutes. A 1.5-inch steak may need 12 to 16 minutes. A 2-inch steak can take 18 minutes or more.
- 1/2 inch: 4 to 6 minutes
- 3/4 inch: 6 to 8 minutes
- 1 inch: 7 to 10 minutes
- 1.5 inches: 12 to 16 minutes
- 2 inches: 18 to 22 minutes
For anything over 1.5 inches, lower the heat to 375°F. This helps the inside cook through before the outside burns.
Does Steak Type Matter
Yes, but less than you think. Ribeye, sirloin, strip, and filet mignon all cook in a similar window when they are the same thickness.
Fatty cuts like ribeye stay juicy even if you go a bit past your target. Lean cuts like sirloin dry out faster, so pull them early.
Frozen Steak Adjustment
A frozen steak needs roughly 50 percent more time. Add 5 to 8 minutes for a 1-inch cut. Cook at 400°F and flip twice instead of once.
You can cook steak from frozen in an air fryer. The outside will not sear as well, but the inside comes out fine.
Step By Step Air Fryer Steak Method
Follow these steps for a reliable result every time.
- Take the steak out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. Room temp meat cooks more even.
- Pat it dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface stops browning.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper. Add garlic powder or steak rub if you like.
- Preheat the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes. Do not skip this.
- Place the steak in the basket in a single layer. Do not stack or crowd it.
- Cook for half your total target time. Flip with tongs.
- Cook the remaining time, then check the internal temp.
- Rest the steak on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Resting matters. It lets the juices settle so they don’t run out on the board when you cut.
Getting A Better Crust
Air fryers don’t sear like a cast iron pan. But you can still get a decent crust.
- Dry the surface very well before cooking
- Brush a thin layer of oil on both sides
- Use the highest heat your model allows
- Don’t flip more then once
- Finish under a broiler for 1 to 2 minutes if you want more color
A light coat of oil helps browning and keeps the steak from sticking to the basket.
Checking Doneness Without A Thermometer
A meat thermometer is the only sure way. But if you don’t have one, use the touch test.
- Rare feels soft, like the base of your thumb when relaxed
- Medium rare feels slightly firm
- Medium feels springy with some resistence
- Well done feels firm and tight
This method takes practice. When in doubt, cut into the thickest part and look at the color.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Most air fryer steak problems come from a few easy-to-fix errors.
- Not preheating the air fryer
- Putting a wet steak in the basket
- Cooking two steaks stacked on top of each other
- Walking away without checking the temp
- Slicing right away instead of resting
Give the steak space. If you cook two, do them in batches or use a larger basket. Overcrowding steams the meat instead of roasting it.
Should You Flip The Steak
Yes. One flip at the halfway point gives you even cooking on both sides. Some people flip every 3 minutes, but one flip is simpler and works just as well.
What Temperature Setting Is Best
400°F works for most steaks under 1.5 inches. Drop to 375°F for thicker cuts so the middle cooks before the outside dries out. For thin steaks, 400°F for a short time is perfect.
Resting And Serving Your Steak
Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes on a board or plate. Cover it loosely with foil if you want it to stay warm.
Slice against the grain. This cuts through the muscle fibers and makes each bite more tender.
Serve with simple sides. Air fryer potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a basic salad all work well and take about the same time to prepare.
Storing Leftover Steak
Leftover steak keeps in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in a sealed container. Reheat it gently at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes. Overheating will dry it out.
Cold sliced steak also works great on salads or in sandwiches the next day.
Final Tips For Perfect Results
Every air fryer runs a little different. Your first steak is a test run. Note the time and temp that worked, then adjust next time.
- Buy steaks of even thickness so they cook at the same rate
- Keep a small notebook or phone note with your times
- Season more than you think you need
- Pull the steak 5°F before your target temp, since it rises while resting
Once you dial in your air fryer, you can cook a steak any night of the week in under 15 minutes. No grill, no mess, and no guesswork once you know your numbers.