How to Broil a Steak in an Air Fryer: Step-by-Step Guide for Perfect Results

Broiling a steak in your air fryer is honestly one of the easiest ways to get a juicy, flavorful meal—no grill or stovetop required. To broil a steak in an air fryer, just preheat the air fryer, then cook the steak at high heat for about 12 minutes, flipping it halfway, and you’ll hit that perfect medium-rare. The intense heat cooks the steak fast, locking in tenderness.

You really don’t need any fancy skills or gadgets to broil steaks in an air fryer. That makes it a solid choice whether you’re cooking for yourself or a small crowd.

If you get the timing and temperature right, your steak turns out exactly how you want. That’s pretty satisfying.

Curious about getting the best results? This guide will walk you through the easy steps, from seasoning to resting.

You’ll end up with a restaurant-worthy steak and way less mess. If you want more details on times or techniques, check out this how to cook steak in an air fryer guide.

Essentials for Broiling Steak in an Air Fryer

To broil steak in an air fryer, you’ll want to choose the right cut, prep it well, and pick seasonings or marinades that really bring out the flavor. These steps help you get a juicy, well-cooked steak with a nice crust.

Selecting the Right Cut of Steak

Pick a thicker cut, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, so you don’t overcook it. Ribeye, New York strip, and sirloin all work great for broiling since they’ve got good marbling and stay tender.

If you’re thinking about leaner cuts like flank or round steak, just know they can dry out fast unless you marinate them well.

Try to get a steak that’s the same thickness all over. If there’s too much fat on the edges, trim a little, but leave some for flavor.

Preparing the Steak for Broiling

First, pat the steak dry with paper towels. Too much moisture can mess with browning.

Let the steak sit out until it reaches room temperature before cooking. That way, it cooks evenly and you won’t get cold spots.

Rub a bit of oil on the steak or brush some on the air fryer basket. Oils with high smoke points like avocado or canola work best.

After broiling, let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes. That helps the juices settle, making it more tender.

Choosing Seasonings and Marinades

Honestly, just salt and pepper can be enough to let the steak’s natural flavor shine. Sprinkle salt on at least 40 minutes before cooking—it draws out moisture and gives you a better crust.

If you want to jazz it up, add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a bit of rosemary. Dried herbs are safer than fresh, since fresh ones can burn.

Marinades can add flavor and tenderness, but skip the sugary or super acidic ones. Those burn fast at high temps.

A pat of compound butter on top after broiling? That’s next-level richness.

For more tips on timing and technique, check out how to broil a steak in an air fryer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Broiling Steak in an Air Fryer

You’ll set the air fryer to the right temp, arrange your steak, and keep an eye on the time for perfect doneness. After cooking, letting the steak rest really makes all the difference.

Setting the Air Fryer Temperature

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). That’s the sweet spot for a good sear and even cooking without drying things out.

Most air fryers get hot pretty fast—just 3 to 5 minutes, usually. Preheating helps the steak start cooking right away and seals in the juices.

Skip lower temps. They just leave you with undercooked or tough steak. If your air fryer has a broil setting, go for it, but 400°F works for most.

Placing and Arranging the Steak

Pat the steak dry again if needed. Then rub both sides with a little oil, salt, and pepper. That’s what gives you that tasty crust.

Lay the steak flat in the air fryer basket. Make sure it’s not overlapping or pressed against the sides so the air can flow around it.

For thick steaks, center them in the basket. If you have thinner cuts, just space them out so they cook evenly.

Broiling Times and Monitoring Doneness

Cook your steak at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Flip halfway through.

Figure about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on how thick the steak is and how you like it cooked.

Use a meat thermometer for accuracy:

• Rare: 120-125°F
• Medium rare: 130-135°F
• Medium: 140-145°F
• Well done: 160°F+

Pull the steak out when it’s about 5 degrees below your target temp. It’ll finish cooking as it rests.

Resting and Serving the Broiled Steak

Take the steak out right after broiling and set it on a plate. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes—trust me, this little pause really lets the juices settle in and keeps things tender.

I usually toss a piece of foil over the steak, just loosely, so it stays warm. Don’t wrap it up too tight or you’ll end up steaming it.

When it’s had a breather, slice the steak against the grain. That way, you get the best texture.

Serve it up right away while it’s still juicy and packed with flavor. If you want to bump up the taste, a pat of butter or a sprinkle of fresh herbs does wonders.

For more air fryer steak tips, check out this air fryer steak recipe guide.