You want a perfectly cooked steak without firing up the grill. Learning how to cook a medium well steak in the air fryer is a fantastic way to get a great result with minimal mess.
It’s quicker than traditional methods and surprisingly simple. This guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right cut to getting that ideal pink center.
How To Cook A Medium Well Steak In The Air Fryer
This method focuses on achieving a medium-well finish, which means a warm, mostly brown center with just a hint of pink. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation creates a wonderful crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Steak?
Air fryers are not just for fries. They excel at cooking meat because they circulate very hot air. This gives you a seared exterior quickly.
It’s a cleaner process than pan-frying. You’ll have less smoke and splatter in your kitchen. The preheating time is also usually faster than an oven.
- Speed: Cooks faster than an oven, often in under 15 minutes.
- Convenience: Easy to use and even easier to clean up afterwards.
- Consistency: The circulating heat cooks the steak evenly on all sides.
- Less Grease: You use significantly less oil than pan-frying.
Choosing the Best Steak Cut
Not all steaks are created equal, especially for air frying. Thicker cuts with good marbling work best.
Thin steaks can overcook to quickly in the hot air. Aim for a cut that is at least 1 inch thick. This gives you a buffer to get the crust right without overcooking the middle.
- Ribeye: Excellent marbling means great flavor and juiciness. A top choice.
- Strip Steak (New York Strip): Tender with a bit less fat than ribeye, but still fantastic.
- T-Bone/Porterhouse: Offers two textures in one steak. The bone can affect cooking time slightly.
- Filet Mignon: Very tender. Because it’s lean, be extra careful not to overcook it.
- Sirloin: A more budget-friendly option that still turns out well.
Steaks to Avoid for Medium Well
Very thin cuts like skirt or flank steak can work, but they move from rare to well-done extremly fast. For a reliable medium-well, stick with the thicker cuts listed above.
Essential Tools and Ingredients
You don’t need much to get started. Here’s your simple checklist.
- Air Fryer: Any model will work, but basket styles are easiest.
- Meat Thermometer: This is non-negotiable for perfect doneness. A digital instant-read is best.
- Steak: 1 to 1.5 inches thick, brought close to room temperature.
- Oil: A high-smoke point oil like avocado, canola, or light olive oil.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper are the classics. Garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika are great additions.
- Tongs: For handling the steak.
- Plate & Foil: For resting the steak after cooking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps closely for a perfect medium well steak every single time.
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Take the steak out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good crust.
Drizzle a light coat of oil on both sides. Then, season generously with salt and pepper and any other seasonings you like. Press the seasoning into the meat.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating is crucial for that initial sear. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it run for about 5 minutes. This ensures the cooking environment is hot right when the steak goes in.
Step 3: Cook to Medium Well
Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
For a 1-inch thick steak:
- Cook at 400°F for 6-7 minutes.
- Flip the steak using tongs.
- Cook for another 6-7 minutes.
This is your baseline. The exact time will always depend on your air fryer model and the steak’s thickness. This is where your thermometer becomes vital.
Step 4: Check the Temperature
Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, away from any bone.
- For Medium Well, you want an internal temperature of 150°F to 155°F.
- The steak will continue to cook a bit while resting (called carryover cooking), rising about 5 degrees.
If it’s not at temperature yet, continue cooking in 1-minute increments, checking after each minute. Avoid overcooking.
Step 5: Rest the Steak
This might be the most important step you’re tempted to skip. Transfer the steak to a plate and loosely tent it with foil.
Let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices, which have been driven to the center by the heat, to redistribute throughout the entire steak. If you cut it to soon, all those flavorful juices will just run out onto the plate.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
A few extra tricks can make a big difference in your final result.
- Butter Baste: For extra richness, add a pat of butter, a garlic clove, and a sprig of thyme to the steak for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Leave space around the steak for air to circulate. Cook multiple steaks in batches if needed.
- Thicker Steak Adjustment: For a 1.5-inch steak, try 8-9 minutes per side, always checking the temperature.
- Pre-Salting: For deeper seasoning, salt your steak heavily and leave it uncovered on a rack in the fridge for 1-24 hours before cooking.
- Check Model Manual: Some air fryer brands have specific steak settings you can use as a starting point.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these pitfalls to ensure success.
- Using a Cold Steak: Cooking straight from the fridge leads to an overcooked exterior and cold interior.
- Skipping the Preheat: You won’t get a good sear if the air fryer isn’t hot enough.
- Not Drying the Steak: A wet surface steams instead of sears.
- Overcrowding the Basket: This leads to uneven cooking and a soggy exterior.
- Skipping the Rest: You’ll lose all the juiciness you worked hard to create.
- Guessing Doneness: Relying on time alone or poking the steak is unreliable. Always use a thermometer.
What to Serve With Your Air Fryer Steak
A great steak deserves great sides. Luckily, you can cook many of them in the air fryer too.
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: Crispy skin and fluffy inside.
- Air Fryer Asparagus: Toss with oil, salt, and pepper for 6-8 minutes.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed or cooked right in the air fryer basket after the steak is done.
- Simple Salad: A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the meat.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any juices.
FAQ Section
How long to cook a medium well steak in air fryer?
For a 1-inch thick steak at 400°F, plan for about 12-14 minutes total (6-7 minutes per side). Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 150-155°F for medium well.
Can I cook a frozen steak in the air fryer?
Yes, but you shouldn’t for a specific doneness like medium well. It’s very hard to get the center to the right temperature without severely overcooking the outside. Thawing first is strongly recommended.
Do I need to flip the steak in the air fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway through the cooking time is essential. It ensures even cooking and browning on both sides, just like you would on a grill or in a pan.
Why is my air fryer steak tough?
Toughness usually means it’s overcooked. Even medium-well should be juicy. Next time, check the temperature earlier and remember carryover cooking. Also, choosing a tender cut like ribeye or strip steak helps.
Can I put aluminum foil in the air fryer with steak?
You can, but use caution. Place a small piece under the steak if you’re worried about drippings, but don’t wrap the steak or cover the entire basket. You must allow air to circulate freely underneath the food.
How do I get a better crust on my steak?
Ensure the steak is very dry before seasoning. Make sure the air fryer is fully preheated. You can also brush a very light coat of mayo on the steak instead of oil; the egg and oil in mayo promote incredible browning.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Cleaning your air fryer after cooking steak is important to prevent smoke and odors next time.
Let the appliance cool down completely first. Remove the basket and pan and wash them with warm, soapy water. For stuck-on grease, let them soak for a bit.
Wipe down the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Never submerge the main unit in water. If drippings have burned on the heating element, run the empty air fryer at 400°F for a few minutes to burn them off, then wipe it out once cool.
Final Thoughts
Cooking a medium well steak in the air fryer is a reliable technique for a quick, delicious meal. The key is starting with a good cut, patting it dry, and most importantly, using a meat thermometer to hit that perfect 150-155°F internal temperature.
Don’t forget to let it rest before slicing. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make a steak that rivals any restaurant, right from your countertop. It’s a simple method that delivers impressive results with very little cleanup required.