Easy Air Fryer Steak Medium Rare Step-by-Step Guide

Craving a juicy, tender air fryer steak medium rare that rivals your favorite steakhouse? You’re in the right spot! This foolproof method delivers perfectly cooked steak with a beautiful crust and pink center every single time. Fun fact: air frying steak reduces cooking time by 40% compared to traditional methods while locking in those incredible juices.

This recipe is special because it’s nearly impossible to mess up, takes just 15 minutes from start to finish, and requires minimal cleanup—perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties.

If you loved our air fryer chicken breast recipe, you’ll absolutely adore this steakhouse-worthy masterpiece that brings restaurant elegance right to your kitchen table!

What is Air Fryer Steak Medium Rare?

Ever wondered why this cooking method has taken the culinary world by storm? Air fryer steak medium rare is simply the art of cooking a perfect steak to 135°F internal temperature using hot circulating air instead of a grill or pan.

It’s called “medium rare” because the center stays beautifully pink and juicy while the outside develops that coveted golden-brown crust. As they say, the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach, and this tender, flavorful steak proves it! Ready to become the steak master in your household? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Steak Medium Rare

Restaurant-Quality Results at Home

The star of this recipe is achieving that perfect medium rare doneness without any guesswork. The air fryer’s precision temperature control ensures your steak cooks evenly, creating a caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and rosy pink. You’ll taste the difference in every single bite—the meat stays incredibly juicy with a buttery texture that melts in your mouth.

Budget-Friendly Luxury

Making air fryer steak medium rare at home saves you serious money compared to dining out. A quality ribeye or New York strip costs $12-15 at the grocery store but would run you $35-50 at a steakhouse. You’re getting the same incredible taste and texture for a fraction of the price, plus you control the seasoning and cooking method exactly how you like it.

Simple Seasoning, Maximum Flavor

This recipe shines with just salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pat of butter. The air fryer intensifies these simple flavors while the high heat creates a gorgeous crust. Unlike our air fryer salmon recipe which uses herbs and lemon, this steak keeps it classic and timeless. The beauty is in the simplicity—you’re tasting pure, high-quality beef enhanced by perfect cooking technique.

Ready to save money and impress your family? Grab your air fryer and let’s make steakhouse magic happen in your own kitchen!

How to Make Air Fryer Steak Medium Rare

Quick Overview

This air fryer steak medium rare recipe is incredibly straightforward and delivers steakhouse-quality results every time. The secret lies in proper seasoning, preheating your air fryer, and monitoring the internal temperature. You’ll love the beautiful caramelized crust that forms on the outside while keeping the center perfectly pink and tender.

Total Time Breakdown:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total: 20-22 minutes

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Steak Medium Rare

For the Steak:

2 ribeye or New York strip steaks (1-1.5 inches thick, about 8-10 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Pro Tip: Choose steaks with good marbling (white fat streaks throughout) for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

How long to cook steak in air fryer for medium rare?

Follow these detailed steps for perfect results every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Steaks

Remove steaks from the refrigerator 30-40 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. This ensures even cooking throughout. Pat both sides completely dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of a good crust. Removing excess moisture allows the seasonings to adhere properly and helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 2: Season Generously

Brush both sides of each steak lightly with olive oil. This helps the seasonings stick and promotes browning. In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season both sides of the steaks generously with the spice mixture. Don’t be shy here—a good portion of the seasoning falls off during cooking, so you want to apply more than you think you need.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for 5 minutes. Preheating is crucial for achieving that restaurant-quality seared crust. A hot air fryer means the steak starts cooking immediately when it hits the basket, locking in those delicious juices.

Step 4: Air Fry the Steaks

Place steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch or overlap. This allows hot air to circulate evenly around each piece. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for medium rare, flipping halfway through at the 5-6 minute mark. For a 1-inch thick steak, aim for 10 minutes total. For 1.5-inch thick steaks, cook for 12 minutes.

