Description
This Air Fryer Steak recipe delivers a perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender ribeye or sirloin with a crispy crust using the convenience of an air fryer. With minimal prep and quick cooking, this method is an excellent way to enjoy restaurant-quality steak at home without heating your entire kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak
- 1 pound thick-cut boneless ribeye or sirloin steak
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Place an oven-safe bowl directly underneath the air fryer inlay or grid so that it is close to the heating element. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes to ensure it reaches the ideal cooking temperature for a nice crispy crust.
- Season the Steak: Pat the steak dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture. Generously season both sides of the steak evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor and help create a crust.
- Cook the Steak: Lay the seasoned steak in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Cook for 10-12 minutes for medium-rare doneness, flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time to promote even cooking. Adjust cooking duration for preferred doneness.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: Remove the steak when it is about 5°F below your target internal temperature, as the steak will continue to cook slightly after removal while resting.
- Rest the Steak: Allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This rest period permits the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak with a crispy crust.
- Slice and Serve: To maximize tenderness, slice the steak against the grain, cutting through the long muscle fibers which helps ensure each bite is easy to chew.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary based on steak thickness and air fryer model; use a meat thermometer to gauge doneness precisely.
- Letting the steak rest is crucial for juicy results; do not skip this step.
- For a more intense crust, you can lightly brush the steak with a high smoke point oil before seasoning.
- Always slice against the grain to maintain tenderness.
