Cooking steak in the air fryer has become my favorite way to do it! It’s a foolproof method that comes out perfectly every time. Air fryer steak is a quick weeknight meal for anyone, but especially simplifies things for those eating paleo, Whole30, keto or those simply sticking to eating more real foods. Really, anyone with an air fryer who loves a good steak will enjoy this recipe!
The air fryer is one of those appliances I didn’t think I really needed. After 2 years with it, I can honestly say that I thought wrong. Either myself or my husband use it at least every other day, and so much so that it rarely leaves our counter, and I most certainly use it more than my oven. It’s perfect for cooking veggie side dishes, reheating leftovers, making breakfast potatoes, chicken wings, or making chicken tenders.
And, for a long time now, it’s been our go-to method for cooking steak. It’s so simple, but I figured I should get it on the blog so that everyone can use their air fryer for this, too! The air fryer works really well for steak because it’s so hands off, comes out perfect and juicy every time, and while it cooks, you have just enough time to get your sides ready so dinner comes together quickly and easily.
I love going simple with it and serving broccoli and a potato, or some green beans. As for the steak, you can really go what whatever you prefer to season it. We use one of the simple steak seasoning blends we have on hand already. My favorites being the “Minnesota Steak Seasoning” from a local grocery store Lunds & Byerlys. Other seasoning we love on air fryer steak that are national are: Primal Palate Steak Seasoning, Borsari steak seasoning, and FreshJax Keto Chophouse seasoning.
My favorite and the BEST Steak Sauce to pair with this is Primal Kitchen Steak Sauce. It’s sugar-free, Paleo, Whole30 Approved and Keto. The code “PALEOBAILEY” saves you 10% off! Or, you can get it from Thrive Market.
More Healthy Air Fryer Recipes
PrintPerfect Air Fryer Steak: Paleo, Whole30, Keto, Easy!
Air Fryer Steak is a foolproof method that comes out perfectly every time. Air fryer steak is a quick weeknight meal for anyone, but especially simplifies things for those eating paleo, Whole30, keto or those simply sticking to eating more real foods.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Protein
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 sirloin steaks
- 2–3 tbsp steak seasoning
- Spray oil or cooking fat of choice (I prefer avocado oil)
Instructions
- First, pat the steak dry and let come to room temperature
- Spray (or brush) oil lightly on the steak and season liberally
- Spray or coat the bottom of the air fryer basket with oil and place the steaks into the air fryer. The steaks can be touching or sort of “smooshed” in the basket.
- Cook on 400 degrees F. for 6 minutes, flip the steaks and cook for another 6 minutes. If you want your steak more well-done, add an additional 2-3 minutes. Let rest before serving.
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Jenny says
This is the best way to make steaks!! I used to use a cast iron skillet, and after you shared this recipe, I will never go back to cooking steak in the cast iron. The air fryer method is so simple and tasty!
Laura says
So good!!!!! My steaks were thick cut so it too a little longer to cook but dang were they perfect!!!!! So tasty and easy. Oh and beautiful!!!!
Sara says
I used chuck eye steak. They came out surprisingly tasty. Don’t know what I was expecting. Prob should have cooked a few min more, but I seared for 1 min on grill.
Eve says
Made it twice now and love it. I do 8 min on each side for medium.
Kelsey says
I had to make these a second time, just to make sure the first time wasn’t a fluke… it was amazing both times. Steaks cooked perfectly! Absolutely love this option for making steak during the winter, when it’s too chilly to be dealing with the grill. My husband raved and raved about how good these steaks were. Thanks for this simple but amazing recipe!!
paleobailey says
Ahhh I LOVE this!! I’m so glad you both enjoy it – it really is such a great way to make perfect steaks! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and let me know! <3 - B
Faith says
This steak was AMAZING. It cooked perfectly. I would buy an air fryer for this alone, honestly. Can’t wait to try all of the other air fryer recipes!
paleobailey says
I’m so glad you gave it a try!! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, too! It’s super super appreciated 🙂
<3 - B
Hannah says
Got an air fryer recently and this is one of the first recipes we’ve done in it. Steaks were great! Definitely a great alternative during cooler months when we don’t want to grill.
paleobailey says
I’m glad you enjoyed! Definitely a great way to do it to avoid having to get out in the cold 🙂
Sophia G says
I made this last night and…wow, this recipe is perfect. I was worried that air frying a steak would make it a weird color but the steak was beautiful. Follow her instructions exactly, down to the minute, and it will be restaurant quality. I even used my favorite Primal Palate steak seasoning.
