How Long to Cook Steak in Air Fryer: A Complete Guide for Perfect Results Every Time

Cooking steak in an air fryer is not only possible—it’s a game-changer for achieving juicy, flavorful results with minimal effort. The key to success lies in understanding how long to cook your steak based on its thickness, desired doneness, and your air fryer’s settings. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this guide will break down everything you need to know: prep steps, precise cooking times, temperature adjustments, and pro tips to avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll consistently turn out restaurant-quality steaks from your air fryer.

Why Air Fryers Are Great for Cooking Steak

Before diving into timing, let’s address why air fryers excel at steak. Unlike ovens, which can have uneven heat distribution, air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to sear the surface quickly while locking in juices. This mimics the high-heat searing of a cast-iron skillet but with less mess and more control. The compact space also means faster preheating and cooking, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or last-minute meals.

Step 1: Prep Your Steak for Optimal Results

No matter the thickness, proper preparation is non-negotiable. Follow these steps to set yourself up for success:

Thaw Completely (If Frozen)

Never cook a partially frozen steak—ice crystals prevent even cooking and lead to a tough texture. Thaw steaks in the fridge overnight, or use the cold-water method (sealed in a bag, submerged in cold water, changing every 30 minutes) for faster thawing (about 1–2 hours for a 1-inch steak).

Pat Dry with Paper Towels

Moisture on the surface inhibits the Maillard reaction—the chemical process that creates a crispy, golden-brown crust. Blot the steak dry on all sides, paying extra attention to fatty edges.

Season Generously

Salt and pepper are essential, but don’t stop there. For depth, rub the steak with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favorite steak seasoning 30 minutes before cooking. Avoid acidic marinades (like citrus or vinegar) unless you’re using them sparingly; they can toughen the meat.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Always preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes at your target temperature (usually 380–400°F / 193–204°C). A hot basket ensures immediate searing, preventing the steak from steaming instead of browning.

How Long to Cook Steak in Air Fryer: By Thickness & Doneness

The most critical factor is your steak’s thickness. A 1-inch (2.5cm) steak cooks much faster than a 2-inch (5cm) cut. Below is a detailed breakdown for common steak thicknesses, from thin cuts to thick ribeyes.

For a 1-Inch (2.5cm) Steak (e.g., Sirloin, Flank)

​Target Doneness:​​ Medium-Rare (130–135°F / 54–57°C internal temp)

• ​Temperature:​​ 400°F (204°C)

• ​Time:​​ 6–8 minutes total, flipping halfway.

  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

  • Place steak in the basket, cook 3–4 minutes, flip, then cook another 3–4 minutes.

• ​For Medium (140–145°F / 60–63°C):​​ Add 1–2 minutes total (7–9 minutes).

For a 1.5-Inch (3.8cm) Steak (e.g., New York Strip, Ribeye)

​Target Doneness:​​ Medium-Rare

• ​Temperature:​​ 380°F (193°C) (slightly lower to avoid over-searing the thinner edges)

• ​Time:​​ 10–12 minutes total, flipping every 3–4 minutes.

  • Preheat to 380°F.

  • Cook 4–5 minutes, flip, cook 4–5 minutes, then flip again and cook 1–2 minutes more (adjust based on your air fryer’s heat consistency).

• ​For Medium:​​ Add 2–3 minutes total (12–15 minutes).

For a 2-Inch (5cm) or Thicker Steak (e.g., Porterhouse, Tomahawk)

Thick cuts require patience to avoid a burnt exterior and raw center. Use the “reverse sear” method for best results:

• ​Step 1:​​ Low and slow to cook through.

  • Set air fryer to 250°F (121°C).

  • Cook steak 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until internal temp reaches 110–115°F (43–46°C).

• ​Step 2:​​ High-heat sear.

  • Increase temp to 400°F (204°C).

  • Sear 3–4 minutes per side for a crispy crust. Total time: ~25–30 minutes for medium-rare.

How to Check Doneness Without a Thermometer

If you don’t own an instant-read thermometer (though I highly recommend one), use the “hand method”:

• ​Rare:​​ Press the fleshy part of your thumb where the thumb meets the palm (base of the thumb). The steak should feel soft, with slight give.

• ​Medium-Rare:​​ Touch the pad of your index finger to your thumb. The steak should feel springy, like the area below your thumb.

• ​Medium:​​ Touch middle finger to thumb—firm but still yielding.

• ​Well-Done:​​ Touch ring finger to thumb—very firm, little give.

Resting Your Steak: The Most Overlooked Step

No matter how perfectly you cook it, skipping the rest ruins your steak. Let it sit on a cutting board, loosely tented with foil, for 5–10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute; cutting immediately causes them to leak out, leaving dry meat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. ​Overcrowding the Basket:​​ Cook steaks one at a time or leave space between them. Overcrowding lowers the air fryer’s temperature, leading to steaming instead of searing.

2. ​Skipping the Preheat:​​ A cold basket leads to uneven cooking. Always preheat.

3. ​Using Too Low a Temperature:​​ Air fryers thrive at high heat. For a good crust, stick to 380–400°F (193–204°C).

4. ​Pressing Down on the Steak:​​ This squeezes out juices and flattens the meat. Resist the urge to press with a spatula.

Adjusting for Your Air Fryer Model

Not all air fryers are created equal. Some run hotter (like Ninja models), others cooler (some budget brands). Keep a kitchen thermometer handy the first few times you cook steak—note how long it takes to reach your desired internal temp, and adjust future cooking times accordingly.

Final Tips for Next-Level Steaks

• ​Add Butter & Herbs at the End:​​ In the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the steak with melted butter, then add rosemary or thyme. The air fryer’s hot air will infuse the steak with aromatic flavor.

• ​Use a Rack:​​ Elevating the steak on a small wire rack allows hot air to circulate underneath, ensuring even cooking on all sides.

• ​Let It Rest Before Slicing:​​ As mentioned, this is non-negotiable. Cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Cooking steak in an air fryer is about precision and patience. By following these guidelines—adjusting time for thickness, preheating properly, and resting your steak—you’ll achieve a juicy, flavorful result every time. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, your air fryer is now your go-to tool for perfect steaks.