Air Fryer Frozen Steak: Quick Method for Juicy Results

Why you will love this cook method:

• Fast and easy: Cook steak straight from frozen in about 15 minutes.
• Juicy and tender: Even when cooked from frozen, the steak remains moist and flavorful.
• Versatile: Works with any frozen steak cut—T-bone, filet mignon, sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, etc.
• Custom doneness: This guide includes timings and temperature targets so you can achieve rare, medium-rare, medium, or well done.

Ingredient notes:

• Frozen steaks – Any frozen steak will work. Cooking times can vary by cut and whether the beef is grass-fed or grain-fed.
• Cooking oil – Use avocado oil, butter, or any neutral cooking oil to help the surface brown and keep the steak juicy.
• Seasonings – Simple sea salt and black pepper are perfect. Garlic powder, onion powder, or your preferred steak seasoning are good alternatives.

How to make frozen steak in an air fryer:

Step 1

Coat both sides of the frozen steaks with oil or butter, then season with sea salt and ground black pepper (or your preferred seasoning).

Step 2

Place the steaks on the rack or in the basket of the air fryer in a single layer. Cook at 360°F (182°C) for approximately 15 minutes for medium-rare. Adjust the time up or down depending on desired doneness and steak thickness—see the chart below for guidance.

Step 3

Remove the steaks from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Resting lets the juices redistribute for a more tender bite.

Frozen Air Fryer Steak Cooking Chart:

Use these times as a starting point for 1-inch steaks in a typical air fryer set to 360°F (182°C). Variations in steak thickness, cut, and air fryer model may require adjustments.

• Rare: 13 minutes
• Medium-rare: 15 minutes
• Medium: 17 minutes
• Medium-well: 19 minutes
• Well done: 21 minutes

Steak internal temperature guide:

The most reliable way to check doneness is a meat thermometer. Aim for these internal temperatures:

• Rare: 125°F (52°C)
• Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
• Medium: 145°F (63°C)
• Medium-well: 155°F (68°C)
• Well-done: 160°F (71°C) and above

Top tips:

• Adjust for your air fryer: Cook times differ between models—test and adjust as needed.
• No preheat required: This recipe is written without preheating. If you preheat, reduce the cook time by a few minutes.
• Account for steak type: Times in this guide were tested with grass-fed steaks; grain-fed beef may need slightly different timing.
• Size matters: These timings fit steaks about 1 inch thick and roughly 0.5 lb each. Thicker or thinner cuts will require time adjustments.
• Cook evenly: Don’t overlap steaks and flip halfway if your air fryer uses a basket and requires turning.
• Rest before serving: Resting for a few minutes results in juicier, more flavorful steak.

Yes. Any frozen steak cut, including sirloin, can be cooked in an air fryer using the method described above.

You can, but it’s not necessary. Thawing first will reduce the cooking time and may make it easier to season the meat evenly.

Store leftover cooked steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Steak pairs well with roasted or steamed vegetables, salads, and potatoes (roasted, baked, or mashed). Air-fried French fries or sweet potato fries are classic sides, too.

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