Medium well steak in the air fryer cooks evenly when you preheat the basket and use a meat thermometer to reach the target temperature. Learning how to make medium well steak in air fryer is easier then you might think, and it takes less time than oven roasting.
You get a steak with a warm pink center and a nicely browned outside. No grill needed. Just a few basic tools and about 15 minutes.
What Medium Well Steak Means
Medium well sits between medium and well done. The inside is mostly cooked through with a hint of pink in the middle.
The target internal temperature is 150°F to 155°F. Pull the steak at 150°F and let it rest. The temp will rise a few degrees as it sits.
- Medium: 140°F to 145°F
- Medium well: 150°F to 155°F
- Well done: 160°F and above
If you want any pink at all, do not let it go past 155°F. After that it turns gray and dry.
Best Cuts Of Steak For The Air Fryer
Not every cut works well in an air fryer. You want steaks that are at least 1 inch thick and fairly even in shape.
- Ribeye: great marbling, stays juicy
- New York strip: firm texture, cooks evenly
- Sirloin: leaner, but still tender at medium well
- T-bone: works if it fits your basket
- Filet mignon: tender, but watch it closely
Avoid thin cuts like flank or skirt steak. They cook to fast and turn tough.
Tools And Ingredients You Need
Keep it simple. You do not need much for this method.
- Air fryer with a basket
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil
For the steak itself:
- 1 steak, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter for finishing
How To Make Medium Well Steak In Air Fryer
Follow these steps in order. The whole process takes about 15 to 18 minutes including rest time.
Step 1: Preheat The Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 5 minutes. This matters. A hot basket gives you a better sear on the outside.
If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, just run it empty for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Pat The Steak Dry
Use paper towels to dry both sides of the steak. Moisture steams the meat instead of browning it.
Dry steak equals better crust. This is one of the most overlooked steps.
Step 3: Season Both Sides
Rub the steak with oil first. Then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika if you like. Press the seasoning in with your fingers so it sticks.
Step 4: Place The Steak In The Basket
Put the steak in the basket in a single layer. Do not stack or crowd it.
If you are cooking two steaks, leave space between them so the hot air moves around each one.
Step 5: Cook At 400°F
Cook for 6 minutes, then flip. Cook another 4 to 6 minutes on the second side.
Total cook time depends on thickness:
- 1 inch thick: 10 to 12 minutes total
- 1.5 inches thick: 12 to 15 minutes total
- 2 inches thick: 15 to 18 minutes total
These times are a starting point. Your air fryer model runs hotter or cooler than others, so always check with a thermometer.
Step 6: Check The Temperature
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, away from bone and fat.
You want 150°F for medium well. If it reads lower, put it back in for 2 minutes and check again.
Do not guess by color alone. A thermometer is the only reliable way to hit your target.
Step 7: Rest The Steak
Move the steak to a cutting board or plate. Tent it loosely with foil.
Let it rest for 5 to 8 minutes. The juices redistribute during this time, so the steak stays moist when you cut it.
If you add butter, put a small pat on top right before resting. It melts into the crust.
Step 8: Slice Against The Grain
Find the direction of the muscle fibers and cut across them. This shortens the fibers and makes each bite more tender.
Slice into strips about half an inch thick.
Tips For Better Results
- Bring the steak to room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking. It cooks more evenly.
- Do not skip the preheat. A cold basket leads to uneven cooking.
- Flip only once. Opening the basket too often drops the temperature.
- Use a light coat of oil on the basket if your model tends to stick.
- For thicker steaks, lower the temp to 380°F and add 2 to 3 minutes. This prevents the outside from burning before the center cooks.
- Let the air fryer cool and wipe the basket after each use. Built-up grease affects flavor.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Most problems come from a few simple errors.
- Overcrowding the basket so the steak steams instead of sears
- Skipping the thermometer and guessing doneness
- Cooking cold steak straight from the fridge
- Cutting the steak right away without resting it
- Using a steak that is too thin for the air fryer
Fix these and your results improve right away.
Serving Ideas
Medium well steak pairs well with simple sides. Keep the plate balanced and easy.
- Air fryer potato wedges
- Steamed green beans with butter
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Grilled asparagus
You can also slice the steak over rice or a baked potato for a full meal.
Final Thoughts
Making medium well steak in an air fryer comes down to three things: a hot preheated basket, the right cook time, and a meat thermometer. Pull the steak at 150°F, rest it for a few minutes, and slice against the grain.
Once you try this method a couple of times, you will know exactly how your air fryer performs. Then you can adjust times and seasonings to suit your taste.