Air Fryer Round Steak

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Round Steak is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a protein-rich meal without the hassle of stove or grill cooking. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you want a satisfying dish with minimal cleanup. The air fryer brings out the best in this lean cut, creating a tender and flavorful steak without drying it out. You’ll love how easy it is to customize, and how consistently delicious the results are.

Ingredients

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

• Round steak (top round or bottom round)
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce (optional for added flavor)

Directions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
2. Pat the round steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. Rub both sides of the steak with olive oil.
4. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Season both sides of the steak with the spice mix. Add Worcestershire sauce if desired.
6. Place the steak in the air fryer basket, ensuring it’s not overlapping or crowded.
7. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust time based on thickness and desired doneness.
8. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2 to 3 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8–10 minutes
Rest time: 5 minutes
Total time: 18–20 minutes

Variations

• Garlic Herb Butter: Top the steak with a pat of homemade garlic herb butter after cooking for extra richness.
• Marinated Steak: Marinate the steak for a few hours in a soy sauce, vinegar, and herb mixture to add deeper flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for a spicier version.
• Steak Bites: Cut the steak into cubes before air frying for quick-cooking steak bites—perfect for salads or bowls.
• Gravy Style: Serve with a side of homemade mushroom or onion gravy for a comforting meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover air fryer round steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, covered, to retain moisture.
• Stovetop: Lightly sear in a hot skillet with a touch of oil for a few minutes.

Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the steak tender.

FAQs

How do I keep round steak from drying out in the air fryer?

Use olive oil and don’t overcook it. Letting the steak rest after cooking helps retain its juices.

Can I marinate the steak before air frying?

Yes, marinating for a few hours or overnight can enhance flavor and help tenderize the meat.

What’s the best thickness for air fryer round steak?

About 1 inch thick is ideal for even cooking and a juicy center.

Should I flip the steak in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping halfway through ensures even cooking and a nice sear on both sides.

How do I know when the steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer. Medium-rare is 135°F, medium is 145°F, and well-done is 160°F.

Can I use frozen round steak in the air fryer?

It’s best to thaw the steak first, but you can cook from frozen by adding 4–5 more minutes to the cooking time.

Is round steak a good cut for air frying?

Yes, though it’s lean, it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked properly in the air fryer.

What should I serve with air fryer round steak?

Try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a fresh salad.

Can I cook multiple steaks at once?

Yes, if your air fryer is large enough. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps achieve a better sear and more even cooking, so it’s recommended.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Round Steak is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked steak without the need for a grill or stovetop. With simple ingredients and effortless preparation, this recipe delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture every time. Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, it’s a go-to dish that’s sure to impress.

Air Fryer Round Steak

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Air Fryer Round Steak is a quick and easy way to enjoy tender, flavorful steak with minimal prep. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this juicy steak has a delicious crust and is ready in under 20 minutes—perfect for weeknight meals.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
• Total Time: 18–20 minutes
• Yield: 2 to 3 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1–1.5 lbs round steak (top or bottom round)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
3. Rub both sides of the steak with olive oil.
4. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the steak. Drizzle with Worcestershire sauce if using.
6. Place the steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
7. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Adjust time for thickness and desired doneness.
8. Remove from air fryer and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Top with garlic herb butter after cooking for added richness.
• Marinate steak beforehand for deeper flavor.
• Add chili flakes or cayenne for heat.
• Cut into cubes for steak bites—great in salads or rice bowls.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 steak (approx. 6 oz)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 95mg