If you want to know how long to put steak in air fryer for medium well, the short answer is 10 to 13 minutes at 400°F, depending on thickness. That range gives you a steak with a warm pink center and a nicely browned outside.
Air fryers cook steak faster than a regular oven because the hot air moves around the meat. So timing matters a lot. A few extra minutes can push your steak from medium well to well done.
This guide breaks down exact times by thickness, plus prep steps, resting time, and tips for getting a good sear.
How Long To Put Steak In Air Fryer For Medium Well
Medium well means the center is mostly cooked with just a hint of pink. The internal temperature should read between 150°F and 155°F. Here is the basic timing at 400°F.
- 1 inch thick steak: 10 to 11 minutes
- 1.25 inch thick steak: 11 to 12 minutes
- 1.5 inch thick steak: 12 to 13 minutes
- 2 inch thick steak: 13 to 15 minutes
Always flip the steak halfway through cooking. This helps both sides brown evenly and keeps the heat distribution balanced.
These times assume you preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes. If you skip preheating, add 2 to 3 minutes to the total.
Why Steak Thickness Changes The Cooking Time
Heat has to travel from the surface to the middle of the meat. A thick steak takes longer for that heat to reach the center. A thin steak cooks through much faster.
This is why you cant use one single time for every steak. A 1 inch ribeye and a 2 inch sirloin need very different cook times, even in the same air fryer.
Use a meat thermometer to be sure. Stick it into the thickest part of the steak, away from bone and fat. When it reads 150°F, pull the steak out.
Temperature Setting For Medium Well Steak
Set your air fryer to 400°F for the best results. This high heat creates a browned crust while cooking the inside at a steady pace.
Some air fryers run hotter or cooler than the dial says. If yours tends to run hot, try 390°F. If it runs cool, bump it to 410°F.
You can also use a lower temp like 375°F for a gentler cook. Just add 2 to 4 minutes to the total time.
Step By Step Guide To Air Fryer Steak
Follow these steps for a reliable medium well steak every time.
- Take the steak out of the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. Room temp meat cooks more evenly.
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Moisture on the surface stops browning.
- Brush both sides with a little oil. Canola, avocado, or olive oil all work fine.
- Season well with salt and pepper. Add garlic powder or onion powder if you like.
- Preheat the air fryer at 400°F for 5 minutes.
- Place the steak in the basket in a single layer. Do not stack or crowd it.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then flip the steak with tongs.
- Cook another 5 to 8 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check the internal temp at the 10 minute mark. Pull at 150°F for medium well.
- Let the steak rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Resting is not optional. It lets the juices settle back into the meat instead of running out on the board.
How To Check Doneness Without A Thermometer
A thermometer is the best tool, but you can also use the touch test. Press the center of the steak with your finger.
- Medium rare: soft and squishy, like your cheek
- Medium: springy with some give, like your chin
- Medium well: firm with slight bounce, like your forehead
- Well done: very firm with almost no give
The touch test takes practice. A thermometer gives you exact numbers, so use one when you can.
Tips For Better Air Fryer Steak
Small changes make a big difference in texture and flavor. Try these tips on your next cook.
- Choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Thin cuts overcook fast.
- Trim excess fat but leave a little for flavor.
- Use a meat rack if your air fryer has one. It lifts the steak so air flows under it.
- Avoid stacking steaks. Cook in batches if needed.
- Flip only once. Opening the basket too much drops the heat.
- Add a pat of butter on top after cooking for extra richness.
Some people like to sear the steak in a hot pan for 30 seconds per side after air frying. This adds a deeper crust. It is optional but works well for thick cuts.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
These errors lead to tough, dry, or unevenly cooked steak.
- Cooking cold steak straight from the fridge
- Skipping the preheat
- Not drying the surface before seasoning
- Overcrowding the basket
- Cutting the steak right after cooking
- Relying on time alone instead of temperature
If you avoid these, your steak will come out tender and juicy most of the time.
Does Steak Type Affect Cooking Time
Yes, but not as much as thickness. Ribeye, sirloin, strip, and tenderloin all cook at similar rates when cut to the same thickness.
Marbling plays a role. A well marbled ribeye stays juicy even if you cook it a bit past medium well. A lean cut like sirloin dries out faster, so watch the temp closely.
Bone in steaks take slightly longer because the bone blocks heat. Add 1 to 2 minutes for bone in cuts.
Frozen Steak In The Air Fryer
You can cook steak from frozen, but it takes longer. Add about 5 to 7 minutes to the total time. Set the temp to 400°F and flip halfway.
Frozen steak also browns less evenly. For best results, thaw it in the fridge overnight first.
Resting And Serving Your Medium Well Steak
After the steak hits 150°F, move it to a board or plate. Cover it loosely with foil. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
The temp will rise another 5°F while resting. This is called carryover cooking. So pulling at 150°F gives you a final temp near 155°F, right in the medium well zone.
Slice against the grain for the most tender bites. Serve with roasted potatoes, a simple salad, or steamed veggies.
If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes so the meat doesnt dry out.
With the right time and temp, air fryer steak is quick, clean, and consistent. Use the chart above, check with a thermometer, and you will get medium well steak without the guesswork.