Juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned, this Air Fryer Sirloin Steak delivers steakhouse-quality results in less than 20 minutes. The air fryer creates a flavorful, caramelized crust while keeping the inside perfectly cooked to your preferred doneness. It’s an easy, high-protein dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

Steak

• 2 sirloin steaks (8 ounces/225g each), about 1 inch thick
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Seasonings

• 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 rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Garlic Herb Butter (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

Garnish

• Fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges
• Flaky sea salt (optional)

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs
• Small bowl
• Paper towels

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 20–30 minutes before cooking.

Pat them completely dry with paper towels.

Brush both sides with olive oil.

Step 2: Season

In a small bowl, combine:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Rosemary
• Thyme

Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the steaks.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Air Fry

Place the steaks in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Cook at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through.

Cooking Times (1-inch Thick Steak)

*The temperature will rise about 5°F (3°C) while the steak rests.

Step 5: Rest

Transfer the steaks to a plate or cutting board.

Loosely tent with foil and let them rest for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Make the Garlic Herb Butter (Optional)

Mix together:

• Softened butter
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Thyme
• Lemon juice

Place a spoonful on each hot steak and let it melt.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with:

• Fresh parsley
• Flaky sea salt
• Lemon wedges

Serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Sirloin Steak

Bring the Steak to Room Temperature

Allowing the steak to sit out for 20–30 minutes promotes even cooking.

Pat the Steak Dry

A dry surface helps create a flavorful crust.

Use a Meat Thermometer

Checking the internal temperature is the best way to achieve your preferred doneness.

Let It Rest

Resting keeps the juices inside the steak, making every bite tender and juicy.

Flavor Variations

Garlic Parmesan

Top with grated Parmesan cheese and garlic butter after cooking.

Cajun Steak

Replace the herb seasoning with 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning.

Peppercorn Steak

Coat the steaks with freshly cracked black pepper before cooking and finish with a creamy peppercorn sauce.

Italian Herb

Season with Italian seasoning, garlic, and grated Parmesan.

Spicy Southwest

Add chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning blend.

What to Serve With

Vegetables

• Air Fryer Asparagus
• Garlic Green Beans
• Roasted Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts

Potatoes

• Air Fryer Crispy Garlic Potatoes
• Mashed Potatoes
• Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Roasted Baby Potatoes

Salads

• Mediterranean Greek Salad
• Caesar Salad
• Garden Salad

Bread

• Garlic Bread
• Dinner Rolls

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store cooled steak in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Air Fryer

Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes.

Skillet

Warm over medium-low heat with a little butter for 2–3 minutes.

Microwave

Heat in 20-second intervals to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook frozen sirloin steak in the air fryer?

Yes, but thawing first provides a more even cook and better browning. If cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time by 6–8 minutes and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Do I need to flip the steak?

Yes. Flipping halfway through cooking helps both sides brown evenly.

Which sirloin steak works best?

Top sirloin is ideal because it’s lean, flavorful, and tender. Choose steaks about 1 inch thick for the most consistent results.

Can I marinate the steak?

Absolutely. Marinate for 2–8 hours, then pat the steak dry before air frying to help it sear properly.

Why should I let the steak rest?

Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak.

Recipe Notes

✅ High in protein

✅ Low-carb and keto-friendly

✅ Ready in under 25 minutes

✅ Great for weeknight dinners

✅ Steakhouse-quality results at home

Make-Ahead Tip

Season the steaks and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 12 hours. Remove them from the refrigerator about 20–30 minutes before cooking for the best texture and even cooking.

Serving Suggestion

Pair with garlic butter mushrooms, roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, or a crisp Mediterranean salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Finish with a glass of sparkling water with lemon or your favorite dinner beverage.

Chef’s Secret

For the richest flavor and the best crust, pat the steaks completely dry before seasoning and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. After cooking, top each steak with homemade garlic herb butter and let it melt while the steak rests. A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving will enhance the savory flavor and create a true steakhouse experience.