Steak in the Air Fryer
Ready in about 16 minutes.
Published by the RecipeAirFryer editorial team · How we source times · Updated
Times and temperatures come from our reviewed cooking database. Explanatory text on each page is generated from that entry so the numbers stay consistent.
Cook a 2.5 cm steak in an air fryer at 200°C / 400°F for 8-14 minutes, flipping halfway, and pull it at 54°C / 130°F for medium-rare.
Written for 2. Cook in batches rather than stacking if you scale up.
Ingredients
- 2 steaks (rib-eye or sirloin, about 2.5 cm thick)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Method
- 1Take the steaks out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and pat dry.
- 2Rub with oil, then season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- 3Preheat the air fryer to 200°C / 400°F for 3 minutes.
- 4Air fry for 8-14 minutes, flipping halfway, depending on thickness and doneness.
- 5Aim for 54°C / 130°F for medium-rare, then rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the best results
- A steakhouse-style crust and your perfect doneness inside, all in the air fryer. Fast, mess-free and reliably delicious.
- Use a thermometer - air fryers vary and steak overcooks fast.
- Rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Crowding the basket so air fryer steak steams instead of browning.
- Skipping the flip halfway, which leaves one side pale.
- Trusting the clock instead of a probe - Air Fryer Steak is ready at 54°C / 130°F in the thickest part.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook steak in an air fryer?
At 200°C / 400°F, a 2.5 cm steak takes 8-14 minutes depending on thickness. Flip halfway and rest 5 minutes. Medium-rare is about 54°C / 130°F before the rest; that is a doneness preference - the USDA FSIS safe-temperature chart lists 63°C / 145°F with a 3-minute rest as the safe minimum for steaks.
What temperature and time for air fryer steak?
A typical starting point is 200°C / 400°F for 8-14 min, flip halfway. Thickness and wattage change the finish, so check early.
How do I know air fryer steak is cooked through?
Use a probe in the thickest part. Air Fryer Steak should reach 54°C / 130°F. Rest a few minutes before slicing so juices settle.
How many people does air fryer steak serve?
This recipe is written for 2. For a fuller basket, cook in batches rather than stacking, or add a couple of minutes and shake more often.
What temperature is medium steak?
Pull the steak at about 57-60°C / 135-140°F for medium, remembering it climbs a few degrees while resting.