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The Juiciest Air Fryer Steak: Perfect Cook Times for Any Cut (Crispy Outside, Tender Inside)

Perfectly cooked and sliced air fryer steak, glistening with juices and topped with minced garlic and parsley.
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Learn how to cook steak in the air fryer for a restaurant-quality meal. This easy air fryer steak recipe guarantees a juicy, tender interior with a perfectly seared, crispy crust in under 25 minutes.

Ingredients

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  • 2 (1-inch thick) steaks (Ribeye, Sirloin, or NY Strip recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for basting, optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed (for basting, optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (for basting, optional)

Instructions

  1. Remove steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Pat them completely dry using paper towels. This step is key for a crispy crust.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the olive oil over both sides of the steaks, then evenly coat them with the seasoning mixture.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  4. Place the seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overlap them.
  5. Cook for 6 minutes. Flip the steaks.
  6. Continue cooking, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for your desired doneness (see note below). For medium-rare, cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes.
  7. If using the optional garlic butter, place the butter, smashed garlic, and herbs on top of the steaks during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Spoon the melted butter over the steaks as they finish.
  8. Remove the steaks from the air fryer and place them on a cutting board. Let them rest, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This resting period keeps the steak juicy.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer for the best results. Remove the steak 5 degrees before your target temperature, as carryover cooking will raise the temperature while resting.
  • Target Temperatures (Remove from Air Fryer): Rare: 120°F; Medium-Rare: 125°F; Medium: 135°F; Medium-Well: 145°F.
  • For steak bites, cut the raw steak into 1-inch cubes, toss with oil and seasoning, and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://daisyrecipe.com/air-fryer-steak-recipe-juicy-tender-crust/