Air fryer steaks cook faster than most people expect, which makes timing critical for the doneness you want. If you are wondering how long do i cook steaks in the air fryer, the short answer is 7 to 14 minutes total, depending on thickness and your target temperature.
This guide breaks down exact times by doneness, steak thickness, and air fryer wattage. You will also get a simple step-by-step method that works for ribeye, sirloin, strip, and filet.
How Long Do I Cook Steaks In The Air Fryer
Timing depends on three things: steak thickness, your preferred doneness, and the temperature setting. Most air fryers run at 400°F (200°C) for steak, which gives a good crust without drying out the meat.
Use this chart as your starting point. Flip the steak halfway through the cook time.
Air Fryer Steak Time Chart At 400°F
- 1-inch steak, rare (120-125°F): 7 to 8 minutes
- 1-inch steak, medium rare (130-135°F): 8 to 9 minutes
- 1-inch steak, medium (140-145°F): 9 to 10 minutes
- 1-inch steak, medium well (150-155°F): 10 to 11 minutes
- 1-inch steak, well done (160°F+): 12 to 14 minutes
- 1.5-inch steak, medium rare: 10 to 12 minutes
- 1.5-inch steak, medium: 12 to 14 minutes
- 2-inch steak, medium rare: 14 to 16 minutes
Thin steaks under 3/4 inch cook very fast. Check them at 6 minutes so they do not overcook.
Times For Bone-In Steaks
Bone-in cuts like tomahawk or bone-in ribeye need a bit more time. Add 2 to 3 minutes to the times above. The bone slows heat transfer to the center of the meat.
Times For Frozen Steaks
You can cook steak from frozen in an air fryer, but add roughly 5 to 7 minutes. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 12 to 18 minutes, flipping once. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness because frozen cooking times vary more.
What You Need Before You Start
Good results start with a few basics. Gather these items first.
- Steak at room temperature (20 to 30 minutes out of the fridge)
- Paper towels
- Olive oil or another high-heat oil
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite rub
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Tongs for flipping
A thermometer is not optional if you want consistent results. Air fryer models vary in power, so time alone is not reliable.
Step-By-Step: Cooking Steak In An Air Fryer
- Take the steak out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Moisture prevents a good sear.
- Rub both sides with a little oil. About 1 teaspoon per side is enough.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. Add garlic powder or a steak rub if you like.
- Preheat the air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Preheating matters for crust.
- Place the steak in the basket in a single layer. Do not stack or crowd it.
- Cook for half the total time from the chart above.
- Flip the steak with tongs and cook for the remaining time.
- Check the internal temperature with your thermometer 1 to 2 minutes before the estimated finish.
- Rest the steak on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Resting is important. It lets the juices redistribute so they do not run out when you cut.
Tips For Better Air Fryer Steak
Choose The Right Cut
Ribeye, New York strip, sirloin, and filet mignon all work well. Look for steaks at least 1 inch thick. Thinner cuts overcook before they brown.
Do Not Skip Preheating
A cold air fryer adds 2 to 3 minutes to the cook time and produces a weaker crust. Always preheat at 400°F.
Use A Meat Thermometer
Pull the steak 5°F below your target temperature. Carryover cooking raises the internal temp during rest. For medium rare, pull at 125-130°F.
Watch The Fat Content
Fattier cuts like ribeye handle high heat well. Lean cuts like sirloin can dry out, so check them early.
Adjust For Your Air Fryer Size
Small air fryers cook faster because the heating element sits closer to the food. Large basket models may need 1 to 2 extra minutes. Get to know your model over a few cooks.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Cooking a wet steak. Always pat it dry first.
- Overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if needed.
- Trusting time over temperature. Two 1-inch steaks can differ by 3 minutes.
- Skipping the rest. Cutting too soon loses juice.
- Using low heat. 400°F gives the best crust in an air fryer.
- Forgetting to flip. Flipping halfway cooks both sides evenly.
How To Tell When Your Steak Is Done
Use these internal temperatures as your guide. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part, away from bone and fat.
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 140-145°F
- Medium well: 150-155°F
- Well done: 160°F and above
If you do not own a thermometer, press the steak with your finger. A rare steak feels soft and squishy. Medium has some resistance. Well done feels firm. This method takes practice, so a thermometer is still the better choice.
Resting And Serving Your Steak
Move the steak to a cutting board or plate after cooking. Loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest 5 minutes for thin cuts and up to 10 minutes for thick cuts.
Slice against the grain for the most tender bite. Serve with simple sides like roasted potatoes, green beans, or a basic salad.
Final Timing Summary
For a 1-inch steak at 400°F, plan on 8 to 9 minutes for medium rare and 9 to 10 minutes for medium. Flip once at the halfway mark. Thicker steaks need 2 to 4 extra minutes, and frozen steaks need 5 to 7 extra minutes.
The best approach is to start with the chart, check the temperature early, and adjust from there. After one or two tries, you will know exactly how your air fryer handles steak, and the guesswork disappears.