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Steak night just got easier — and faster. If you're craving juicy, perfectly cooked sirloin without firing up the grill or scrubbing a greasy stovetop skillet, it’s time to turn to your air fryer. This air fryer sirloin steak is everything you want from a steak dinner: a gorgeous browned exterior, a tender and flavorful center, and reliable results every single time. Best part? No need to babysit it — the air fryer handles the work, while you prep a salad or pour the wine.
Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an at-home date night, this steak recipe always feels just a little bit fancy — but it’s dead simple to make. With a short prep time and easy ingredients, you’ll see why this method has quickly become a staple in my kitchen.
Why Air Fryer Steak Works So Well
I’ve cooked steaks every which way — on the grill, seared in cast iron, broiled, you name it. But the air fryer has become my go-to method for one reason: consistency. It delivers even cooking and tender results without drying out the steak or turning your kitchen into a smoke-filled mess. The circulating hot air surrounds the meat, giving it a surprisingly good crust while sealing in the juices.
Another reason I love this method? It’s quick. From start to finish, dinner is on the table in less than 20 minutes. And cleanup? Basically nonexistent. No oily splatters, no grill grates to scrub, no flipping with tongs every thirty seconds — just a perfectly cooked steak with almost zero effort.
This recipe doesn’t require fancy ingredients either. A good cut of meat, a little seasoning, and (optionally) a compound butter to finish are all you need for a showstopping main course.
Ingredients That Make It Work
The star of this recipe is a top sirloin steak — a tender, flavorful, and affordable cut that holds up beautifully to air frying. For best results, use steaks that are at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This helps them develop a good crust while still allowing the inside to cook to your preferred doneness.
All you really need is salt and freshly ground black pepper. I love to add garlic powder or a classic steak seasoning blend when I want a little extra flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, make a quick compound butter with softened butter, chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of garlic powder — then let it melt over the hot steak like magic.
As for oil, it’s not strictly necessary in the air fryer, but a light coating can help browning and add flavor if you’d like.
How To Make Air Fryer Sirloin Steak Step-by-Step
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Start by taking your steaks out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. Letting them come to room temperature helps them cook more evenly and prevents a cold center. Pat the steaks very dry with paper towels — moisture is the enemy of a good crust — and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. A hot basket gives the meat a better sear and keeps it from sticking. Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure there’s a little space between them so air can circulate freely.
Cook time depends on the thickness of your steaks and how you like them done. For medium-rare sirloin, I typically cook a 1.5-inch steak for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: pull at 125°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and so on. Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the air fryer, so pull it about 5°F below your target temperature.
When done, transfer the steaks to a plate and immediately top with a slice of compound butter, if using. Tent loosely with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial — it allows the juices to redistribute, giving you that juicy, tender bite from edge to edge.
Cooking Time Reference for Different Doneness Levels
For a standard 1.5-inch thick steak:
- Rare (120°F): 10–12 minutes
- Medium-Rare (130°F): 11–13 minutes
- Medium (140°F): 12–14 minutes
- Medium-Well (150°F): 13–15 minutes
- Well Done (160°F): 14–16 minutes
Note that thinner steaks (1 inch or less) will cook faster. Always adjust based on your specific air fryer model and meat thickness. An instant-read meat thermometer is your best friend here.
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How To Serve It
This steak is so versatile that you can pair it with just about anything. For a simple weeknight meal, serve it with air fryer Brussels sprouts or asparagus and maybe a small baked sweet potato or garlic mashed cauliflower.
Want something heartier? Go for roasted potatoes, a Caesar salad, or even macaroni and cheese for an indulgent combo. This steak also shines in steak salads, burrito bowls, or wraps the next day.
For a restaurant-style touch, top your steak with a pat of compound butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer sirloin steak has officially earned a spot in my weekly rotation, and once you try it, I think it’ll become one of your favorites too. It’s fast, flavorful, and requires almost zero effort — what more could you ask for from steak night?
If you’re new to air frying steak, start with this recipe and adjust timing to suit your preference. You’ll love how easy it is to make perfectly juicy, tender steak with that satisfying crust — all in under 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cut of steak?
- Yes, ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon all work well with this method.
- → Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
- Yes, preheating ensures even cooking and a great sear on the outside.
- → What’s the best doneness for air fryer steak?
- That’s up to you! Use a thermometer to get rare to well done just how you like it.
- → How long should steak rest after air frying?
- Let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute for a tender bite.
- → Can I reheat steak in the air fryer?
- Yes, reheat at 350°F for 1–2 minutes until warmed through without overcooking.