Using an air fryer is a great way to cook steak that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. However, sometimes steak can turn out chewy instead of tender when cooked in an air fryer. There are a few reasons why this may happen and some easy ways to fix it!
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to why your steak may be turning out chewy in the air fryer:
- The steak is too thick – Thicker cuts of steak may not cook all the way through in the short air fryer cooking time. Stick to steaks 1-inch thick or less.
- The cooking temperature is too low – Ensure the air fryer is preheated to the proper temperature (between 360-400°F) before cooking.
- Overcrowding – Don’t overload the air fryer basket. Make sure there is space around the steak for air circulation.
- Not tenderizing – Use a mallet or tenderizer to break down the steak fibers before air frying for maximum tenderness.
- Cooking too long – Don’t overcook the steak. Air fry between 3-8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Why Steak Comes Out Chewy in an Air Fryer
There are four main reasons why your steak may be turning out chewy when cooked in an air fryer:
1. The Cut of Steak is Not Tender
Certain cuts of beef are naturally more tender than others. Cuts that come from parts of the cow that get a lot of movement and exercise, like the shoulder or leg, will be chewier. Cuts from the less worked parts like the loin or rib are more tender.
Typical tender cuts of steak for air frying include:
- Filet mignon
- Ribeye
- New York strip
- Tenderloin
Chewier cuts that may not air fry as well are:
- Flank steak
- Skirt steak
- Hanger steak
- Round or rump steak
For naturally chewier cuts, extra tenderizing is needed.
2. The Steak is Too Thick
The intense heat of an air fryer can cook food very quickly. While this is great for getting a nice sear, thick steaks may end up undercooked in the middle. The inside doesn’t have enough time to come up to temperature before the outside is overdone.
For the best results, choose steaks that are 1 inch thick or less for air frying. If cooking a thicker steak, be sure to adjust cook times and temperatures accordingly.
3. Insufficient Air Circulation
Air fryers work by quickly circulating hot air around food. When too much food is packed into the basket, the air can’t move efficiently. This prevents the steak from cooking evenly.
Be sure to leave some space around steaks in the air fryer basket. Don’t overload the basket or stack steaks on top of each other. Give the air room to fully circulate and cook the meat.
4. Cooking at the Wrong Temperature
To get steak cooked medium-rare to medium in an air fryer, temperatures between 360-400°F are ideal. If the temperature is too low, it will take longer for the inside to come to temperature. The outside can overcook in the meantime.
Always preheat your air fryer properly before adding steak. Use an air fryer thermometer if possible to confirm the exact temperature. Adjust cooking times based on your specific model’s temperature capabilities.
Tips to Fix Chewy Air Fried Steak
If your air fried steaks are coming out too chewy, try these easy fixes next time:
1. Pound and Tenderize the Meat
Using a meat mallet or tenderizer breaks down the tough muscle fibers in chewier steaks. This allows them to cook up more tender in the quick air fryer time.
For best results, use a Jaccard-style blade tenderizer or porcupine tenderizer. Pound the steak to an even 1/2 inch thickness before air frying.
2. Marinate the Steak
Marinades make steak more flavorful and tender. The acids in ingredients like wine, vinegar, yogurt, citrus juice, and pineapple help naturally break down tough fibers.
Let steak marinate for at least 30 minutes up to overnight before cooking. Be sure to pat it dry before air frying to help it brown properly.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer
Taking the guesswork out of doneness makes it easier to avoid overcooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for your desired temp.
For medium-rare steak, cook to an internal temperature of 130-135°F. For medium, cook to 140-145°F.
4. Finish with a Sear
Get the best of both worlds by reverse searing your steak. First, cook it in the oven or sous vide until it reaches about 10°F below your final temp. Then, quickly sear it in the hot air fryer just until browned.
5. Let Meat Rest
Allowing the steak to rest after air frying lets the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat. This makes it more moist and tender.
Let steak rest for 5-10 minutes on a cutting board before slicing and serving.
Best Cuts of Steak for Air Fryers
These are the best cuts of steak to use for tender, juicy results in the air fryer:
| Cut of Steak | Description |
|---|---|
| Filet Mignon | Very tender, comes from the tenderloin. Great for quick air frying. |
| Ribeye | Marbling gives great flavor and tenderness. Cooks up nicely. |
| Strip Steak | Cut from the loin with good marbling. Stays tender. |
| Flat Iron | From the chuck/shoulder but stays fairly tender. |
| Flank Steak | Chewier cut but thin so air fries quickly. Needs tenderizing. |
Stick to steaks that are 1 inch or less in thickness. Tenderloin or filet mignon are the most foolproof cuts for beginners.
Air Fryer Steak Cooking Times
These are general guidelines for how long to cook steak in an air fryer based on thickness:
| Steak Thickness | Cook Time Per Side |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | 4-5 minutes |
| 3/4 inch | 5-7 minutes |
| 1 inch | 7-10 minutes |
Always check temperature with a meat thermometer for your preferred doneness. Let steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking.
Tips for Cooking Steak in an Air Fryer
- Pat steaks dry before air frying for best browning
- Use a small amount of oil to help distribute heat evenly
- Preheat air fryer fully before adding steak
- Flip steak halfway through cooking time
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
- Allow steak to rest before slicing into it
Frequently Asked Questions
Should steak be marinated before air frying?
Yes, marinating steak before air frying can make it more tender and flavorful. The acids in the marinade help break down tough fibers. Go for marinades with ingredients like wine, vinegar, yogurt, citrus juice or pineapple.
What temperature should I cook steak at in an air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to between 360-400°F before cooking steak. This high heat helps get a nice sear while still cooking the inside evenly. Adjust cook times based on your air fryer model.
How long does it take to cook a 2 inch steak in an air fryer?
A 2 inch thick steak will likely take 18-22 minutes in an air fryer, cooking at 400°F. Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, checking internal temp with a meat thermometer for your desired doneness.
Should you flip steak in air fryer?
Yes, it’s important to flip steak during the air fryer cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking. For a 1 inch steak, flip halfway through the total cook time. Let steak rest after air frying before slicing.
What is the best cut of steak to cook in an air fryer?
Tender cuts of steak with good marbling like ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon or tenderloin work best. Their tender texture holds up well to the high heat. Avoid chewier cuts like flank or skirt steak.
Conclusion
While air fryers provide a quick and convenient way to cook steak, the cut, thickness and preparation method can make all the difference between a tender, juicy steak and a chewy, overcooked one. Stick to naturally tender cuts, pound or marinate tougher steaks, and be sure not to overload the air fryer basket. Check temperature instead of time and allow the steak to rest before serving. Follow these tips and your steak is sure to come out perfectly cooked with a crisp crust and tender interior every time.