Steak in an air fryer produces a decent sear, though the thickness of the cut determines how long it needs. So, how long do you put steak in an air fryer? For a standard one-inch thick ribeye or sirloin, you will cook it for about 10 to 14 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping it halfway through.
This method is fast, convenient, and doesn’t require heating up a large oven or standing over a hot skillet. But timing is everything. Get it wrong, and you end up with a tough, gray piece of meat instead of a juicy, browned steak.
Below, you’ll find a complete guide to air fryer steak timing, including a chart for different thicknesses and doneness levels.
How Long Do You Put Steak In An Air Fryer
The exact cook time depends on three things: the thickness of your steak, your desired level of doneness, and the temperature of the air fryer. Most air fryer steak recipes use a temperature between 380°F and 400°F.
Here is a simple rule to remember: For every half-inch of thickness, add about 4 to 5 minutes of total cook time for a medium-rare steak. So a one-inch steak takes roughly 10 to 12 minutes total. A two-inch thick steak takes closer to 18 to 22 minutes.
Always preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the steak. This helps the outside sear faster and prevents the inside from overcooking while the crust forms.
Air Fryer Steak Time Chart By Thickness
Use this chart as a starting point. Your air fryer model may run slightly hot or cool, so check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for the best results.
- 1-inch thick steak (ribeye, sirloin, strip): 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare; 12 to 14 minutes for medium
- 1.5-inch thick steak: 12 to 15 minutes for medium-rare; 15 to 18 minutes for medium
- 2-inch thick steak (filet mignon, thick ribeye): 18 to 22 minutes for medium-rare; 22 to 25 minutes for medium
- Thin steak (under 1 inch, like flank or skirt): 6 to 8 minutes for medium-rare; 8 to 10 minutes for medium
Flip the steak once halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even browning on both sides.
Step-By-Step Guide To Cooking Steak In An Air Fryer
Follow these steps for a steak that is browned outside and juicy inside.
- Preheat the air fryer. Set it to 400°F and let it run for 5 minutes. If your air fryer has a basket, leave it empty during preheating.
- Pat the steak dry. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture. A dry surface helps the steak brown instead of steam.
- Season generously. Rub the steak with olive oil, then sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.
- Place the steak in the basket. Do not overcrowd. If you are cooking two steaks, leave space between them so hot air can circulate.
- Cook at 400°F. Set the timer for half of the total estimated time. For a 1-inch steak, start with 5 minutes.
- Flip and continue cooking. After the first 5 minutes, flip the steak with tongs. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, depending on your desired doneness.
- Check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, look for 130°F to 135°F. For medium, aim for 140°F to 145°F.
- Rest the steak. Remove it from the air fryer and let it sit on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute.
If you want a darker crust, you can sear the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet for 30 seconds per side after air frying. But for most weeknight meals, the air fryer alone does a good enough job.
Tips For Better Air Fryer Steak
These small adjustments make a big difference in texture and flavor.
- Choose the right cut. Ribeye, sirloin, strip steak, and filet mignon work best. Avoid very lean cuts like eye of round, which can become tough.
- Bring the steak to room temperature. Let it sit on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer. Air fryers vary in power. A thermometer removes the guesswork and prevents overcooking.
- Don’t skip the rest. Resting is not optional. If you cut into the steak immediately, the juices run out and the meat tastes dry.
- Add a little oil. A light coating of high-smoke-point oil, like avocado or canola, helps conduct heat and improves browning.
- Clean the basket after use. Grease can build up and cause smoke the next time you use the air fryer.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced cooks make these errors when using an air fryer for steak.
Overcrowding The Basket
If the steaks touch each other or the sides of the basket, they will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed.
Not Preheating
A cold air fryer adds several minutes to the cook time and can leave the inside overcooked before the outside browns. Always preheat.
Using The Wrong Temperature
Some recipes suggest 350°F for a gentler cook. That works for thick steaks, but for thin cuts, 400°F is better. Lower temperatures can dry out thin steaks before they brown.
Forgetting To Flip
Air fryers circulate hot air from the top. If you don’t flip the steak, the bottom will stay pale and undercooked. Set a timer to remind yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions people ask most about air fryer steak timing.
Can I Cook A Frozen Steak In An Air Fryer?
Yes, but it takes longer. Add about 5 to 7 minutes to the total cook time. Cook at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes for a 1-inch frozen steak, flipping halfway. The outside will brown before the inside thaws, so check the temperature carefully.
How Do I Get A Better Sear On My Steak In An Air Fryer?
Pat the steak very dry, rub it with a little oil, and preheat the air fryer to its highest setting (usually 400°F). You can also finish the steak in a hot skillet for 30 seconds per side.
What Is The Best Internal Temperature For Steak?
For medium-rare, pull the steak at 130°F to 135°F. For medium, pull at 140°F to 145°F. For medium-well, pull at 150°F to 155°F. The temperature will rise another 5 degrees while resting.
Do I Need To Use Aluminum Foil In The Air Fryer?
No. Aluminum foil can block airflow and prevent browning. If you want easy cleanup, place a small piece of foil under the steak, but do not wrap it.
How Long Do You Put Steak In An Air Fryer At 375°F?
At 375°F, add about 2 to 3 minutes to the times listed above. For a 1-inch steak, cook for 12 to 14 minutes for medium-rare, flipping halfway.
With these guidelines, you can cook a steak in your air fryer that is tender, juicy, and properly browned. The key is to match the time to the thickness of your cut and always check the internal temperature before serving.