Step 5: Check Internal Temperature

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check doneness. For medium rare, you’re looking for 130-135°F internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding any fat or bone. Remember, the temperature will rise 5 degrees during resting, so you can pull the steaks at 130°F.

Step 6: Rest and Add Butter

This is the most important step many people skip! Transfer steaks to a clean plate and top each with a tablespoon of butter and fresh herbs if using. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 5 minutes. During this time, the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. Cutting too early causes all those precious juices to run out onto your plate instead of staying in the meat.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

After resting, slice the steak against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) for maximum tenderness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy your perfectly cooked air fryer steak medium rare!

What to Serve Air Fryer Steak Medium Rare With

Pair your perfectly cooked steak with these delicious sides for a complete restaurant-worthy meal:

Classic Steakhouse Sides:

Garlic butter mashed potatoes or loaded baked potatoes
Creamed spinach or sautéed green beans with almonds
Caesar salad with homemade croutons
Air fryer asparagus with parmesan

Lighter Options:

Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
Quinoa pilaf with herbs
Grilled vegetables medley
Fresh arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and shaved parmesan

Comfort Food Pairings:

Mac and cheese
Sweet potato fries
Onion rings
Coleslaw

Beverage Suggestions: A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complements the rich flavors perfectly. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or a robust iced tea.

Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Steak Medium Rare

How do you know when steak is medium rare?

Use a meat thermometer! This is non-negotiable for perfect results. The internal temperature should read 130-135°F. Visually, the steak should have a warm red center when sliced. Avoid the finger test method—it’s unreliable and inconsistent.

Choose the Right Cut

Ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon work best for air frying. These cuts have enough fat marbling to stay juicy during the quick cooking process. Avoid lean cuts like sirloin as they can dry out easily in the air fryer.

Thickness Matters

Aim for steaks that are 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thinner steaks cook too quickly and can become overcooked before developing a crust. Thicker cuts (over 2 inches) don’t cook evenly in an air fryer and are better suited for oven finishing.

Don’t Overcrowd

Cook steaks in batches if necessary. Overcrowding restricts air circulation, leading to steaming instead of searing. You want that beautiful crispy exterior, which only happens when hot air flows freely around each steak.

Oil the Steak, Not the Basket

Always brush oil directly onto the steak rather than spraying the air fryer basket. This ensures even coverage and prevents sticking without creating excess smoke.

Let It Rest—Seriously

Resting isn’t optional—it’s essential! Those 5 minutes allow the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices. Skipping this step results in dry, tough steak and a puddle of liquid on your cutting board.

Adjust for Different Doneness Levels

Rare: 120-125°F (8-9 minutes)
Medium Rare: 130-135°F (10-12 minutes)
Medium: 135-145°F (12-14 minutes)
Medium Well: 145-155°F (14-16 minutes)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Never cook steaks straight from the refrigerator—cold meat cooks unevenly. Don’t flip more than once as this disrupts crust formation. Avoid cutting into the steak to check doneness—use a thermometer instead to keep all those juices inside where they belong.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration:

Store leftover air fryer steak medium rare in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the steak cool to room temperature first (within 2 hours of cooking) to prevent bacterial growth. Slice leftovers before storing to make reheating easier and faster.

Freezing:

Wrap individual steaks tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored steak lasts up to 3 months in the freezer. Label with the date so you can track freshness.

Reheating Methods:

The best way to reheat without overcooking is low and slow. Place steak slices in the air fryer at 250°F for just 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, let the steak come to room temperature, then sear quickly in a hot skillet for 30 seconds per side. For sliced steak, you can also reheat gently in beef broth on the stovetop to add moisture back.

Repurposing Leftovers:

Cold medium rare steak is perfect for salads, steak sandwiches, quesadillas, or breakfast hash. Slice thinly and use in stir-fries, pasta dishes, or grain bowls for quick weeknight meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook frozen steak in the air fryer to medium rare?

