Steak in the air fryer cooks to your preferred doneness when the temperature is set correctly. So what temp do i cook steak in air fryer? The short answer is 375°F to 400°F for most cuts, with 400°F giving you the best crust.
The exact temp depends on thickness, doneness, and the cut you pick. Below you’ll find temps, times, and simple steps that work every time.
What Temp Do I Cook Steak In Air Fryer
Most air fryer steak recipes work best between 375°F and 400°F. This range gives you a browned outside without overcooking the middle.
- 375°F: gentler heat, good for thicker cuts and more even cooking
- 390°F: a solid middle ground for one-inch steaks
- 400°F: hottest setting, best for thin steaks and a fast sear
If your air fryer runs hot, drop the temp by 10 to 15 degrees. If it runs cool, go up by the same amout. Every machine is a little different, so your first cook is a test run.
Best Temperature By Steak Thickness
Thickness matters more than the cut name. A thin steak at 400°F can overcook in four minutes. A thick steak at 375°F needs longer and stays juicy.
- Under 1 inch thick: 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes
- 1 inch thick: 390°F for 8 to 10 minutes
- 1.5 inches thick: 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes
- 2 inches thick: 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes
Flip the steak halfway through the cook time. This helps both sides brown evenly and keeps the temp consistent inside the meat.
Internal Temperature For Each Doneness
The air fryer temp is only half the story. The internal temp of the meat tells you when it’s done. Use a meat thermometer for the best results.
- Rare: 120°F to 125°F
- Medium rare: 130°F to 135°F
- Medium: 140°F to 145°F
- Medium well: 150°F to 155°F
- Well done: 160°F and up
Pull the steak out 5 degrees before your target temp. It keeps cooking while it rests on the cutting board. This carryover cooking is real and it can push a medium rare steak into medium fast.
How To Cook Steak In An Air Fryer Step By Step
Follow these steps and you’ll get a good result on your first try. It’s simpler than grilling and much faster than the oven.
- 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. Wet meat steams instead of sears.
- Season both sides with salt and pepper. Add garlic powder or steak rub if you like.
- Preheat the air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. A hot basket gives you a better crust.
- Place the steak in the basket in a single layer. Don’t stack or crowd it.
- Cook at 390°F to 400°F, flipping halfway. Start checking the internal temp a minute or two before the low end of your time range.
- Rest the steak for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices in the meat, not on the plate.
Slice against the grain for the most tender bites. This matters a lot with cuts like flank or skirt steak.
Do You Need Oil Or Butter
A light brush of oil helps browning and keeps seasonings stuck to the meat. Use a high smoke point oil like avocado or canola. Olive oil works too, just don’t go past 400°F with it.
Butter burns at high heat, so save it for the last minute or melt it over the steak after cooking. A garlic butter finish after the rest is a easy way to add flavor.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Not preheating the air fryer, which leads to pale, gray steak
- Crowding the basket so the hot air can’t move around the meat
- Skipping the rest time and losing all the juices
- Going by time only and never checking internal temp
- Using a marinade with lots of sugar at 400°F, which burns fast
If your steak comes out gray on the outside, your temp was too low or the basket was too full. Next time, raise the temp to 400°F and give the steak more space.
Best Cuts For The Air Fryer
Not every cut loves the air fryer. Thick, well-marbled cuts stay juicy. Lean thin cuts can dry out quick.
- Ribeye: great marbling, works well at 390°F
- New York strip: firm texture, good at 400°F
- Sirloin: leaner, keep an eye on the internal temp
- Filet mignon: tender but mild, cook at 375°F so it doesn’t dry
- Flank or skirt: thin, so use 400°F and short times
Frozen steak can go in the air fryer too, but add about 5 to 8 minutes and season it after the first flip. The outside will brown before the inside thaws, so lower the temp to 375°F for frozen cuts.
Quick Temps And Times Chart
Here’s a fast reference you can save for your next cook. Times are for a preheated air fryer at the listed temp.
- 1 inch ribeye, medium rare: 390°F, 8 to 10 minutes
- 1 inch strip, medium: 390°F, 9 to 11 minutes
- 1.5 inch filet, medium rare: 375°F, 11 to 13 minutes
- Thin flank steak, medium rare: 400°F, 6 to 8 minutes
- Frozen sirloin, medium: 375°F, 15 to 18 minutes
Your air fryer model, the size of the steak, and even the starting temp of the meat all change these numbers a bit. Treat them as a starting point, not a rule book.
The best habit you can build is using a thermometer every single time. After two or three cooks, you’ll know your machine and you won’t need to guess at all. Set the temp, watch the internal reading, rest the meat, and you’ll get a steak that’s cooked just how you like it.