Air Fryer Steak

Air fryer steak

Temperature

400°F

200°C

Time

12 min

2 steaks

Safe internal

145°F

63°C

I was skeptical about steak in the air fryer, but when the stovetop's full it does a proper job - you get a decent crust while you keep an eye on the inside. It suits the thicker cuts best, and I'll often give it a quick sear in a hot pan after.

How to air fry steak

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Add the fresh steak to the basket. Don't stack the steaks.
  3. Cook for about 12 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through.
  4. Check the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) before serving.

Pro tip

Rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking-crucial for tenderness.

How to tell when it's done

I go by temperature, not the clock: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, with 145°F (63°C) the safe minimum. And always a five-minute rest before slicing - I'm strict about that one.

Safe internal temperature

Cook to 145°F (63°C) at the thickest point. An instant-read thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm it.

Converting from an oven recipe

If your recipe is written for a conventional oven, lower the temperature by about 25°F (15°C) and reduce the time by roughly 20% to land near 400°F for 12 minutes. Need a different starting point? Use the conversion calculator.

Air fryer steak: FAQ

How long does it take to air fry steak?

Air fry steak at 400°F (200°C) for about 12 minutes, flipping or shaking halfway through. That's for 2 steaks in a single layer; adjust slightly for a fuller basket or a different model.

What temperature do you air fry steak at?

Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). If you're converting an oven recipe, that's roughly 25°F (15°C) below the oven temperature, with the time cut by about 20%.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer for steak?

A 2-3 minute preheat gives the most accurate timing and the best browning, but it isn't essential - if you skip it, add a minute or two to the cook time.

What's the safe internal temperature for steak?

Cook steak to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), measured at the thickest point with an instant-read thermometer. Cooking time is a guide; internal temperature is what confirms it's safely done.