The main reason why air fryers are hotter is that they are healthier, which is why no family can cook without them. However, there are more categories of air fryers on the market, and many people are at a loss as to what kind of air fryer to choose, so in this review, we find you the air fryer that best meets your cooking needs.
Top 6 Air Fryers for Cooking Steak in 2025
When it comes to cooking steak, air fryers have become a game-changer for home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without the hassle of grilling or pan-searing. The best air fryers for steak deliver a crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender, all in less time than traditional methods. After extensive research and testing, we’ve narrowed down the top six air fryers that excel at cooking steak, based on performance, ease of use, capacity, and additional features. Whether you’re a busy parent or a culinary enthusiast, these models will help you achieve perfectly cooked steak every time.
ChefMaker Combi Fryer
The Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer stands out for its innovative approach to cooking steak, thanks to its unique combination of air frying and steam technology. This 6-quart model uses a temperature probe and water atomizer system to cook steaks with precision, ensuring a juicy interior and a well-browned exterior. During testing, it consistently delivered restaurant-quality steaks, with medium-rare results that rivaled a cast-iron sear. The ChefMaker’s “Chef Mode” allows you to set the desired doneness, and the included app provides recipes and cooking guidance, making it ideal for both novices and experienced cooks.
Key Features:
- 6-quart capacity, perfect for 1-2 steaks
- Temperature probe for precise doneness
- Steam infusion for moist results
- Multiple cooking modes, including air fry, bake, and roast
- App connectivity for recipes and remote monitoring
Real User Review: “I was skeptical about cooking steak in an air fryer, but this thing is a beast! The probe made it foolproof—medium-rare every time, with a crust that’s almost as good as my grill. Worth every penny.” – Amazon Customer
Buy the Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer on Amazon
Foodi DZ550 DualZone
The Ninja Foodi DZ550 is a 10-quart dual-basket air fryer that’s perfect for cooking steak alongside sides like roasted vegetables or fries. Its dual-zone technology allows you to cook two different foods at different temperatures simultaneously, with a “Smart Finish” feature to ensure everything is ready at the same time. In tests, this model produced steaks with a crispy exterior and even cooking, thanks to its powerful 1690-watt heating system. The large cooking surface is ideal for families or those who like to meal prep.
Key Features:
- 10-quart capacity with two 5-quart baskets
- Dual-zone cooking for steak and sides
- Temperature probe for accurate cooking
- Settings include air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate
- Dishwasher-safe baskets for easy cleanup
Real User Review: “This air fryer is a lifesaver! I cooked two ribeyes in one basket and potatoes in the other, and both came out perfect. The probe takes the guesswork out of steak doneness.” – Amazon Customer
Buy the Ninja Foodi DZ550 on Amazon
Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Plus is a favorite for its user-friendly interface and consistent performance. With a 6-quart square basket, it offers ample space for cooking one or two steaks without overcrowding, which is key to achieving a good sear. This model cooked steaks to a perfect medium-rare in just 8-10 minutes, with a crispy crust enhanced by its powerful air circulation. The clear window and interior light let you monitor progress without opening the basket, preserving heat and ensuring even cooking.
Key Features:
- 6-quart capacity, ideal for small to medium households
- ClearCook window for monitoring
- OdorErase filter to reduce cooking smells
- Settings include air fry, roast, broil, and bake
- Dishwasher-safe basket and tray
Real User Review: “I’ve made steak in this air fryer multiple times, and it’s always juicy with a great crust. The window is a game-changer—no more opening the basket to check!” – Amazon Customer
Buy the Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer on Amazon
Pro LE 5-Quart Air Fryer
For those on a budget, the Cosori Pro LE 5-Quart Air Fryer delivers impressive results at an affordable price. This compact model is perfect for smaller kitchens but still has enough room to cook a single steak or a small batch of sides. In testing, it produced well-browned steaks with minimal effort, thanks to its precise temperature control and five-degree increment settings. While it lacks some of the advanced features of pricier models, its simplicity and performance make it a great value pick.
Key Features:
- 5-quart capacity, suitable for 1-2 people
- Digital touchscreen with precise temperature control
- Settings for steak, fries, and frozen foods
- Nonstick basket for easy cleaning
- Compact design for small spaces
Real User Review: “This air fryer is so easy to use and makes amazing steaks for the price. I was surprised at how crispy the outside got while keeping the inside tender.” – Amazon Customer
Buy the Cosori Pro LE 5-Quart Air Fryer on Amazon
Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is a premium choice for those who want a multifunctional appliance that excels at cooking steak. This oven-style air fryer has a large capacity, allowing you to cook multiple steaks or a whole meal at once. Its 13 preset functions, including air fry, roast, and broil, make it versatile, and the precise temperature control ensures consistent results. In tests, steaks came out evenly cooked with a golden crust, though it takes slightly longer than basket-style models due to its size.
