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Steak cooked in the air fryer with a golden sear

Do I Need to Flip My Steak in the Air Fryer? Get Perfectly Juicy Results!

Master the art of cooking perfectly juicy and evenly seared steak in an air fryer by following this guide on why, when, and how to flip your steak, along with essential tips and flavor variations.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 1 serving servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 steak (ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip, 6-8 oz)
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for Classic Garlic Butter Steak)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for Classic Garlic Butter Steak)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes.
  2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Place the seasoned steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring it's not overcrowded.
  4. Cook for half of the desired total cooking time (e.g., 4-5 minutes for a medium-rare steak).
  5. Using kitchen tongs, gently flip the steak to the other side.
  6. Continue cooking for the remaining time until your desired level of doneness is reached. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be 130–135°F (54–57°C). If making Classic Garlic Butter Steak, add a pat of butter during the last minute of cooking.
  7. Carefully remove the steak from the air fryer and transfer it to a cutting board or plate.
  8. Allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist steak. If using, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Always preheat your air fryer for best results and a quick sear.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for precise doneness.
Flipping the steak halfway through cooking is crucial for even cooking and a balanced sear on both sides.
Thaw frozen steak before cooking for more even results, or increase cooking time by 4-5 minutes per side.
Experiment with flavor variations like herb-crusted, spicy Cajun, Asian-style, or lemon pepper.