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.
Understanding the Best Steaks for Air Fryers
Cooking steaks in an air fryer has become a game-changer for home cooks who want juicy, flavorful results without firing up a grill or stovetop. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender, making them surprisingly effective for preparing steaks. However, not all cuts of steak perform equally well in an air fryer. The key is choosing cuts that balance thickness, fat content, and texture to achieve that perfect sear and doneness. Below, we dive into the six best steak cuts for air frying in 2025, based on their performance, flavor, and ease of preparation, along with a detailed buying guide to help you make informed choices.
Why Use an Air Fryer for Steaks?
Air fryers offer a unique cooking method that combines convenience with impressive results. The high heat and circulating air mimic the searing effect of a grill or cast-iron pan, creating a caramelized crust while locking in juices. Unlike traditional methods, air fryers require little to no oil, making them a healthier option. They’re also ideal for small kitchens or when you want a quick meal without the hassle of extensive cleanup. However, the success of your air-fried steak depends heavily on choosing the right cut and preparing it properly.
Top 6 Steaks for Air Fryers in 2025
After extensive research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the six best steak cuts for air fryers, considering factors like thickness, marbling, and cooking performance. Each cut has been evaluated for its ability to deliver restaurant-quality results in an air fryer.
Steak
Ribeye is a top choice for air frying due to its rich marbling, which keeps it juicy and flavorful during cooking. The fat content melts into the meat, enhancing its tenderness and creating a crispy exterior. A 1-inch thick ribeye cooks beautifully in an air fryer at 400°F for about 8-12 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness.
Why It Works: The high fat content ensures the steak remains moist, even at high temperatures. The air fryer’s intense heat crisps the fat cap, adding texture.
Customer Review (Amazon): “This ribeye was phenomenal in my air fryer! Cooked it at 400 for 10 minutes, and it came out medium-rare with a perfect crust. So juicy!”
Where to Buy: Ribeye Steak on Amazon
York Strip Steak
The New York strip, also known as a Kansas City strip, offers a balance of tenderness and bold beefy flavor. Its moderate fat content and uniform shape make it ideal for air frying, as it cooks evenly without drying out. A 1-inch thick strip steak typically takes 10-12 minutes at 400°F.
Why It Works: The strip’s leaner profile compared to ribeye makes it a great option for those who want flavor without excessive fat. It develops a great crust in the air fryer.
Customer Review (Amazon): “I air-fried a NY strip for 11 minutes, flipping halfway, and it was perfect. Great flavor and so easy to clean up afterward!”
Where to Buy: New York Strip Steak on Amazon
Steak
Sirloin is a leaner cut that’s budget-friendly and versatile. While it has less fat than ribeye or strip, it still delivers robust flavor when cooked properly. Opt for a thicker cut (at least 1 inch) to prevent overcooking in the air fryer, which takes about 8-10 minutes at 400°F.
Why It Works: Sirloin’s affordability and mild flavor make it a great choice for everyday meals. Marinating beforehand can enhance tenderness.
Customer Review (Amazon): “Used my air fryer for sirloin, and it was surprisingly tender! Marinated it for an hour, and it came out great in 9 minutes.”
Where to Buy: Sirloin Steak on Amazon
Mignon
Filet mignon is the most tender cut, prized for its buttery texture. While it’s leaner than ribeye, its thickness makes it suitable for air frying, especially for those who prefer a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Cook at 400°F for 7-10 minutes for a medium-rare finish.
Why It Works: The air fryer’s even heat ensures the filet cooks uniformly without toughening. A quick sear in a pan post-air frying can enhance the crust.
Customer Review (Amazon): “Filet mignon in the air fryer was a revelation! So tender and cooked perfectly in 8 minutes. Highly recommend!”
Where to Buy: Filet Mignon on Amazon
Steak
The T-bone offers two cuts in one: a strip steak and a small portion of tenderloin, separated by a T-shaped bone. Its size and varied texture make it a showstopper, though it requires careful monitoring to avoid overcooking the leaner tenderloin side. Cook at 400°F for 10-14 minutes.
Why It Works: The bone adds flavor, and the air fryer’s heat creates a great sear on both sides. Use a meat thermometer for precision.
Customer Review (Amazon): “T-bone in the air fryer was a hit at our dinner party! Took 12 minutes, and both sides were cooked just right.”
Where to Buy: T-Bone Steak on Amazon
Steak
Flank steak is a lean, flavorful cut that’s best when marinated and sliced thinly against the grain. It’s less common for air frying but works well when cut into smaller portions to ensure even cooking. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes for medium-rare.
Why It Works: Marinating adds moisture, and the air fryer’s quick cooking preserves the steak’s bold flavor without drying it out.
Customer Review (Amazon): “I marinated flank steak overnight and air-fried it for 9 minutes. Sliced it thin, and it was perfect for tacos!”
Where to Buy: Flank Steak 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: How to Choose the Best Steak for Your Air Fryer
Selecting the right steak for air frying involves more than just picking a cut you like. Here are key factors to consider to ensure you get the best results every time.
Matters
Steaks that are at least 1 inch thick are ideal for air frying. Thinner cuts, like skirt steak, can overcook quickly, resulting in a tough texture. Thicker cuts allow for a good crust while keeping the interior juicy. For example, a Serious Eats guide recommends 1- to steaks for optimal air fryer results.
Content and Marbling
Cuts with good marbling, like ribeye or New York strip, perform best because the fat melts during cooking, keeping the steak moist. Leaner cuts like sirloin or flank steak benefit from marinades to enhance tenderness and flavor. Look for USDA Choice or Prime grades for better marbling, as noted by Certified Angus Beef.
and Quality
Fresh, high-quality steaks yield the best results. Check for a bright red color, minimal graying, and a firm texture. If buying online, opt for reputable retailers with good reviews. Vacuum-sealed steaks can be a great option for freshness, especially from trusted sources like Amazon Fresh or ButcherBox.
vs. Boneless
Bone-in steaks, like T-bone or ribeye, add flavor but may require slightly longer cooking times. Boneless cuts are easier to handle and cook more uniformly in an air fryer. Choose based on your preference and the size of your air fryer basket.
Tips
- Season Generously: Use a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or try a marinade for leaner cuts. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating at 400°F for 3-5 minutes ensures a good sear. Most air fryer recipes, like those from America’s Test Kitchen, emphasize this step.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook one or two steaks at a time to allow proper air circulation.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For medium-rare?
are, aim for internal temperatures like 130°F for medium-rare or 135°F for medium to avoid overcooking.
Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Steaks
To elevate your air fryer steak game, consider these practical tips:
- Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the steak halfway ensures an even crust on both sides.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices for maximum tenderness.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Try spice blends like Montreal steak seasoning or a garlic-herb rub for added flavor.
- Check Doneness Early: Air fryers cook quickly, so start checking the internal temperature a few minutes before the expected time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best cuts, mistakes can compromise your results. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Overcooking: Air fryers cook faster than ovens, so monitor closely to avoid a well-done steak when you wanted medium-rare.
- Skipping the Preheat: Without preheating, you will miss out on the crispy crust that makes air-fried steaks special.
- Using Thin Cuts: Thin steaks dry out quickly, so stick to thicker cuts for better results.
🔌 Air Fryer Electricity Cost Calculator
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.
