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How to Cook Steak in an Air Fryer
Quick Answer
Air fry steak at 400°F (205°C) for 10–16 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness, flipping once at the halfway mark. A 1-inch ribeye or New York strip reaches medium-rare (130–135°F) in 10–12 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer — timing alone is unreliable for steak. Rest for 3–5 minutes before cutting. The air fryer won't replicate a cast-iron crust, but produces excellent results especially for even interior doneness.
From the AirFryHub timing table
This guide links back to the canonical timing row for Steak, so the advice stays aligned with the chart data.
- Temperature
- 400°F / 205°C
- Time range
- 10–14 min
- Table row
- Ribeye / NY strip — 1 in / 2.5 cm thick
Use the full Air Fryer Steak timing page for row notes, related foods, and safety reminders.
Choosing the right steak
The best air fryer steaks are at least 1 inch thick — thinner cuts cook through before the surface has time to develop color. Ribeye and New York strip hold up best due to their fat content (the fat renders and self-bastes during cooking). Sirloin and filet mignon also work but are leaner — a light oil coat is essential. Avoid very thin steaks (under ¾ inch) — they will be overcooked before browning occurs. Bring the steak to room temperature for 20–30 minutes before cooking for more even results.
Seasoning and preparation
Pat the steak completely dry — this is the single most important step for surface browning. Season generously on both sides with coarse salt and black pepper at minimum; add garlic powder and smoked paprika for extra flavor. For dry-brined results, salt the steak at least 45 minutes ahead (or overnight in the refrigerator uncovered) — the salt draws moisture out then back in, seasoning the interior and producing a drier, better-browning surface. Apply a very thin coat of oil — avocado or light olive oil, not extra-virgin.
Cooking to your preferred doneness
Preheat to 400°F (205°C) for 3–4 minutes. Cook the steak for half the total estimated time, flip, and continue. Internal temperature targets: rare 120–125°F (49–52°C); medium-rare 130–135°F (54–57°C); medium 140–145°F (60–63°C); medium-well 150–155°F (65–68°C); well-done 160°F+ (71°C+). Pull the steak 5°F below your target — carryover cooking during the rest raises it to the final temperature. A 1-inch steak: medium-rare in 10–12 min; medium in 12–14 min. A 1.5-inch steak: medium-rare in 14–17 min; medium in 17–20 min.
Resting and finishing
Rest the steak on a cutting board or warm plate, loosely tented with foil, for 3–5 minutes — not in the air fryer or in a sealed container, which continues cooking. During the rest, internal temperature rises 3–5°F and the muscle fibers relax, allowing juices to redistribute rather than pour out on the first cut. For a finishing touch, add a small knob of compound butter (butter with garlic, herbs, or blue cheese) on top of the resting steak — it melts into the meat during the rest and adds a restaurant-quality finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you cook a steak in an air fryer?
- Yes, and air fryer steak comes out remarkably well — not as good as a cast-iron sear or a grill for the crust, but significantly better than oven-baked and far faster. The circulating air browns the surface while cooking the interior evenly, similar to a convection oven but much faster. Best results come from: a steak at least 1 inch thick (thinner cuts overcook before the surface browns), high temperature (400°F+), preheated basket, a flip at the midpoint, and a 3-5 minute rest before cutting. Ribeye and New York strip hold up best; filet mignon works but does not develop as much crust.
- How long do you air fry steak at 400°F?
- At 400°F (205°C), a 1-inch steak takes: rare (125°F) — 8–10 min; medium-rare (130–135°F) — 10–12 min; medium (140–145°F) — 12–14 min; well-done (160°F) — 15–18 min. Flip once at the midpoint. A 1.5-inch steak adds approximately 4–6 minutes. Always rest the steak for 3–5 minutes under loose foil after cooking — the internal temperature rises 3–5°F and juices redistribute.
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Last updated June 19, 2026 · Reviewed by Maks