🥩 Air Fryer Sirloin Steak
Perfectly seasoned with garlic, herbs, and butter, this Air Fryer Sirloin Steak is an easy way to enjoy a steakhouse-quality dinner at home. The air fryer creates a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Pair it with your favorite vegetables, potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
The first time I cooked sirloin in the air fryer, I was surprised by how evenly it cooked and how little cleanup there was. It’s now one of my favorite methods for a quick steak dinner.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Juicy and tender every time
- Minimal cleanup
- High in protein
- Easy enough for weeknights
- Perfect for keto and low-carb diets
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8–14 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 sirloin steaks (8–10 ounces each, about 1 inch thick)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
🍳 Equipment Needed
- Air fryer
- Meat thermometer
- Small bowl
- Tongs
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 20–30 minutes before cooking.
Pat them dry with paper towels.
Rub both sides with olive oil.
Combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning, then coat both steaks evenly.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Steaks
Place the steaks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook according to your preferred doneness:
| Doneness | Internal Temperature | Cook Time* |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120–125°F | 8–9 minutes |
| Medium-Rare | 130–135°F | 9–10 minutes |
| Medium | 140–145°F | 11–12 minutes |
| Medium-Well | 150–155°F | 12–13 minutes |
| Well Done | 160°F+ | 13–14 minutes |
Flip the steaks halfway through cooking.
Step 4: Make Garlic Butter
While the steaks cook, melt the butter in a small bowl.
Stir in the minced garlic and parsley.
Step 5: Rest the Steaks
Transfer the steaks to a plate.
Brush generously with the garlic butter.
Loosely tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
💡 Tips for Success
- Bring steaks to room temperature before cooking for more even results.
- Pat the steaks dry to help create a flavorful crust.
- Use an instant-read thermometer instead of relying only on cooking time.
- Let the steak rest before cutting so the juices stay inside.
🌟 Optional Flavor Variations
Herb Butter
Add fresh rosemary and thyme to the melted butter.
Cajun Steak
Replace the seasonings with your favorite Cajun blend.
Peppercorn Crust
Coat the steak with coarsely cracked black pepper before cooking.
Steakhouse Style
Top with sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- Air Fryer Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic green beans
- Caesar salad
- Baked sweet potato
- Creamed spinach
- Grilled mushrooms
- Garlic butter broccoli
🥡 Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked steak for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes to avoid overcooking.
📊 Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 445
- Protein: 46g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 560mg
Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the size of the steaks and ingredients used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook frozen sirloin steak in the air fryer?
Yes. Add 5–7 minutes to the cooking time, then season once the surface has thawed enough for the spices to stick.
Do I need to marinate the steak?
No. Sirloin is flavorful with a simple seasoning blend, but you can marinate it for 2–8 hours if desired.
Should I flip the steak?
Yes. Flipping halfway through helps it cook evenly and develop a better crust.
What if my steaks are thicker?
For steaks 1½ inches thick, increase the cooking time by 2–4 minutes, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
💚 Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Sirloin Steak is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. With a perfectly seasoned crust and rich garlic herb butter, it’s an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal without firing up the grill.
