Want steakhouse results without the grill? This quick guide shows you how long to air fry steak for perfect doneness — from rare to well-done — using your favorite cut.
For a 1-inch thick steak, air fry at 400 °F based on desired doneness:
Cooking Time
| Doneness | Time (flip halfway) | Internal Temp |
| Medium-Rare | 8-10 min (4+4) | ~130–135 °F |
| Medium | 10-12 min (5+5) | ~140–145 °F |
| Medium-Well | 12-14 min (6+6) | ~150–155 °F |
Pro Tips:
• Pat dry and season steak ahead of time.
• Preheat basket for 3 minutes.
• Use tongs to flip halfway; rest 5 minutes before serving; internal temp will rise ~5 °F.
Common Missteps:
- Overcooking due to thin slices or skipping temp checks.
- Wildly varying thickness = uneven doneness.
- No resting = tough, juiceless meat.
Summary:
At 400 °F, a 1-inch steak reaches medium-rare in 8–10 minutes total, flipping halfway.
Bonus Tip:
Add a pat of butter and herb sprig in the last minute for restaurant-quality flavor.
* The FDA offers guidelines on safe minimum internal temperatures to help prevent foodborne illness when cooking steak and other meats.