Key Features:
- capacity for larger cuts or multiple steaks
- 13 cooking functions, including air fry and roast
- Digital interface with precise controls
- Includes air fry basket, roasting pan, and pizza tray
- Stainless steel design for durability
Real User Review: “This is more than an air fryer—it’s a mini oven! I cooked a thick ribeye, and it was perfectly medium with a crispy exterior. The extra space is great for sides too.” – Amazon Customer
Buy the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro on Amazon
Dome 2 Air Fryer
The Typhur Dome 2 is a high-end air fryer with a spacious basket that’s ideal for cooking larger steaks or multiple portions. Its powerful 1750-watt system cooks steaks quickly—often in under 10 minutes—while maintaining even browning and juiciness. The smart app integration offers recipes and remote control, and the self-cleaning function burns off grease at 500°F, making maintenance a breeze. This model is pricier, but its performance and versatility justify the cost for serious home cooks.
Key Features:
- capacity for larger meals
- 15 cooking modes, including steak and grill
- Smart app with 50+ recipes
- Self-cleaning function for easy maintenance
- PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating
Real User Review: “This air fryer is incredible for steaks! It cooks so fast and evenly, and the app makes it easy to get the perfect doneness. Cleanup is a breeze too.” – Amazon Customer
Buy the Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer on Amazon
How did we test air fryers?
In order to find the best air fryer, our team of 8 people conducted real tests on different price points, sizes, brands, performance, intelligence and practicality. We bought air fryers from all major platforms, including the official ones, and tested them in our lab for 3 weeks, while our team also tested and evaluated them in our own homes.
We cooked different ingredients to evaluate the crispiness, cooking uniformity and overall texture. We also evaluated how much food each air fryer can handle to see if it is suitable for a large family. In addition to our own evaluation of these air fryers, we also referred to third-party authoritative platforms, the data of their tests, and made comparisons against the data of our tests, and finally selected the above high-quality air fryers.
You can also use the selection tool we built to help you recommend the air fryer that’s right for you:
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Air Fryer for Steak
Selecting the right air fryer for cooking steak involves more than just picking the most popular model. Here are the key factors to consider to ensure you get the best results for your culinary needs:
Capacity
The size of the air fryer’s cooking basket or tray is critical when cooking steak. A 5-6-quart basket-style air fryer is ideal for 1-2 steaks, while larger models like the Ninja Foodi DZ550 (10 quarts) or Breville Smart Oven ( cubic feet) can handle multiple steaks or sides. Ensure the basket allows enough space for air to circulate around the steak to achieve an even, crispy crust. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, which affects texture.
Temperature Control and Precision
Steak requires high heat (typically 400-450°F) for a good sear, so look for air fryers with a wide temperature range and precise controls. Models like the Dreo ChefMaker and Ninja Foodi DZ550 include temperature probes, which are invaluable for achieving your desired doneness (e.g., medium-rare at 130-135°F). According to Serious Eats, precise temperature control is key to avoiding overcooking.
Cooking Modes and Features
While basic air fryers can cook steak well, advanced features like probes, dual-zone cooking, or steam infusion (as in the Dreo ChefMaker) elevate the experience. Look for models with steak-specific presets or high-heat settings like “max crisp” (found on the Ninja Foodi) to simplify the process. A clear window, like on the Instant Vortex Plus, lets you monitor progress without losing heat.
Ease of Cleaning
Steak can leave behind grease and juices, so choose an air fryer with nonstick baskets or trays that are easy to clean. Dishwasher-safe components, like those in the Cosori Pro LE and Instant Vortex Plus, save time. The Typhur Dome 2’s self-cleaning feature is a standout for those who hate scrubbing.
Size and Storage
Consider your kitchen space. Compact models like the Cosori Pro LE are great for small counters, while larger oven-style air fryers like the Breville Smart Oven require more room but offer versatility. Ensure there’s enough clearance around the air fryer for airflow, as recommended by Better Homes & Gardens.
Budget
Air fryers range from under $50 to over $ options like the Cosori Pro LE deliver great results for steak without breaking the bank, while premium models like the Typhur Dome 2 offer advanced features for serious cooks. Decide which features are must-haves versus nice-to-haves to stay within your budget.
Tips for Cooking Steak in an Air Fryer
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating for 2-3 minutes at 400°F ensures a hot cooking environment for a better sear.
- Use a Light Oil Coating: Brush the steak with a thin layer of oil to enhance browning, as suggested by The Recipe Critic.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flip the steak midway to ensure even cooking on both sides.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer or a model with a built-in probe to check doneness (e.g., 130°F for medium-rare).
- Let It Rest: Rest the steak for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
By focusing on these factors, you can choose an air fryer that fits your kitchen, budget, and cooking style while delivering mouthwatering steaks every time.
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Summarize:
Choosing the right air fryer for your family is important, you need to know your kitchen space, budget, family size, and whether the smart features work well. The air fryers we have reviewed above have been evaluated by our team after 3 weeks of real-life use for different family sizes, features, and types, and you can be assured of their performance and quality. If you have any questions, you can contact us in the comment section.