While possible, it’s not recommended for medium rare doneness. Frozen steaks cook unevenly—the outside overcooks while the inside remains undercooked. Always thaw steaks completely in the refrigerator overnight for best results. If you must cook from frozen, you won’t achieve true medium rare throughout.

Why is my air fryer steak tough?

Several factors cause tough steak: choosing a lean cut without marbling, overcooking past medium rare, not letting it rest after cooking, or slicing with the grain instead of against it. Always use well-marbled cuts, monitor temperature carefully, rest for 5 minutes, and slice perpendicular to the muscle fibers.

Do I need to flip steak in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and browning on both sides. Set a timer for the halfway point and use tongs to flip carefully. This single flip is enough—multiple flips prevent proper crust formation.

How do I get a better crust on my air fryer steak?

Pat steaks completely dry before seasoning, preheat your air fryer, brush with oil, and ensure steaks aren’t touching in the basket. A dry surface and high initial heat create the best crust. You can also brush with a tiny bit of melted butter during the last 2 minutes for extra browning.

What’s the best steak for air fryer medium rare?

Ribeye is the top choice due to its rich marbling and flavor. New York strip comes in second for its balanced fat content and tender texture. Filet mignon works well if you prefer leaner, more delicate meat. All three cuts should be 1-1.5 inches thick.

Can I cook multiple steaks at once?

Yes, as long as they’re not touching and your air fryer has enough space. Most standard air fryers accommodate 2 steaks comfortably. If cooking more, work in batches to maintain proper air circulation.

Should I marinate steak before air frying?

It’s optional for medium rare steak. Simple seasoning lets the meat’s natural flavor shine. If you do marinate, pat the steak very dry afterward and reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes since marinades add moisture.

How accurate are air fryer temperatures?

Most air fryers run 15-25 degrees hotter than the set temperature. This is why monitoring internal meat temperature is crucial rather than relying solely on cooking time. Invest in a good instant-read thermometer for consistent results.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (8 oz steak)
Calories	580
Protein	48g
Fat	42g
Saturated Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	1g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	0g
Cholesterol	165mg
Sodium	680mg
Iron	4mg

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and varies based on the specific cut and size of steak used.

Additional Pro Tips for Success

Selecting Quality Meat

Visit a butcher counter instead of grabbing pre-packaged meat. Tell the butcher you want steaks specifically for air frying—they’ll cut them to the perfect thickness. Look for bright red color, white (not yellow) fat, and significant marbling throughout. Prime or Choice grades work best for this cooking method.

Seasoning Variations

While classic salt and pepper never fail, try these flavor combinations:

Montreal steak seasoning for bold, peppery flavor
Coffee rub (ground coffee, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder) for smoky sweetness
Herb butter (mix softened butter with parsley, thyme, and garlic before topping)
Asian-inspired (soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil marinade)

Temperature Zones

Different parts of the steak cook at different rates. The thickest center takes longest while thinner edges cook faster. If your steak has an uneven thickness, position the thicker end toward the back of the air fryer where heat tends to concentrate.

Making Steak Sauce

Create a quick pan sauce using the butter that drips into the air fryer drawer. Pour drippings into a small saucepan, add minced shallots, deglaze with red wine, reduce, and finish with cold butter. This takes your meal to the next level.

Batch Cooking Strategy

Cooking for a crowd? Prepare all steaks to medium rare, then hold them on a warm plate tented with foil. They’ll stay at perfect temperature for up to 15 minutes while you finish sides or cook additional batches.

Final Thoughts

Mastering air fryer steak medium rare transforms your home cooking game completely. This method delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results without the intimidation factor of grilling or the mess of pan-searing. Once you nail the timing and temperature for your specific air fryer, you’ll never go back to other cooking methods.

The best part? You’ll save money while impressing everyone at your dinner table with perfectly cooked, tender, juicy steak every single time. Now grab that meat thermometer and get cooking—your perfect medium rare steak awaits!