Air Fryer Steak: Juicy Results, Less Fuss (Print Version)

Get tender, juicy air fryer steak every time. My easy recipe shares personal tips, tricks, and "oops" moments for a perfectly cooked steak.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 52 minutes
Servings: 2 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Steak & Base

01 - Steak (Ribeye or Sirloin, 1-inch thick): You want a good cut, about 1-inch thick, for that perfect air fryer steak. Honestly, don't skimp here; a decent steak makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
02 - Olive Oil: Just a drizzle to help the seasoning stick and promote that lovely crust. I've tried other oils, but olive oil just feels right, lending a subtle, rich flavor.

→ Flavor Rub

03 - Garlic Powder: A must-have for depth. I'm a garlic fiend, so I usually go a little heavier than the recipe calls for. Fresh garlic can burn in the air fryer, so powder is your friend here!
04 - Onion Powder: Adds a sweet, savory note that complements the beef. It's one of those background flavors you don't notice until it's missing, you know?
05 - Smoked Paprika: This gives a beautiful color and a hint of smoky warmth. It’s not spicy, just adds a lovely dimension. I once used regular paprika by mistake, and it just wasn't the same.
06 - Dried Rosemary: Earthy and aromatic, it pairs beautifully with steak. I often crush it between my fingers before sprinkling to release more of its oils.
07 - Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Non-negotiables! Season generously, but always to your taste. I usually go a bit heavy on the pepper for that extra kick.

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, take your steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to cook. This lets it come to room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly. Pat it *really* dry with paper towels; this is crucial for that gorgeous crust we're aiming for. Honestly, I used to skip this, and my steaks were always a bit steamed instead of seared. Don't be like past me!
02 - In a small bowl, mix together your garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Drizzle your steak all over with olive oil, then rub that seasoning blend generously onto both sides. Get into those nooks and crannies! I always make a bit of a mess here, but it's worth it for a well-seasoned air fryer steak.
03 - Now, get that air fryer hot! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This is like preheating an oven for baking; it ensures an even cook and a good sear right from the start. I once forgot this step, and the steak took ages to cook, plus the crust wasn't as crisp. Learn from my oops!
04 - Carefully place your seasoned steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't overcrowd it! Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. For a medium-rare steak, I usually aim for 8-10 minutes, but it depends on your steak's thickness and your air fryer. Use a meat thermometer, please, it's a game-changer!
05 - This is where that meat thermometer comes in handy. For medium-rare, you're looking for 130-135°F (54-57°C). Medium is 135-140°F (57-60°C). Remember, it'll continue to cook a bit after you take it out, so pull it slightly before your target temp. I've pulled steaks too late before, and they ended up a little over. A moment of silence for those lost pink centers!
06 - Once cooked to your liking, immediately remove the steak from the air fryer and place it on a cutting board. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This step is non-negotiable! It allows the juices to redistribute, giving you a tender, juicy air fryer steak. Then, slice against the grain and serve. The aroma, oh my goodness, it's incredible!

# Notes:

01 - Always let your steak rest, hon. It makes all the difference, trust me on this one!
02 - Leftover steak is amazing in salads or sandwiches, but don't reheat it in the air fryer, it gets tough.
03 - No fresh rosemary? Dried works in a pinch, just use less – about 1/2 teaspoon for this recipe.
04 - A pat of compound butter melting over a hot air fryer steak is pure magic, you'll thank me later.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Air fryer
02 - meat thermometer
03 - tongs
04 - cutting board
05 - small mixing bowl

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 400
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 3g
Protein: 35g

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