Air fryer cooking guide
Air Fryer Steak
How long to cook steak in an air fryer — times by doneness for a 2.5 cm steak, the right temperature, and how to get a steakhouse crust indoors.
200°C / 392°F
8–14 min
63°C / 145°F
How long to cook steak in an air fryer?
Air fry a 2.5 cm (1 inch) steak at 200°C (400°F), flipping halfway. For medium-rare cook 8–10 minutes to 54°C (130°F); for medium cook 10–12 minutes to 60°C (140°F). Always rest the steak 5 minutes before slicing.
You don't need a cast-iron pan and a smoke alarm to cook a great steak. A preheated air fryer sears the surface and cooks evenly edge to edge — give it a proper rest and you'll get a juicy, crusted steak with almost no cleanup.
Time & temperature chart
| Size / cut | Temp | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare | 200°C | 7–8 min | Pull at 50°C |
| Medium-rare | 200°C | 8–10 min | Pull at 54°C |
| Medium | 200°C | 10–12 min | Pull at 60°C |
| Well done | 200°C | 12–14 min | Pull at 68°C |
Times are a guide — air fryers vary by 10–20%. Always cook to the safe internal temperature, not just the timer.
How to air fry steak
- 1
Take the steak out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking and pat it bone dry.
- 2
Rub with oil and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- 3
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 4 minutes — a hot basket is key to the crust.
- 4
Air fry the steak, flipping once halfway through, to your target doneness.
- 5
Pull 2–3°C below your target — it keeps rising while it rests.
- 6
Rest the steak 5 minutes, loosely tented, before slicing against the grain.
Pro tips
- Thickness matters more than weight — the times above assume a 2.5 cm (1 inch) steak.
- Add a knob of garlic butter for the last minute for a steakhouse finish.
- For a deeper crust, blot the steak again right before it goes in — surface moisture steams.
- A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out; doneness is about internal temp, not the clock.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature do you cook steak in an air fryer?
200°C (400°F). A high temperature sears the surface quickly so the inside reaches your target doneness before the crust overcooks.
How long does steak take in an air fryer?
For a 2.5 cm steak: about 8–10 minutes for medium-rare and 10–12 for medium, flipping halfway. Thicker steaks need a couple of minutes more.
Should you flip steak in an air fryer?
Yes — flipping once halfway gives an even crust on both sides. Combined with a preheated basket, it mimics a two-sided sear.
Do you need to rest air fryer steak?
Always. Five minutes of resting lets the juices redistribute so they stay in the steak instead of running out when you cut it.
Steak recipes to try
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