There's nothing quite like a perfectly cooked steak, but firing up the grill or heating a cast-iron skillet isn't always practical—especially when you're camping or just want a quick weeknight dinner. That's where the Ninja Air Fryer comes in. It's my go-to for getting that gorgeous crust and tender, juicy center without the smoke and hassle.
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I've spent countless nights testing this method, from thick ribeyes to thin sirloins, and I've nailed down the exact times and temperatures for a foolproof result every time. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will give you a steak that rivals any steakhouse.
So grab your favorite cut, preheat that air fryer, and let's get cooking. It's about to become your new favorite way to enjoy steak.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
2 (1-inch thick) boneless ribeye or New York strip steaks (about 12 oz each)
Choose steaks at least 1-inch thick for best results. If using thinner cuts, reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning. Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil, if you prefer.
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Kosher salt has larger crystals that distribute evenly. If using table salt, use half the amount.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Freshly ground pepper adds a punch. Adjust to taste.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Adds savory depth. Onion powder works too.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Gives a subtle smoky flavor. Regular paprika is fine if you don't have smoked.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For brushing on the cooked steak. Optional but adds richness.
Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional)
Adds an aromatic touch. Use dried herbs if fresh aren't available.
Tips & Tricks
- Pat the steaks completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture prevents browning.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Leave space for air to circulate; cook in batches if needed.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Steaks
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures a hot environment for a good sear.
3. Place Steaks in Basket
Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. If using, add fresh herbs on top for extra flavor.
4. Air Fry the Steaks
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp 135°F/57°C). For medium, cook 7-8 minutes (145°F/63°C). Flip halfway through.
5. Check Temperature
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C). Remember the temperature will rise 5°F during resting.
6. Rest the Steaks
Remove the steaks from the air fryer and transfer to a cutting board. Brush with melted butter and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes. This is crucial for juiciness.
7. Slice and Serve
Slice against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy the perfect crust and tender center!
Delicious Variations
Garlic Herb Butter
Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and thyme. Top the hot steak with a pat before serving.
Spicy Cajun
Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Teriyaki Glaze
Brush the steak with teriyaki sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking for an Asian twist.
How to Store How To Cook Steak In Ninja Air Fryer
Refrigerator
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it makes the steak tough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I cook frozen steak in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen steak in the air fryer, but you'll need to increase the cooking time by about 50% and expect a less even crust. For best results, thaw the steak in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Q: What is the best steak to cook in an air fryer?
The best steaks are those that are at least 1-inch thick, like ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin. Thinner cuts cook too quickly and can become overcooked.
Q: Do I need to preheat my Ninja Air Fryer for steak?
Yes, preheating is essential for a good sear. Preheat at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes before adding the steak.
Q: How long does it take to cook a medium-rare steak in a Ninja Air Fryer?
For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 6 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway, to achieve medium-rare (135°F/57°C internal temperature).
Q: Why is my air fryer steak tough?
Tough steak usually comes from overcooking or not resting. Use a meat thermometer and let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it tender.
Now that you've mastered the Ninja Air Fryer steak, try it with my garlic butter mushrooms for a complete meal. Get out there and explore.
How To Cook Steak In Ninja Air Fryer
Cook steak in Ninja Air Fryer for a juicy, perfectly seared crust in just 12 minutes – easy, fast, and foolproof.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 (1-inch thick) boneless ribeye or New York strip steaks (about 12 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional)
📋 Instructions
- 1Season the Steaks — Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- 2Preheat the Air Fryer — Preheat your Ninja Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This ensures a hot environment for a good sear.
- 3Place Steaks in Basket — Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them. If using, add fresh herbs on top for extra flavor.
- 4Air Fry the Steaks — Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp 135°F/57°C). For medium, cook 7-8 minutes (145°F/63°C). Flip halfway through.
- 5Check Temperature — Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F (57°C). Remember the temperature will rise 5°F during resting.
- 6Rest the Steaks — Remove the steaks from the air fryer and transfer to a cutting board. Brush with melted butter and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes. This is crucial for juiciness.
- 7Slice and Serve — Slice against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy the perfect crust and tender center!
Liam writes about outdoor adventure and gear, focusing on budget-friendly options and safety. He tests equipment in real conditions and shares honest assessments for hikers and campers.
