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