Juicy Family Steaks: How to Cook Steak in the Air Fryer
If you've never cooked steak in the Infrared air fryer, this recipe is going to change the way you do steak night. No smoky kitchen, no babysitting a cast iron skillet — just four perfectly seasoned steaks cooked to your preferred doneness in under 15 minutes. It's an easy, reliable method that delivers a beautifully seasoned crust and a juicy, tender center every time.
The Infrared Air Fryer Surface XXL, 6.3QT / 6L gives you enough room to cook four inch-thick steaks at once on its 12.7" square cooking surface — ideal for family dinners or having friends over. Dual heating helps deliver consistent results from edge to edge.
Ingredients for the Best Air Fryer Steak Recipe (Serves 4)
- 4 steaks (ribeye, top sirloin, or striploin — about 1 to 1½ inches thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
How to Cook Steak in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Pat Steaks Dry
Pat the steaks completely dry with paper towels. This is essential for a great crust — wet steaks steam instead of sear.
Step 2: Season Generously
Let steaks come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Rub with olive oil, then season all sides evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder. A T-fal Ice Force chef's knife is perfect for trimming any excess fat before seasoning.
Step 3: Air Fry to Your Preferred Doneness
Select the Air Fry mode and set the temperature to 400°F. Place the steaks in the T-fal Infrared Air Fryer Surface XXL in a single layer. Cook according to your preferred doneness, flipping halfway through cooking.
Air Fryer Steak Temp & Time Chart for Different Doneness Levels
| Doneness | Time at 400°F | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 7–8 min | 125°F |
| Medium Rare | 9–10 min | 135°F |
| Medium | 11–12 min | 145°F |
| Medium Well | 13–14 min | 150°F |
Step 4: Rest and Finish
Immediately top with butter and optional fresh rosemary or thyme. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving — this keeps the juices locked in.
What Temperature and Time to Use for Air Fryer Steak?
400°F is the sweet spot for air fryer steak. It's hot enough to develop a steakhouse-style crust while still giving you full control over the internal doneness. Always use a meat thermometer for the best results — it takes the guesswork out.
Pro Tip
For the best crust, make sure the steaks are very dry before seasoning, and don't skip the rest. Slicing too soon releases all the juices onto the cutting board instead of leaving them in your delicious steak.