Can’t wait to throw the leftovers on top of a salad today.
paleobailey says
LOVE this!! I’m so glad to hear it! My husband was skeptical, too, but now it’s always our go-to! Thank you so much, Sophia! <3 - B
Diana H. says
This steak is SO GOOD! Last night I was craving steak and my husband said it was too dark to grill, so I told him I would air fry it. The look he gave me.. ? But it was a hit!! The crust was perfect. I cooked mine a few extra minutes because I like mine medium-well and am using the leftovers today for steak salad. Thanks for another hit!
paleobailey says
Thank you so much Diana!! I’m so glad it was a hit!! 🙂 – B
MJ says
My life has been forever-changed by this recipe. No restaurant steak compares. This. This right HERE is the one and only way to have an amazing steak at HOME, any time of year. This is the most full-proof recipe. I don’t have steak often but when I do, I cook it this way. I have the recipe memorized. ??
paleobailey says
This is SO great to hear!! Thank you so, so much! I’m so happy you love it as much as I do! <3 - B
A_2_Z says
in apartment life, air fryer steak is the new MVP! So glad I found this recipe, delish!
paleobailey says
I’m SO glad to hear this! Thank you!! <3 - B
Dianna says
I did this with t-bones tonight. So good!!
Starr A. says
Was hesitant for a long time because I am a NY Strip Steak snob, lol, but finally decided to try cooking them in my air fryer. Ohhhh my goodness how delish!!
2 NY Strips about an inch thick each. Let sit to room temp. Dry rub (sprinkled over each steak) Cumin, fresh ground pepper, kosher salt (good amt of salt), paprika, ground garlic, Weber steak spice mix, onion powder. After dry rub, into a dish coated, both sided, light balsamic dressing.
Hubby & I prefer med to med-well. Preheat air fryer for about 3 mins. Put steaks in, 10 mins each side. Done to perfection! Would love to post a pic!!
Kira Salmon says
Dang! I’ve been missing out all this time on making my steaks in the air fryer. Literally turned out perfect!!
paleobailey says
I’m SO glad to hear this! Thank you!!
Evin says
I am so glad I saw you do this. Tried it out tonight and it was so fast, easy and delish. Even had the primal kitchen steak sauce with it. Thanks!
paleobailey says
Oh I’m so so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for giving it a shot! <3 - B
MSJ says
thank you! excited to try this one out…. just got my air fryer the other day and have been trying new things daily! really excited to find this- didn’t even think of steak as an air fryer option!
msj says
this sounds amazingly easy! my air fryer has different cook settings…. and i using “air fry” or something different like “bake” or “roast” for this one?
paleobailey says
Hi! I would assume it would be air fry. Mine doesn’t have that, but I air fried them, so I think that’s probably the setting you’d want 🙂
Andrea says
Because apparently I’m cooking my way through your blog one night at a time lol, tonight I made air fryer steak and DAMN was it delicious. I was a little bit hesitant but the steak turned out amazing. So tender and yummy. Another winner!
paleobailey says
Ahh! SO glad to hear this! I love the air fryer for steak haha but I will admit it sounds a bit strange at first! So glad you gave it a shot 🙂 Thank you! <3 - B
Gina says
Thank you for sharing your instructions! This turned out so well and will for sure be our new go to way for making steak.
paleobailey says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Steak in the air fryer is really just where it’s at haha!! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and let me know! It’s so appreciated! <3 - B
Meredith says
Hi, Bailey! I just discovered you today, but I’ve enjoyed all I’ve read! I am in the midst of my 4th Whole30 over two years–I say 4th because I only count my successful rounds but I’ve had about 4 other starts that failed.
I found you by trying to research Paleo v Whole30 because I always struggle with reintroduction and food freedom so I thought moving into Paleo might help.
I’ve had an air fryer for about 2 years and have used it once! I’m looking forward to trying your recipes!
Thanks for sharing!