Air Fryer Country Fried Steak Recipe

Craving that golden-brown, crispy country fried steak without the mess of deep frying? This air fryer country fried steak delivers all the Southern comfort you love with half the oil and twice the convenience!

Just like our popular air fryer fried chicken, this recipe transforms a classic comfort food into a healthier, faster version that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Get ready to enjoy tender, juicy steak with a perfectly seasoned crispy coating that’ll have your family asking for seconds!

What is Air Fryer Country Fried Steak?

Ever wondered why we call it “country” fried steak when it’s not actually from the countryside? This beloved Southern dish got its name from rural cooking traditions where tough cuts of meat were tenderized and fried to perfection.

As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this crispy, golden delight has been winning hearts for generations. Ready to bring some country comfort to your kitchen tonight?

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Country Fried Steak:

Perfectly Crispy Without the Mess

The air fryer creates an incredibly crispy coating that rivals traditional deep-frying methods. No more splattering oil on your stovetop or dealing with disposal of used cooking oil.

Budget-Friendly Family Favorite

Making country fried steak at home saves you serious money compared to restaurant versions. Cube steaks are an affordable cut that becomes tender and delicious with this cooking method.

Flavor-Packed Seasoning Blend

The combination of seasoned flour coating and herbs creates layers of flavor that penetrate every bite. Similar to our popular air fryer pork chops, this recipe maximizes taste while minimizing effort. Why not give both recipes a try and create your own comfort food feast?

How to Make Air Fryer Country Fried Steak:

Quick Overview

This recipe takes just 25 minutes from prep to plate! The air fryer method ensures:

Crispy exterior without deep frying
Juicy, tender interior
Minimal cleanup required
Consistent results every time

Total Time: 25 minutes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Country Fried Steak:

For the Steak:

4 cube steaks (about 4 oz each)
1 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

For the Coating:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For Serving:

Cooking spray or oil for misting
Fresh herbs for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Marinade

Combine buttermilk, eggs, and hot sauce in a shallow dish. Whisk until well blended. Add cube steaks and let them soak for 10 minutes while you prepare the coating.

Create the Seasoned Flour Mixture

In another shallow dish, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, thyme, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.

Set Up Your Breading Station

Arrange your buttermilk mixture and seasoned flour side by side. Have a clean plate ready for the breaded steaks.

Bread the Steaks

Remove one steak from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere. Shake off excess flour and place on the clean plate. Repeat with remaining steaks.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 3 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the start.

Cook the Country Fried Steaks

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place breaded steaks in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Spray tops lightly with cooking oil. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and spray again. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Rest Before Serving

Let steaks rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute and ensures maximum tenderness.

What to Serve Air Fryer Country Fried Steak With:

Classic Southern Sides:

Creamy mashed potatoes with country gravy
Buttery corn on the cob
Green beans with bacon
Coleslaw for a refreshing crunch

Lighter Options:

Roasted vegetables
Simple garden salad
Steamed broccoli
Sweet potato fries

Beverages:

Sweet tea or lemonade
Cold beer
Buttermilk for authentic Southern flair

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Country Fried Steak:

Don’t Skip the Buttermilk Soak

The acid in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat while adding tangy flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup regular milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.

Avoid Overcrowding

Cook steaks in batches if necessary. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and results in uneven cooking.

Use a Meat Thermometer

Check internal temperature to ensure food safety. Country fried steak should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.

Double-Dredge for Extra Crunch

For an even crispier coating, dip the floured steak back into the buttermilk mixture, then coat with flour again before air frying.

Let the Coating Set

After breading, let steaks sit for 5 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating adhere better during the cooking process.

Experiment with Seasonings

Try adding different spices to your flour mixture like smoked paprika, garlic salt, or Italian seasoning for unique flavor profiles.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Storage: Store leftover country fried steak in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place in an airtight container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Freezing: Cooked steaks can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Label with date and contents.

Reheating Methods:

Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy
Oven: Place on a baking sheet at 375°F for 5-8 minutes
Avoid microwaving: This makes the coating soggy

Food Safety: Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when reheating leftovers.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	385
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	620mg
Cholesterol	125mg

Nutritional values are approximate and based on one serving (1 steak)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While buttermilk provides the best flavor and tenderness, you can substitute regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice per cup.

What if my cube steaks are thick?

For thicker steaks, pound them to ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The results will be just as delicious.

How do I know when the steak is done?

The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C), and the coating should be golden brown and crispy.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can bread the steaks up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate them. Cook just before serving for best results.

What’s the best oil for spraying?

Avocado oil or olive oil spray works well. Avoid using too much oil as it can make the coating soggy.

Can I cook frozen cube steaks?

It’s best to thaw steaks completely before breading and cooking for even results.

Why is my coating falling off?

Make sure to press the flour mixture into the meat and let it rest before cooking. Also, don’t flip too early during cooking.

Additional Cooking Variations

Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne pepper and hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture for heat lovers.

Herb-Crusted: Mix fresh chopped herbs like parsley, rosemary, and sage into the flour coating.

Parmesan Twist: Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for extra flavor.

Lighter Option: Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with flour for a lighter, crunchier coating.

This air fryer country fried steak recipe brings all the comfort of traditional Southern cooking to your modern kitchen. With its crispy exterior, juicy interior, and simplified cooking method, it’s destined to become a family favorite that you’ll make again and again!