Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak

🍗🍽️ Get ready to savor a Southern comfort classic with a modern twist! Introducing Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak – the crispy, flavorful dish that combines tender steak with the magic of air frying. It’s the ultimate comfort food experience without the excess oil and mess. 🍗🍽️

If you’re a fan of hearty, soul-satisfying meals that make your taste buds dance, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss. Imagine succulent, golden-brown steak smothered in a creamy gravy, each bite delivering a symphony of flavors and textures. And the best part?

The air fryer does all the work, transforming this beloved Southern dish into a healthier, hassle-free delight.

Join us on this mouthwatering journey as we share the secrets to achieving the perfect Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak – a dish that’s as comforting to make as it is to eat. Get ready to elevate your home-cooking game and indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience! 🍗🔥🍽️

What Is Country Fried Steak?

Country Fried Steak, or Chicken Fried Steak, is a beloved Southern dish consisting of a tenderized and breaded piece of beef steak fried until golden brown and crispy. The name “Chicken Fried Steak” might seem confusing since it doesn’t contain chicken; instead, it refers to the preparation method, similar to frying chicken.

Here’s a typical preparation process for Country Fried Steak:

• Steak Selection: The dish is typically made with a cube or round steak. These cuts are pounded or tenderized to break down the tough fibers and make the meat more tender.
• Breading: The steak is dredged in a seasoned flour mixture, often containing salt, pepper, and sometimes other spices like paprika or garlic powder. It’s then coated in beaten eggs or buttermilk to help the flour mixture adhere.
• Frying: The breaded steak is pan-fried in a skillet with hot oil. The oil should be deep enough to allow the steak to float and cook evenly. It’s fried until it’s crispy and golden on both sides.
• Gravy: After frying, the steak is removed from the skillet, and a creamy white gravy is made in the same skillet. The gravy is often made with pan drippings, flour, milk, and seasonings. It’s poured over the fried steak, creating a rich and savory sauce.

Country Fried Steak is typically served with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, collard greens, coleslaw, or biscuits. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s a staple of Southern cuisine and a popular comfort food throughout the United States.

Can You Make Country Fried Steak in Air Fryer?

Yes, you can make a version of Country Fried Steak in an air fryer, and it’s a great option if you’re looking to enjoy this classic Southern comfort food with a healthier twist.

Within minutes, you can have a downtown family favorite! Serve with Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and Air Fryer Corn on The Cob. You have a fantastic meal that you and your family will love! So, the next time you crave some Country Fried Steak, reach for your air fryer! 

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Country Fried Steak

Indulge in the Southern comfort classic, Air Fryer Country Fried Steak, without the guilt of deep frying. This recipe combines tenderized steak with a crispy coating, prepared in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a beloved dish.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Cube Steak or Round Steak: Tenderized beef steak cuts are the dish’s star, providing a hearty and satisfying base.
• Flour: All-purpose flour coats the steak, creating a crispy, golden exterior.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs are the binding agent to help the flour adhere to the steak.
• Bread Crumbs or Panko Breadcrumbs provide the essential crunch and texture to your air-fried Country Fried Steak.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the flavor of the steak and the breading.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: A light coating of cooking spray or oil is applied to the steak and the air fryer basket to ensure a crispy finish without excessive oil.
• Gravy: homemade Gravy or Country-Fried Steak Gravy.

With these simple ingredients, you can create a wholesome and delicious Air Fryer Country Fried Steak that’s sure to become a family favorite.

How To Make Country Fried Steak In Air Fryer

Making Country Chicken-Fried Steak in the air fryer is a wholesome and delicious alternative to traditional deep frying. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

​Prep the Steak: Use a meat mallet or meat tenderizer to tenderize the steak. Season your tenderized steak with salt and pepper on both sides.

Dredging Station: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first shallow bowl, place flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, add bread crumbs or panko breadcrumbs.

Coat the Steak: Dredge the seasoned steak in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the steak with bread crumbs, pressing them onto the surface to ensure a good coating.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for a few minutes.

Air Frying: Lightly grease the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

Place the breaded steak in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer has limited space.

Spray the top of the steak with a bit more cooking spray to help it crisp up.

Set cook time for 10-15 minutes, flipping the steak halfway through the cooking time or until it’s golden brown and crispy. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer’s size and wattage. Before removing the classic southern dish, check the steak’s internal temperature, which should be 145 degrees F, and use a meat thermometer.

Serve with Gravy: While the steak is cooking, prepare a creamy country gravy on the stovetop using pan drippings, flour, milk, and seasonings. Pour the brown sauce over the air-fried steak before serving.

Enjoy: Serve your air-fried Country Fried Steak with mashed potatoes, green beans, collard greens, or your favorite Southern sides for a hearty and comforting meal.

This air fryer method offers a lighter and healthier take on the classic Country Fried Steak, allowing you to enjoy the same crispy, flavorful dish with less oil.

