Cooking steak in an air fryer is a simple way to achieve a nicely seared exterior with a juicy, tender centre — without the smoke, splatter, or constant monitoring of a pan. Whether you like your steak rare, medium, or well done, the air fryer delivers consistent heat and reliable results.
How Long Does Steak Take in an Air Fryer?
Cooking time depends on steak thickness and your preferred doneness. The guide below is based on steaks around 2–3 cm thick, cooked at 200°C.
| Doneness | Cook Time | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 6–7 minutes | 52–55°C |
| Medium rare | 8–9 minutes | 55–57°C |
| Medium | 10–12 minutes | 60–63°C |
| Medium well | 12–13 minutes | 65–67°C |
| Well done | 13–15 minutes | 70°C+ |
Tip: Always rest steak for about 5 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute.
How to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer
1. Choose the right cut
Ribeye, sirloin, scotch fillet, rump, and tenderloin all work well. Steaks with some marbling stay juicier during air frying.
2. Bring to room temperature
Let the steak sit out for 15–20 minutes before cooking to promote even doneness.
3. Season generously
Lightly coat with oil and season with salt and pepper. Add garlic powder or steak seasoning if desired.
4. Preheat the air fryer
Preheat to 200°C to help create a good initial sear.
5. Cook and flip
Place the steak in a single layer in the basket. Cook according to your preferred doneness, flipping halfway through.
6. Rest before slicing
Resting allows the juices to settle, keeping the steak moist and flavourful.
Tips for Better Air-Fried Steak
- Pat the steak dry before seasoning to improve browning.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
- Avoid overcrowding — cook one or two steaks at a time.
- Finish with a small knob of butter or herb butter after cooking.
- Thicker steaks may need an extra minute or two.
What to Serve with Steak
- Air-fried potatoes or wedges
- Steamed or roasted vegetables
- Garlic mushrooms
- Fresh green salad
- Grilled or air-fried asparagus
Simple sides work best, letting the flavour of the steak take centre stage.
Choosing an Air Fryer for Steak Cooking
For consistently cooked steak, it helps to use an air fryer with stable temperature control and enough basket space for proper airflow. You can explore air fryers suitable for high-heat cooking to compare sizes and features before deciding.
