Air Fryer Skirt Steak

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and simple — ready in minutes.
• No grill required, less mess to clean up.
• Tender and juicy every time thanks to air fryer precision.
• Versatile — perfect for tacos, salads, or a classic steak dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Skirt steak (about 1 to 1½ pounds)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder or smoked paprika
• Ground cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh lime wedges (optional for serving)
• Chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Let the skirt steak sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before cooking.
2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Rub both sides with olive oil.
4. Mix the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning evenly over the steak.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
6. Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cut in half if it doesn’t fit.
7. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130–135°F (54–57°C).
8. Remove the steak from the air fryer and rest it for 5–7 minutes under loose foil.
9. Slice thinly against the grain and serve with lime wedges and cilantro if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 8 minutes
• Rest time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Marinated skirt steak: Marinate with soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, and lime juice for 1–2 hours before air frying.
• Chimichurri topping: Serve with homemade chimichurri sauce for extra flavor.
• Spicy rub: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
• Citrus twist: Add orange or lime zest to the rub for a bright flavor.
• Different cuts: Try flank steak or thin sirloin if skirt steak isn’t available.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid overcooking.
• Freezing: Store cooled cooked steak in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

How long should I cook skirt steak in the air fryer?

Cook for about 6–8 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through, depending on your preferred doneness.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Yes, preheating helps the steak cook evenly and develop a better crust.

What internal temperature should I aim for?

130–135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 145°F for medium-well.

Can I cook the steak straight from frozen?

It’s best to thaw it first for even cooking, but you can air fry from frozen by adding 3–5 extra minutes.

Should I marinate the steak?

You can, but it’s optional. A simple spice rub gives great flavor too.

How do I keep the steak tender?

Don’t overcook it and always slice against the grain after resting.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, flank steak or thin sirloin work well as substitutes for skirt steak.

Why is my steak chewy?

It’s likely overcooked or wasn’t sliced against the grain. Skirt steak cooks quickly and should stay pink in the center.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

What can I serve with air fryer skirt steak?

It pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salad, or in tacos and fajitas.

Conclusion

Air fryer skirt steak is the perfect way to enjoy juicy, flavorful beef in record time. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can achieve steakhouse-quality results at home. Whether served in tacos, over rice, or with veggies, this easy recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Air Fryer Skirt Steak

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This air fryer skirt steak is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy juicy, tender beef with perfectly crisp edges — all in under 20 minutes, no grill required.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 20–25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 to 1½ lb skirt steak
• 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder or smoked paprika
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh lime wedges (optional, for serving)
• Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Let the skirt steak sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before cooking.
2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Rub both sides with olive oil.
4. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then rub evenly over the steak.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
6. Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cut in half if needed to fit.
7. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130–135°F (54–57°C).
8. Remove the steak and rest for 5–7 minutes under loose foil.
9. Slice thinly against the grain and serve with lime wedges and cilantro if desired.

Notes

• Always slice against the grain to keep the steak tender.
• Preheating the air fryer helps achieve a perfect sear.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness precisely.
• Marinate the steak for extra flavor if time allows.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (~4 oz cooked steak)
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 85mg