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Air Fryer Sirloin Steak

Achieve a perfect, juicy sirloin steak easily in your air fryer with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. This recipe is fast, simple, and delivers delicious results every time.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Meat thermometer Instant-read is best
  • Cutting board
  • foil For tenting
  • paper towels For drying steaks

Ingredients
  

Hauptzutaten

  • 4 Top sirloin steaks 8-oz each, at least 1 inch thick, preferably 1.5 inches; other high-quality steaks with similar thickness like ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon also work.
  • 2 tsp Sea salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black pepper Freshly ground
  • Compound butter 1/2 recipe or a slice, optional; a pat of regular butter also works

Instructions
 

  • Take your steaks out of the fridge about 20-30 minutes before cooking to let them come closer to room temperature.
  • While they're resting, pat your steaks very dry with paper towels.
  • Be generous with the sea salt and black pepper, seasoning both sides and the edges.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Carefully place your seasoned steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
  • Cook for your desired doneness. For 1.5-inch thick steaks, cook for about 8-10 minutes total for Medium-Rare (130-135°F) or 10-12 minutes total for Medium (135-145°F), flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part for accuracy. Thinner steaks will cook faster.
  • Once steaks reach the desired internal temperature, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket.
  • Place the steaks on a cutting board and loosely tent them with foil. Let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes. If using compound butter, place a slice on top now so it melts.
  • Slice against the grain (this makes it more tender!) and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best results, use steaks that are at least 1 inch thick. Pat the steaks thoroughly dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. Always let the steaks rest for 20-30 minutes before cooking and for 5-10 minutes after cooking – these steps are crucial for juicy results. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow proper air circulation. Using an instant-read meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check for doneness. Leftover cooked steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.