Recipe Variations

Here are some creative recipe variations for Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak to add exciting twists to this classic Southern comfort food:

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, or hot sauce to the breading mixture for a spicy kick that complements the savory flavors.
• Herb-Infused: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage into the breading mixture to infuse the steak with aromatic flavors.
• Cheesy Delight: Before coating the steak with breadcrumbs, sprinkle grated cheddar or Parmesan cheese onto the meat for a cheesy, crispy crust.
• Buttermilk Bath: Soak the steak in buttermilk for a few hours or overnight before breading. The acidity of buttermilk tenderizes the meat and adds a tangy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make a gluten-free version of Chicken Fried Steak.
• Double Coating: Dip the steak in the egg mixture and breadcrumbs twice for an extra thick and crunchy crust.
• Mushroom Gravy: Instead of white gravy, serve your air-fried Chicken Fried Steak with mushroom gravy for an earthy, umami twist.
• Honey Mustard Dip: Pair your Chicken Fried Steak with a honey mustard dipping sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor contrast.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the breading mixture for a fresh, citrusy note that brightens up the dish.
• Biscuit Breading: Crush buttery biscuits and use the crumbs as a breading alternative for a Southern-inspired twist.
• Buffalo-Style: After air frying, toss the chicken fried steak in buffalo sauce for a spicy and tangy buffalo-style variation.
• Country Fried Steak Tacos: Slice the cooked steak into strips and use them as a filling for soft tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.

These creative variations will give you a delightful array of flavors and textures to explore while keeping the heartiness and comfort of the classic Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak intact. 

Pro Tips

Achieving the perfect Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak requires attention to detail and some handy tips to ensure a crispy and flavorful result. Here are some pro tips:

• Tenderize the Steak: Use a meat mallet or the textured side of a meat tenderizer to pound the steak gently. This not only tenderizes the meat but also helps the breading adhere better.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your air fryer is crucial, just like heating an oven. It ensures the steak starts cooking immediately when placed inside, leading to better crisping.
• Even Breading: Coat the steak evenly with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the steak to create a uniform and crunchy crust.
• Use Cooking Spray Sparingly: While a light coat of cooking spray or oil is essential to achieve crispiness, avoid overdoing it, as excess oil can lead to sogginess. A fine mist is usually sufficient.
• Watch the Temperature: Keep a close eye on the air fryer temperature and cooking time, as they vary depending on the model. Flip the steak halfway through to ensure it is even cooking.
• Cook in Batches: If you’re making multiple steaks, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches to maintain proper air circulation and ensure even browning.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the cooked Chicken Fried Steak to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, keeping it juicy and tender.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy your Chicken Fried Steak fresh from the air fryer for the crispiest texture. The longer it sits, the more it may lose its crunch.
• Adjust Seasonings: Tailor the seasonings in the flour mixture to match your preferences. Feel free to add herbs, spices, or some garlic powder for extra flavor.
• Monitor Gravy Thickness: Be mindful of its thickness when making white gravy. You can adjust the amount of flour and milk to achieve your desired consistency.
• Experiment with Dips: Explore dipping sauces or gravies, such as ranch dressing, hot sauce, or honey mustard, to accompany your chicken fried steak.

Following these pro tips, you’ll master making Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak that’s crispy, flavorful, and truly satisfying. Enjoy your delicious homemade comfort food! 

Faq’s

Can I use frozen cube steak for this recipe? Using fresh, not frozen, cube steak for optimal results is best. Frozen steak can release excess moisture during cooking, affecting the texture and crispiness.

Can I make this dish with other types of meat? While the classic version uses beef cube steak, you can also make “chicken-fried” variations with chicken cutlets or pork cube steak, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

Can I prepare the steak ahead of time and reheat it in the air fryer? While it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness, you can reheat the cooked steak in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain some of its texture. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak? Popular side dishes include mashed potatoes, country-style gravy, coleslaw, biscuits, cornbread, green beans, or collard greens. Feel free to customize your sides to suit your preferences.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs in the breading mixture.

Can I use an egg substitute for the breading process? Yes, if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you can use egg substitutes like aquafaba (chickpea brine) or a mixture of water and ground flaxseed for binding.

Can I make this recipe without using oil or cooking spray in the air fryer? While a light coat of oil or cooking spray helps with crispiness, you can use an oil spritzer or mist the steak lightly to reduce oil usage while still achieving a crispy result.

How do I store leftovers, and can I freeze them? Store any leftover Chicken Fried Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can reheat it in the air fryer or oven for best results. Freezing may affect the texture, so it’s not recommended. Reheat leftover chicken fried steak at 350 degrees F for 6-7 minutes.

Can I use a different dipping sauce besides white gravy? Absolutely! Experiment with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, hot sauce, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce to suit your taste.

 Can I make Air Fryer Chicken Fried Steak in advance for a party or event?– While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the steak in advance and reheat it in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving to maintain some crispiness.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER CREAMY MASHED POTATOES
• INSTANT POT SWEET POTATOES
• INSTANT POT BAKED POTATOES
• AIR FRYER CHICKEN PARMESAN

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